At the prestigious Vehicle Council, the AIM EV Sport 01 made a lasting impression with its captivating design, courtesy of renowned designer Shiro Nakamura. Mr. As the former Senior Vice Chairman and Chief Innovative Officer at Nissan, Nakamura is renowned for his role in crafting some of the marque’s most iconic vehicles, including the legendary GT-R.
AIM is a leading engineering firm headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, with a particular focus on automotive development and innovation. Since its foundation in 1998, AIM has earned a reputation as a premier manufacturer of high-performance engines, particularly well-suited for endurance racing events like the prestigious Le Mans.
Notwithstanding the accelerated shift towards fully electric vehicles, AIM proactively seized the opportunity. The corporate’s consultant director, Mr. Yukinori Suzuki, defined:
Following successful outcomes at Le Mans, we collaborated with a British company to pioneer an electric motor for the impending era of electrification, which was subsequently deployed in London’s bus fleet. We developed the chassis. Rather than focusing solely on accelerating efficiently, as is typical in modern electric vehicle sports cars, we opted for an exhilarating driving experience by masterfully manipulating torque vectoring and cornering dynamics.
In keeping with , Mr. Nakamura had long emphasized the futility of relying solely on a chassis, advocating instead for the integration of a well-defined physique.
AIM requested Mr. Japanese Vehicle Council to unveil Nakamura’s physique design strategy in July, following a brief hiatus at Goodwood Festival in June?
The AIM EV Sport 01 has garnered significant attention in Japan’s electric vehicle market. Its impressive acceleration, ranging from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds, is a notable highlight. Additionally, its sleek design and spacious interior have made it a popular choice among eco-conscious commuters. While opinions may vary, the AIM EV Sport 01 has undoubtedly made a strong impression as one of Japan’s most promising electric vehicles thus far.
The AIM EV Sport 01 serves as the flagship model for AIM’s inaugural New Electric Vehicle (NEV) lineup.
Although exact battery specifications were not disclosed, the AIM EV Sport 01 is expected to feature dual high-performance electric motors generating a combined 600 horsepower.
With its sleek carbon design, the automobile measures under 4 meters (approximately 13 feet) in length and tips the scales at around 1,500 kilograms (3,306 pounds), boasting an estimated range of approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) on a single charge.
According to Nakamura, the chassis was engineered to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, rather than prioritizing impressive acceleration figures.
The AIM EV Sport 01’s design draws inspiration from iconic Nissan models, such as the 350Z, while subtly incorporating cues from the Porsche Carrera GT, resulting in a unique fusion of styles.
Mr. Suzuki announced the company’s plan to unveil its second model within the year, stating: “I want everyone to understand that this kind of innovation will be driven by all of Japan.”
Electrek’s Take
While the AIM EV may not be the most aesthetically pleasing electric vehicle to emerge from Japan so far, it could potentially be the best in its class, rivaling the iconic Nissan GT-R.
While Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have faced challenges in making a seamless shift to fully electric vehicles, AIM has seemingly cracked the code.
While the AIM EV Sport 01 may not cater to a broad market for electric vehicles, its exclusive nature is reflected in its premium pricing, which remains undisclosed but expectedly steep. The highly anticipated electric sports car is set to debut as a limited-edition release with a hefty price tag to match its exclusive appeal.
While its design may not be universally praised, this Japanese electric vehicle still stands out as a well-conceived model in the market. What do you guys assume? Would you dare to take the wheel of the AIM EV Sport 01, a futuristic ride with an electric powertrain that promises to deliver unparalleled speed and agility on the open road?
