Carmakers are always looking for new innovations, improved performance and more 'green' cred. Given Nissan has already brought us the all-electric Leaf, it's taken an even more extreme approach with this new TeRRA concept.

Nissan TeRRA at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Carmakers are always looking for new innovations, improved performance and more 'green' cred. Given Nissan has already brought us the all-electric Leaf, it's taken an even more extreme approach with this new TeRRA concept.

What is it?

No, this is not what happens when you crash a Leaf EV into the back of a Juke crossover. The TeRRa is a high-tech 4x4 powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which uses a chemical reaction to generate electricity which drives the car's motors.

What's hot?

The only by-product of the hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction is pure water - no CO2, carbon monoxide or nasty nitrous oxides - so there are zero emissions at the tailpipe. The TeRRA also gets an "intelligent key". Effectively, it's a tablet PC the driver docks with the car that then acts as a speedometer and infotainment display.

What's not?

With zero emissions, instant torque from the electric motors and four-wheel drive - we really wish Nissan could build this thing. Can you imagine a beefier version of the powertrain eventually propelling a future GT-R successor? Awesome. Sadly, hydrogen powered cars remain far from reality.

How much and when?

The TeRRA is still purely at the concept stage but Nissan says it's ready to mass-produce hydrogen vehicles when the fuel becomes widely available. Is this the future Nissan Qashqai then? Maybe not the next generation, or the one after that, but at some point...

Anything else I should know?

The TeRRA is four-wheel drive. It uses the same front axle as the Nissan Leaf EV and two in-wheel electric motors at the rear. This means no intrusive transmission and a fully flat boot floor. Bonus.

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