Nissan reveals Navara Dark Sky Concept in Germany

Nissan has revealed the Navara Dark Sky Concept - a highly modified version of its Navara pick-up designed to transport astronomers to remote locations to observe the night sky. 

The car gets Nissan’s semi-autonomous Propilot system, as well as enhanced blind spot warnings and around view monitors to aid the car when towing, taking into account the additional length of a specially made trailer. 

Also fitted is a system that automatically aligns the car with the trailer before hook-up, called Intelligent Towing Hitch Alignment. It takes control of the steering, acceleration and braking of the Navara akin to parking assistant systems already on the market. 

The trailer, which has a mechanised roof to protect the telescope and allow access when stargazing, contains a state-of-the-art Planewave telescope and other astronomical equipment, with a battery pack in both the car and the trailer catering for the additional electrical needs over the car’s battery. 

This allows laptops and scientific equipment to be used in the car without draining its battery, although there is also built-in wi-fi and a television signal transmitter, if broadcasting is required.

Nissan’s 2.3-litre diesel powertrain remains unchanged on the concept, with 187bhp and 332lb ft of torque on tap. The most notable mechanical revision to the car has been a 140mm raise in ride height, allowing better off-road ability. Large off-road wheels with knobbly tyres – 20in on the Navara and 16in on the trailer – also help in this regard.