Generalissimo Bloombito and Nissan are really excited about the taxi of the future. Too bad that future looks like Total Recall. Here is what you can expect while riding around looking for Kuato a bar.
Beginning in October 2013 the Nissan NV200 will start pulling shifts replacing the Crown Vic and other taxis. The NV200 contract with the Taxi and Limousine commission lasts for 10 years.
The yellow beast is powered by Nissan’s widely deployed 2.0L gasoline engine. By using an existing engine Nissan can keep costs down and reliability up. At 2.0L it’s not a speed demon but provides decent acceleration and efficiency.
Because Bloombito negotiated the contract entirely in broken Spanglish a mistranslation meant the NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Each unit will cost $29,700.
According to Nissan each taxi will have the following amenities.
- Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit
- Transparent roof panel, presenting unique views of the city
- Opening side windows
- Independently controlled rear air conditioning
- Active Carbon Lined headliner to help neutralize interior odors
- Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings
- A mobile charging station for passengers, including a 12-volt electrical outlet and two USB ports
- Breathable, antimicrobial, environment-friendly, durable and easy-to-clean seat fabric, simulating the look and feel of leather
The driver also gets a USB port, fancy breathable seat, navigation system, and rear-view backup camera.
One notable feature is the low-annoyance horn.
A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, so the horn is used less frequently.
Now when a taxi honks at you the lights will flash so you know which taxi is honking at you.
