The intriguing Japanese prototype bundles two new technologies: side collision prevention and back-up collision prevention. The Collision-Free prototype appears to be the next logical step beyond lane departure warning systems and distance control assist. It also seems to be heading in the direction of snatching control away from the driver in times of potential peril, although Nissan was careful to spell out that the new safety features are designed to 'help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.'

'This latest prototype vehicle extends Nissan's 'safety shield' concept to help protect the vehicle and its occupants from potential risks coming from multiple directions,' the automaker said in a statement.

Nissan explained that the side collision prevention system uses side-mounted sensors that activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver's 'intended lane. . . .A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels, to help prevent a potential collision,' Nissan said.

The back-up collision prevention system kicks in during 'a reversing maneuver...Rear and side-mounted sensors detect objects in the path of the vehicle,' said Nissan. 'If an object is detected, an alarm sounds, followed by the activation of the brakes, to help avoid a collision in situations such as when a vehicle is backing out of a parking space.'

Nissan did not speculate about how much such high-tech systems would add to the price of a vehicle, nor did it say when it plans a production rollout of the new technology.