The Shinkansen series N700 is the tilting variant of the series 700, developed to replace the older series 300 and 500 trains. The tilting mechanism was realized by differential pressure in the air suspension, what allows for an angle of one degree. They are being operated by JR Central, JR West and JR Kyushu. After the prototypes built in 2005, production ran from 2007 to 2020, resulting in a total of 202 sets.
Most sets are made of 16 cars with four traction motors in all cars except the first and last one. There are also eight-car sets, usually with six powered cars. Some sets used on steep lines are powered in all cars. Only four sets are composed of only six cars each, three of these trains are equipped as inspection trains. Later sets have been improved in the areas of weight, consumption and a decreased tunnel boom. They are being designated “N700 Advanced” and also existing sets were upgraded to this state.
