Nissan and other car manufacturers are always testing new concept cars to gauge public response to new styling, to create buzz about a new model line, or to just test new technology. Like other car manufacturers, Nissan has turned his attention to greener cars, both electric cars and hybrid. Because Nissan is one of the most innovative car manufacturers, we decided to present five of the company’s future projects cars.
Nissan Qazana Concept
The Nissan Qazana Concept made its first ever appearance at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Inspired by a simple desire to have fun behind the wheel, Nissan Qazana Concept shows that mind-numbing motoring could be a thing of the past. Nissan’s Qazana might seem like an out-there concept, but Nissan Design Europe’s vice president Alfonso Albaisa says that it’ll keep many of the show car’s cues when it goes into production.
The Qazana will morph into a production car in 2010 and the new small crossover will be manufactured in the UK’s Sunderland factory, securing 1100 jobs according to Nissan.
Compact overall dimensions (4060mm in length, 1570mm tall, 1780 wide and a wheelbase of 2530mm) mean Qazana would be ideally suited to the urban environment. Yet its rugged appearance also suggests that it could be taken off-road as well. A tall stance, truncated rear styling and short front and rear overhangs add to feeling of robustness and strength, but the low roof line, sleek window profile and broad shoulders provides a very sporty feel.
This contrast between sporty performance and all-terrain potential is underlined by the venturi-style skid plate at the rear of the vehicle, Qazana’s extended ground clearance and the soft rubber spats which edge the wheel arches and help to disguise the vehicle’s long suspension travel. The graphite colored spats contrast vividly with the bold exterior colour, a unique shade called White Titanium, and the strikingly styled 20 inch black chrome alloy wheels.
Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, says: “When it comes to design, Nissan has developed a reputation for constantly delivering something different. The global success of Qashqai has proven that the car buying public is fed up with the conventional… but we are not prepared to sit on our laurels. Qazana might seem a radical solution but important elements of the concept do point to a future Nissan production vehicle.”
Nissan Bevel Concept
The Nissan Bevel Concept is a dynamic, multi-purpose vehicle that, unlike currently available sport utility vehicles or minivans that emphasize passenger needs and comfort, places its focus strictly on the primary user – male empty-nester’s actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service. Bevel offers unique, function-inspired asymmetrical styling, a high-utility three-zone interior and technology ranging from glass roof-mounted solar panels to drive-by-wire steering, throttle and braking. Nissan says its Bevel concept was designed for 45- to 60-year-old men. Design conceived at Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in La Jolla, California, in collaboration with Nissan advanced product planning groups in the United States.
Bevel’s compact exterior dimensions belie the immense utility inside. It rides on a 115.4-inch wheelbase, longer than the current Nissan Murano (111.2 inches) but shorter than the Nissan Quest (124.0 inches). Its short front and rear overhangs give it a manageable overall length of 173.2 inches, while width measures a full 75.0 inches. Overall height of 63.8 inches is nearly three inches shorter than Murano (66.5 inches), yet with Bevel’s low load floor the total interior cargo height is the same as Murano.
Besides the normal front doors, the passenger side of the Bevel has a rear-hinged back door; opening it and the one in front reveals a wide space for loading gear. The rear portion of the cargo area features a table that can fold out when the liftgate is open, as well as a “doggie hutch.” There’s also a 110-volt outlet that runs off solar panels situated in the roof.
Nissan Terranaut Concept
The Nissan Terranaut is a 4×4 vehicle which is intended for explorers and those customers with a spirit of adventure who want to travel to the extreme corners of the globe. The Terranaut is an vehicle capable of transporting three people: the rear passenger accommodates on a 360 degrees revolving seat and has at his disposal a computer console, communication and analysis equipment. The Terranaut is said to be equipped to permit analysis of biological, geological and chemical samples in the field, and Nissan wants you science folks to know the glass dome over your seat doubles as an escape hatch.
The Terranaut features a unique three-door configuration with two suicide doors, hinged front and rear with no central B-pillar on the driver’s side, and a single conventional door on the passenger side. Around back there’s a conventional cargo door, while overhead the Terranaut is equipped with a glass roof above the front seats and a glass dome, which doubles as an escape hatch, over the rotating office.
The tyres of the Nissan Terranaut, courtesy of Goodyear, are designed for use both on and off the road. Puncture proof, they change their profile using air pressure to switch between on-road tires, to aggressive off-road tires.
The Terranaut is 198.6 inches long, 86 inches tall and 84 inches wide, compared to the Xterra’s 178.7-inch length, 74.9-inch height and 72.8-inch width. Designed to look like a member of the Nissan family, the Terranaut has the family grille.
Nissan Intima Concept
The main goal of Nissan’s Intima concept, is relaxation, just chilling’ out, in an elegant environment in a sedan where the only person forced to put forth any effort is the driver. The luxurious Intima concept features a very elegant exterior design. The front passenger’s seat swivels about to the outside for the passenger to enter or leave the car. The Nissan Intima also has opposite hinged rear-doors that offer a little extra room for the swiveling seats.
Intima is equipped with a number of safety systems based on Nissan’s Safety Shield concept, including Around View Monitor and Distance Control Assist System (DCAS). It also features a quiet, efficient, environmentally friendly V6 clean diesel engine.
Intima also features a four-zone, intelligent air conditioning system that provides a comfortable atmosphere for all passengers by independently controlling the individual temperature of each seating position through the use of infrared sensors. This advanced air conditioning system also keeps the interior of the vehicle clean by adopting a natural grape seed polyphenol filter that neutralizes pollen and other allergens. In addition, a cool storage compartment is located in the rear center console to keep beverages or snacks at an enjoyable temperature.
Intima’s front passenger’s seat swivels approximately 80° to the outside as if to welcome and escort a passenger into the car and ample legroom is provided in both the front and rear seats for passenger comfort. Intima’s large glass roof, which appears to flow continuously from the car’s windshield, enables all passengers to enjoy a wide outward view, enhancing the feeling of a comfortable, relaxing drive.
Nissan Land Glider Concept
Nissan is pulling out all the zero emission stops at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. In addition to the expected Leaf electric vehicle, the Japanese automaker will also be showing off a new concept called the Land Glider. Intended to be an urban runabout, the two-seat Land Glider is fully electric and is extremely narrow to ease congestion in dense city centers and make it easier to find suitable parking spots.
While the agility, thrills and freedom of bikes inspired the designers and engineers, an extra spice was added to the mix. Tandem architecture became the obvious choice. A unique two-seater, cocoon-like structure sitting on a zero emission powertrain. With four-wheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Nissan Land Glider Concept will appeal to both two- and four-wheel driving enthusiasts.
The Land Glider is an electric vehicle, features the range of 160km (100 miles) in a full charge. It can lean into turns like a motorcycle, and sci-fi looking cabin, all full of monitors displays and a steering wheel which looks like twin joysticks.
Targeted at city dwellers of all generations, the Nissan Land Glider Concept is a serious motoring statement of the new era of mobility that Nissan intends to lead.
Nissan Intima looks great, it looks like a limousine and will have a big success on the market. Will be a great competitor for german limousines
The interior of Nissan Qazana look like in a SF movie, and will be a hit on the market
I love the way you sound so passionate about what you are writing. Keep up the great work!