Έκθεση Detroit: Nissan Sport Sedan Concept, το μελλοντικό Maxima [w/video]

23:42 13/1/2014 - Πηγή: AutoBlog

H Nissan έφερε στην έκθεση του Detroit το Sport Sedan Concept, το οποίο μας δείχνει το πως θα μοιάζει η επόμενη γενιά του Maxima.

Η ιαπωνική εταιρία το περιγράφει ως ένα εντυπωσιακό μοντέλο που προσφέρει μια προηγμένη ματιά στο πως θα μοιάζει η επόμενη γενιά ενός sports sedan

μοντέλου της. Συμβαδίζει με την νέα εταιρική ταυτότητα που είδαμε με το Resonance Concept πέρσι στη Γενεύη αλλά και με το Friend-ME Concept στη Σαγκάη. Διαθέτει πολλά στοιχεία από τα προηγούμενα concepts εναρμονισμένα σε ένα συμβατικό sedan αμάξωμα.

Το αυτοκίνητο σχεδιάστηκε στα στούντιο της εταιρίας στην Καλιφόρνια και εξελίχθηκε στο Atsugi της Ιαπωνίας και το αποτέλεσμα είναι ιδιαίτερα δυναμικό και σπορ. Στιλιστικά εμφατική είναι η προεξέχουσα μάσκα με την γρίλια της εταιρίας, τα ευδιάκριτα LED μπούμερανγκ σχεδίασης φωτιστικά σώματα, τα απότομα νεύρα στο πλάι, η έντονη “ρέουσα” καμπύλη στο τελείωμα της οροφής καθώς και την ψηλά τοποθετημένη γραμμή στο προφίλ του αμαξώματος που του χαρίζει μια coupe εμφάνιση. Πατάει πάνω σε ζάντες αλουμινίου 21 ιντσών και από θέμα διαστάσεων το concept είναι μεγαλύτερο προς το μήκος και πλάτος, αλλά όχι στο ύψος σε σύγκριση με το υπάρχον Maxima.

Το εσωτερικό του Sport Sedan Concept προσφέρει επίσης δείγματα για μελλοντικά σχέδια της παραγωγής. Τα υλικά που έχουν χρησιμοποιηθεί είναι κορυφαίας ποιότητας, με τη χρήση του σε σχήμα ρόμβου γραφικά στα καπιτονέ καθίσματα, στις ραφές και σε άλλα σημεία της καμπίνας, προσφέροντας παράλληλα μια τρισδιάστατη εμπειρία. Η γεμάτη ακμές και γεωμετρική εμφάνιση καμπίνα είναι εμπνευσμένη από τα μοντέρνα έπιπλα, ενδύματα και αξεσουάρ. Το εσωτερικό διαθέτει επίσης χρώματα υψηλής αντίθεσης και μεταλλικών αποχρώσεων.

Μπορεί να έχεις εντυπωσιαστεί από το look του αυτοκινήτου, αλλά όταν μάθεις ότι η κίνηση μεταφέρεται μόνο στους εμπρός είναι σχεδόν σίγουρο ότι θα απογοητευτείς. Κάτω από το καπώ βρίσκεται ο γνωστός V6 της Nissan 3,5 λίτρων, που έχει επαναρυθμιστεί για να αποδίδει πάνω από 300 ίππους, μέσω ενός κιβωτίου συνεχούς μεταβαλλόμενης σχέσης μετάδοσης, όπως και στο υπάρχον Maxima . Χρώμα μας εξεπλάγην – το Maxima είναι της Αμερικής best-seller μη πολυτελών sedan V6 σε επίπεδο λιανικής , έχει μεγάλα περιθώρια κέρδους , και μεγάλο μέρος του κόστους ανάπτυξης της μπορεί να μοιραστεί με το Altima . Με άλλα λόγια , κανείς δεν θα πρέπει να είναι σοκαρισμένος ότι η Nissan δεν βάζει επόμενο Maxima της μέσα από μια ριζική αναθεώρηση.

Στο περίπτερο της Nissan μαζί με το Sport Sedan Concept, βρίσκονται επίσης τα IDx Freeflow και IDx NISMO concepts τα οποία παρουσιάστηκαν για πρώτη φορά στο κοινό τον Νοέμβριο του 2013 στην έκθεση του Τόκιο.

[Πηγή: Nissan]

Δελτίο Τύπου

NISSAN sport sedan mconcept previews new nissan design signatures in stunning world debut

Advanced Sport Sedan Concept emphasizes next-generation design and sporty style in North American International Auto Show debutHighly emotional and energetic design direction, including new V-Motion front aspect and “floating” roof, to be adapted to future Nissan sedans and crossoversSport Sedan Concept shares stage with innovative IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO conceptsComplete lineup of current Nissans, along with North American debut of Autonomous LEAF, on display through Jan. 26th at Detroit’s Cobo Center

DETROIT – Nissan today provided an advanced look at its future design direction with the world debut of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept during a press conference at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The stunning Sport Sedan Concept embodies a number of next-generation Nissan design signatures, including V-Motion front aspect, distinctive “floating” roof and boomerang-shaped lamps.

The bright “Strad Amber”-colored 4-door sports sedan design study was revealed by Nissan Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura and Nissan Executive Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Andy Palmer. “Our new design direction mirrors the strength, power and capabilities of the engineering and innovation that serves as the foundation of every Nissan vehicle,” said Nakamura.

“The Sport Sedan Concept shows a new, highly emotional and energetic design direction that takes Nissan’s legendary approach of applying sports car principles to a sedan to the next level,” added Palmer. “The Sport Sedan Concept captures that essence with authentic sports car design and proportions.”

The Sport Sedan Concept shared the spotlight with the first North American appearance of the Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concepts. The two IDx compact concept designs offer radically different characteristics, each with their own unique identity.

The IDx Freeflow reflects a casual/lifestyle-focused vision, while the IDx NISMO previews an ultra-sporty model of the future that looks as if it came directly from a driving simulator. Both were developed using a new “co-creation” product development approach that integrates input from consumers early in the process. The process is designed to appeal to “digital natives,” the generation born after 1990. Nissan designers believe this approach could have real applications in the near future.

“IDx NISMO and IDx Freeflow show how Nissan is using new and innovative product development methods to meet the needs of younger customers who have novel, exciting ideas, and engage with them to build the cars they want,” said Nakamura.

Also making its first North American auto show appearance in Detroit is the Nissan Autonomous LEAF prototype. Based on the all-electric Nissan LEAF, the vehicle is equipped with cameras, laser scanners and radar – which identify nearby pedestrians, traffic lights, traffic signs and other objects. The data is processed by an onboard computer that makes decisions that are implemented with automatically operated controls for the vehicle’s acceleration, handling, braking and more.

The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept, IDx Freeflow, IDx NISMO, Autonomous LEAF and the complete lineup of 2014 Nissan cars, crossovers, trucks and SUVs will be shown at the Nissan display at Detroit’s Cobo Center during the run of the 2014 North American International Auto Show, January 18 through 26.

About Nissan North America In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About NissanNissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

NISSAN SPORT SEDAN CONCEPT MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

- Nissan provides an advanced look at a future production sports sedan- Offers bold and exciting sports car proportions with energetic styling, driver-oriented interior- Embodies next-generation Nissan design signatures, including V-Motion front aspect, distinctive “floating” roof and boomerang-shaped lamps

Design has long been a differentiator between Nissan and its competitors – along with performance, innovation and technology. Now, as the company celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is doing so with the world debut of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Sport Sedan Concept, a design study with a particular emphasis on next-generation design and sporty style, was created to embody the essence of a true sports sedan – that rare execution of 4-door sedan with the aura of a real sports car. It previews a future production vehicle intended for owners with a passion for cutting-edge design and driving dynamics.

“The Sport Sedan Concept shows a new, highly emotional and energetic design direction that takes Nissan’s legendary approach of applying sports car principles to a sedan to the next level,” said Nissan Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. “The Sport Sedan Concept captures that essence with bold and exciting sports car design and proportions.”

Next-Generation Nissan Design LanguageThe Sport Sedan Concept joins a trio of advanced concepts that share signature design aspects that will be adapted to all future Nissans. Along with the Nissan Resonance and Friend-ME concepts that were introduced in 2013, the Sport Sedan Concept shares the new V-Motion front aspect, “floating” roof and boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights.

As demonstrated by the three diverse concepts, these distinctive design cues will be incorporated into a range of body types from sedans to crossovers.

“Our new design direction mirrors the strength, power and capabilities of the engineering and innovation that serves as the foundation of every Nissan vehicle,” said Nakamura. “Nissan is a brand for people seeking bold and passionate experiences, and who are willing to make choices outside of traditional boundaries. That’s why Nissan is committed to breaking new ground in automotive design, as expressed in the stunning new Sport Sedan Concept.”

The exterior of the Sport Sedan Concept is marked by low, wide proportions, with a lowered hoodline and reduced ground clearance compared to traditional sedans – elements that would be right at home in a sports car.

The “V-Motion” movement of the front end flows from the dramatic chromed grille up through the hood. The front of the Sport Sedan Concept also incorporates the large LED boomerang headlights, a deeply scooped front fascia and wide, sloped windshield.

The profile of the vehicle is equally powerful, with its dynamic bodyside lines adding a strong sculptural feel and connecting the wheels and tires – which are pushed out to the four corners.

There is a projection of motion, even when the vehicle is standing still. The Sport Sedan Concept rides on custom 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-profile 275/30R21 tires.

The distinctive silhouette blends smoothly into the rear design, which is capped by the high deck, large chrome trunk accent and wide, deeply scooped rear fascia. As in the front, the boomerang rear combination lights accentuate the centered feeling and push outward to edges.

The unique “floating” roof adds a sense of openness and lightness in contrast to traditional sedans’ heavy cabin appearance.

“The innovative roofline, which is also prevalent on Resonance and Friend-ME, makes it seem as if there are no pillars at all, enhancing the sense of athleticism and sportiness,” said Nakamura. “The roofline also contributes to the Sport Sedan Concept’s class-leading stance, which balances the look of the substantial lower body and a streamlined cabin.”

The final exterior touch is the unique “Strad Amber” paint that was inspired by the craftsmanship and rich finish of noted classic violins – instruments capable of producing vibrant intensity at times and at other times a soft stillness. The elaborate candy color paint finish is achieved through application of an orange-amber topcoat over a base of gold paint, creating a distinctive depth and bespoke richness.

The Sport Sedan Concept’s interior also offers cues to future production designs. Premium materials are found throughout, with the use of diamond-shaped graphics on the quilted seats, stitching and panels enhancing the sense of dynamic motion. Rather than traditional flat surfacing, the diamond treatment adds three-dimensionality. The edgy and geometric look was inspired by modern furniture, apparel and accessories. The interior also features high-contrast colors and facet metallic accents. All these aspects finely express Nissan’s individual authenticity and modernity.

The front-wheel drive Sport Sedan Concept is powered by a 300-plus horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine backed by a sport-tuned Xtronic CVT® and features an innovative suspension layout with performance dampers.

The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept was created by Nissan Design America in San Diego, California and developed at the Nissan Global Design Center in Atsugi, Japan.

KEY DIMENSIONSLength191.7 in. (4,870 mm)Width75.3 in. (1,912 mm)Height54.3 in. (1,378 mm)Wheelbase111.2 in. (2,825 mm)Front overhang39.1 in. (992 mm)Rear overhang41.5 in (1,053 mm)

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SPORT SEDAN CONCEPT DEBUTS FUTURE LOOK OF NISSAN SEDANS

– Third in a Series of Nissan Concepts– Resonance, Friend-ME and Sport Sedan Concept– Defines the Next Generation in Coupes, Sedans and Crossovers

First there was the Nissan Resonance, with its boldly futuristic aerodynamic styling signalling the direction of upcoming Nissan mid-size crossovers. It made its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Then came the Nissan Friend-ME, showcased at Auto Shanghai 2013, with its category-busting energetic and provocative modern design.

And now, making its world debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit comes the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept – applying real sports car performance standards and new design philosophies to a 4-door sedan.

Together the three concept models form the roadmap to the next generation of Nissan exterior and interior design evolution – and the global design-led renaissance of the Nissan brand.

“Nissan’s design language is our brand promise – Innovation and Excitement for Everyone – rendered in metal,” said Nissan Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. “We are continually pushing the envelope, as the Sport Sedan Concept shows. It is a car that is more emotional, more exciting and that provides a strong hint of the design direction we are taking.”

Though targeted for specific markets and customers, Resonance, Friend-ME and now the Sport Sedan Concept share distinctive and memorable design signatures.

The strong front end is marked by Nissan’s “V-Motion” movement, which flows from the front grille through the hood to create an impressive cadence and emotional attitude. The unique boomerang-shaped lighting signature also accentuates the rear designs of each vehicle.

The innovative “floating” roof, also featured prominently on Resonance, Friend-ME and the new Sport Sedan Concept, gives an impressive sense of lightness and sophistication. The thin, sculpted pillars make the cabins of each concept appear less heavy and help open the greenhouse for an airy, inviting interior environment.

Resonance, Friend-ME and Sport Sedan Concept also share an edgy muscularity, derived from their low, wide stances with tires placed far out to the corners. The designs also utilize short front and rear overhangs, reduced ground clearances and small gaps between wheels and fenders. The resulting look imparts a sporty and athletic strength, rather than brute and aggressive force.

Inside, the trio of advanced concepts provide private-yet-connected spaces for drivers and passengers. The high tech, streamlined feel of each interior derives from a combination of magnetic detailing and use of high-contrast interior colors and materials.

“These distinctive design aspects will be applied to all future Nissan models,” Nakamura concludes. “Nissan design will possess consistency and diversity which covers all body types, from sedan to crossovers.”

Nissan IDx Freeflow And IDx NISMO Concepts – From Ideas To Reality

- Demonstration of How Co-Creation Can Challenge the Conventions of Car Design; Unique Concept Duo Makes U.S. Debut at North American International Auto Show -DETROIT - The way people are buying cars is changing. A choice of colors and matching wheels is no longer enough. In a society where cars are purchased as a reflection – and enabler – of a driver’s lifestyle, the way future models are designed needs to be revolutionized. This was the thinking behind the visionary “co-creation” of the Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concept cars, which make their first appearance in the United States at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The co-creation product development approach requires input from consumers early in the process. It was designed to appeal to “digital natives,” the generation born after 1990, and integrates their feedback into the creation process. Nissan thinks this approach could have real applications in the near future.

The two IDx concept cars offer radically different characteristics, each with their own unique identity, and reflective of their creation by this new approach to product development. The first, the IDx Freeflow, reflects a casual/lifestyle-focused vision. The second, the IDx NISMO, is an ultra-sporty model of the future that looks as if it came directly from a driving simulator.

IDx: A Fresh StartCo-creation defines a new relationship between Nissan and its customers. The prefix Nissan gave to the two new concepts, “IDx,” reflects those ideals. “ID” is the acronym taken from “identification,” relating to the things all individuals relate to on a personal level in a car. The “x” is the variable, representing the new values and dreams born through communication.

Engaging with members of the digital native generation created an opportunity to incorporate a range of new insights and creative possibilities. The co-creation dialogue reached far and wide, from the basic framework of cars, to the last details and finishing touches.

The design of the two IDx concepts incorporates digital natives’ direct expression of the ideal form of ultimate simplicity in a compact sedan. It was as if they were given a clean, white canvas to freely conceptualize anything that was intriguing.

What Nissan derived from this communication was young drivers’ desire for a basic, authentic configuration for a car – a car without legacy influences, based on the ideal proportions and straight stance of a simple three-box shaped car design. Thus, the IDx concepts share the same three-box genesis – vehicles made up of three compartments: engine, passenger and cargo areas. Nissan designers infused the idea of an “authentic car configuration” into their thinking behind this starting point in the form of a “flexible box.”

Several unique approaches were made from a structural standpoint so the IDx concepts could take on various appearances. For example, the front/rear fenders and side structure, such as the door panels, seem to sandwich the cabin to focus attention on the center of the vehicle.

This structure allows the car to differentiate itself from others through the side and front face, with vast freedom for customization. The parting lines (panel partitions) clearly separate the sides and top, and enhance visual clarity while creating a unique and crisp boxed form. Additionally, viewed from the front and rear, the car retains its compact lines while maintaining low and wide body proportions, thereby instilling a sense of it being a “real” car.

Both the interior and exterior share the aim of a simple design, with just the right amount of functions and accessories that are standard on cars to provide a solid sense of build reliability.

In order to have enough flexibility consistent with the creativity inherent to the IDx approach, some areas of the interior incorporate a dual-layered “tight-fit skin.” For example, the instrument panel is simple yet refined, created by employing cast molding in parts in the body structure and on the ventilation ducts. By combining this with sparingly used, close-fitting trim, the instrument panel can be a foundation for various expressions and functions. Similarly, the gauges, center console and floor console were crafted to enable any necessary parts to be installed in an easy and seamless way.

The IDx concepts’ interiors are ultimately the expression of digital natives’ values in a flexible form that is malleable enough to project an exquisite structure, while rendering a unique space inside.

IDx FreeflowThe IDx Freeflow reflects the sensibilities of the co-creators – the outlook of people who seek natural and tasteful things in every aspect of their daily lives. They seek to employ a simple and clean attitude, using the authentic items that they favor to artfully combine various things and give substance to their self-expression.

The interior details of the four-passenger IDx Freeflow are a carefully selected mix of fashionable functionality and comfort in a design brimming with creative originality. It is meant to feel like a living room inside, where the owner and his or her friends can relax.

The round, no-nonsense steering wheel, attached to the level instrument panel, mounts a modern-looking speedometer that would not seem out of place in a younger person’s lounge. Together with an analog clock prominently located above the centered function monitors, the cumulative effect is an interior that feels heavily influenced by the wish for a cozy, relaxing space.

Additionally, the coordination of metal finishers with the thick surfacing material on the instrument panel and console, combined with the denim selected to cover the seats and certain trim areas, produces sections that dazzle the eye but are balanced by more calming hues in other spots. This is the unique quality of the co-creators’ taste as expressed in the interior appointments. In particular, the moderately faded texture and color of the denim used in the interior conveys a new kind of quality, a back-to-basics charm seldom seen in cars until now.

Though compact in size – about 13.5 feet in length, 5.6 feet in width, and 4.3 feet in overall height – the IDx Freeflow impresses with its daring yet dignified exterior.

The car’s “floating roof,” a seamless rounded roof shape, is another design twist that accentuates the simple box form of the body. The “floating roof” design cue is shared with the Nissan Resonance and Sports Sedan Concepts, which preview future Nissan production vehicles.

The IDx Freeflow’s exterior color is a sophisticated combination of white and flax (a pale yellow shade), invoking a casual feeling like that produced by the pairing of the venerable white T-shirt with khaki chinos, and highlighted with silver accessories or a belt. The overall visual effect is completed by the addition of stylish 18-inch chrome wheels wrapped in 195/50-18 tires.

The digital native cohort’s quest for authenticity can also be interpreted as a demand for economy and efficiency in their everyday car. For this kind of vehicle, the requisite high level of fuel economy and driving performance could come from a powertrain with a 1.2-liter or 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

IDx NISMO Many digital natives grew up playing racing simulation games that feature cars of the past and from all corners of the globe. They have a natural desire to realize that virtual driving experience in real cars of their own, and that is the basis of the IDx NISMO concept.

Not limited to being inspired just by racing cars, IDx NISMO was born from a refined combination of the freedom to borrow liberally from memorable vehicles of yesteryear and the present, in addition to whatever was felt exudes “cool.”

The IDx NISMO’s co-creation dialogue took the distilled heritage of Nissan’s basic box-shaped racing vehicles of the past and married it with various intriguing new details. This resulted in a car that appears to be timeless and moored in a place all its own.

Though IDx NISMO shares the overall length and height of its Freeflow cousin, the 5.9-foot width (versus 5.6-foot for the IDx Freeflow) of the car is testament to its low, wide stance that emphasizes its sporty proportions.

One of the hallmarks of box-type racecars is speediness conveyed by a reverse-slanted nose. On IDx NISMO, this frontal design element is embellished by an aura of seriousness communicated by the use of carbon panels. Side mufflers provide a pleasing exhaust note. The car also has contemporary touches such as front/rear and right/left aerodynamic spoilers and a lightweight 19-inch wheel and 225/40 tire package.

To meet the high expectations for a powertrain equal to the task of propelling such a formidable car, one proposal from Nissan’s engineers is the combination of a high-performance, eco-friendly 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, together with a sporty CVT with 6-speed manual shift mode and synchronized rev control. The result is no less than an appealing mix of racing heritage with the finest of modern knowhow.

Scanning the IDx NISMO interior reveals racing-inspired crimson Alcantara® seat covers that entice the eyes, complemented by Spartan-looking meters and gauges that animate the racecar ambience. The lustrous metal surfaces contrast with the bright red suede trim that is augmented by blue stitching.

“This machine’s soul-stirring design echoes the racing car imagery of the past united with the buzz digital natives get from the virtual world they know well,” said Nakamura. “That this car could result from co-creation dialogue alone exemplifies Nissan’s fresh approach to contemplating car design, and even kindles a fire in the hearts of people fond of the good old days of high-performance cars.”

The IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO will be shown at the Nissan display at Detroit’s Cobo Hall during the run of the 2014 North American International Auto Show, January 18th through 26th.

About Nissan North AmericaIn North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.