Celebrating its 90th year, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. showcased three of the five all-electric concept vehicles they prepared for the first-ever Japan Mobility Show. Since October 3, Nissan has unveiled one vehicle per week leading up to the show. Each of the concepts was represented by a symbolic figure with attributes that complemented the lifestyles and goals the designers aimed to meet.
While the exteriors of the concepts can be traced back to some of the company’s current models, it was in the interior that the designers were truly able to let their creativity loose. Despite the designs being a bit fanciful or over-the-top (as concept vehicles tend to be), the technology included in the vehicles was rooted in existing technology Nissan currently uses and is continuing to develop on its existing vehicles. Collectively, the concepts represent the future design and technological capabilities of Nissan’s electric offerings, helping customers make a positive impact on the planet without compromising on style or fun.
Dressed down in jeans and sneakers, Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida said: “All five concept cars showcased today are symbols of the future and embody our founding spirit of ‘daring to do what others don’t’. We have advanced our EV innovations, moving beyond mobility to create a more sustainable world. The EVs symbolize our future of creating a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world for everybody without compromising on passions and dreams. Through the power of innovation, Nissan is creating a future where everyone can enjoy the excitement of mobility.”
Nissan Hyper Force: Eco-Friendly Performance
Undeniably the pièce de résistance of the display, the Nissan Hyper Force was designed for racing enthusiasts and gamers who crave the adrenaline rush of the racetrack but are also eco-friendly. The Hyper Force concept is Nissan’s vision for a next-generation all-electric high-performance supercar that aims to deliver ultimate driving pleasure while also offering high performance and comfort for daily use.
Styled using the GT-R, it has butterfly doors and wide proportions. It is a blend of sleek curves and sharp angles and has front and rear lamps that pay homage to the brand’s high-performance cars. Its huge but lightweight forged carbon wheels aid aerodynamics and brake cooling.
The Nissan Hyper Force has an all-solid-state battery that can produce up to 1,000 kW with precise and rapid acceleration. Powerful downforce, an advanced form of Nissan’s e-4orce all-wheel control technology, and a lightweight body featuring high-strength carbon promise exceptional handling on circuits and winding roads.
Featuring two (2) driving modes: R for racing and GT for grand touring, it has a graphic user interface that changes color and display according to the mode. The graphics were the result of a collaboration with Polyphony Digital, Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, and the makers of the Gran Turismo video game.
In R mode, the cabin is lit with red lights and creates an intuitive cockpit centered around the driver to support concentration. The panels on the dash extend forward to enhance the cockpit feel around the driver, while four satellite screens around the steering wheel display other information such as tire grip and pressure, air pressure, brake rotor temperature, power distribution, and other information.
Alternatively, in GT mode, the cabin turns blue and the screens move away from the driver and combine, providing an immersive experience with a simpler interphase for a more comfortable ride.
Safety plays a crucial role in the Hyper Force Concept. With advanced autonomous drive with hyper-LIDAR and an array of sensors tuned for sporty driving, the vehicle is designed to ensure a high level of safety both on public streets and on the track.
Elevating the Nissan Hyper Force’s appeal is the inclusion of an augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experience that enables driving both in the real world and in the virtual world. When the vehicle is stopped, the driver can use a special VR helmet to enter a gamified driving experience, complete with modes that enable racing against the clock or online racers on real-world tracks.
Nissan Hyper Punk: Boosting Creativity Wherever You May Go
The Nissan Hyper Punk is a futuristic compact crossover tailored for content creators, influencers, artists, and those who embrace style and innovation.
The cabin features whimsical origami-styled elements that mirror Japanese taste and create an interior space where digital and art are fused. The vehicle’s onboard cameras can capture the scenery around the car and use AI to convert it into manga-style scenery or graphic patterns according to the user’s preferences. The imagery can then be projected on a three-screen display arranged around the driver, creating a space where reality and the world of the metaverse meld.
Outside, it features multifaceted polygonal surfaces and sports a body color that changes hues depending on the angle and light source. It has a bold yet aerodynamic design that goes against the minimalist aesthetic that represents the user’s desire for self-expression and breaking the norm. It has large 23-inch wheels with lit rims and headlights, tail lamps, and a rear signature that emphasizes the polygonal shapes that are integrated into the body surface, making it even more unique.
Designed as a mobile creative studio, the cabin provides seamless internet connectivity and can link to occupants’ devices and creative equipment, enabling them to access information or work on projects on the go. Its V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) system ensures that users can run and charge their devices anytime and anywhere, while also sharing the vehicle’s energy with collaborators and local community events.
Nissan Hyper Tourer: the Future of Premium Mobility
The all-electric minivan is geared towards those who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy the company of friends or associates, whether on a road trip or a business outing. With the Hyper Tourer concept, Nissan re-envisions the group road trip by combining the comfort of a luxurious living room with the convenience of a passenger van, all contained in a stylish and futuristic package.
Combining the essence of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) with various advanced technologies, the Hyper Tourer features V2X functionality with its high-capacity battery, which allows electricity to be supplied to homes, stores, and offices while traveling and on various business occasions.
Nissan EV Technology Vision, which consolidates compact components and high-energy density all-solid-state batteries to create innovative car packaging, made the spacious interior possible. This resulted in an ultra-low center of gravity, which, when combined with the vehicle’s advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel control system, produces smooth and flat acceleration and deceleration. The overhead console and lighting feature traditional Japanese kumiko and koushi patterns that create a sense of luxury, while the flat LED panel on the floor doors displays imagery of a riverbed and the sky, helping create a relaxing space where digital and nature are seamlessly combined.
The rose gold exterior is composed of smooth body panels and sharp character lines that demonstrate traditional Japanese beauty, and its imposing appearance harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The sides flow diagonally from the front to the rear fender for higher aerodynamic performance and the impression of a smooth drive resulting from the combination of EV and autonomous drive. The white waistline serves as a headlight and signature lamp, while the Kumiko-patterned wheels and the soft, straight body line create a premium feel beyond the concept’s class.
The Hyper Tourer Concept features fully autonomous driving that enables the driver to focus on interacting with their travel companions. The front seats can swivel 360 degrees, allowing front- and rear-seat passengers to have face-to-face discussions, and the rear-seat passengers can use a wearable display to view and operate the navigation and audio on the front-seat center display, creating a sense of unity among all occupants. Also, an onboard AI system can monitor your biometric signs—including brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and perspiration—and automatically select complementary music and adjust the lighting to fit your mood.
Nissan Hyper Adventure: the SUV for Eco-Minded Outdoor Travelers
The Nissan Hyper Adventure Concept is an SUV designed to support a wide range of outdoor adventures comfortably and safely while maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Whether it’s a weekend in the mountains or a months-long journey to a remote locale, the Nissan Hyper Adventure’s primary objective is to accommodate the outdoorsy person’s diverse needs.
The exterior features dynamic body panels that express activity, thanks to the distinctive diagonal line on the side of the vehicle that accentuates the spacious cabin within. By redirecting the air flowing through the front spoiler, the car can achieve high aerodynamic performance. This seamless integration of glass into the rear end not only enhances the wind flow but also adds to the aesthetic appeal. The wheels and front and rear bumpers are outfitted with crampons, or snow traction gears, to allow the car to drive through snowy areas with power and ease.
The unique features and cabin space were designed to make driving in all situations easy and comfortable. The instrument panel connects to the bottom of the windshield, which serves as a screen with a wide field of view as if the body of the vehicle were transparent. It has a spacious interior capable of transporting outdoor equipment such as tents, skis, or even a kayak. For added flexibility, the rear bench seat can rotate 180 degrees on an axle and create a comfortable sitting area that faces out of the vehicle’s rear. This feature, which includes automatic extendable and retractable steps, comes in handy when camping, getting ready for a day of skiing, or taking in a scenic view.
Fitted with a large-capacity battery, the Nissan Hyper Adventure Concept can serve as an energy source, allowing users to power up their gadgets, light up campsites, or even recharge their electric jet skis. Its V2X capability can provide power to homes (V2H) or a local community by contributing surplus power to the grid (V2G).
Envisioned to travel just about anywhere, Nissan’s advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel-control system helps ensure that travelers reach their destinations smoothly, safely, and in style.
The Nissan Hyper Adventure was one of the two vehicles in the Hyper series that were not displayed in physical form at the show but were presented as digital concepts.
Nissan Hyper Urban: Empowering a Cleaner World
The Nissan Hyper Urban was the first vehicle to be digitally introduced in the series. Its styling perfectly fits the idea we all have in our minds of what a concept car should look like. Modern and sleek, it makes a bold statement while also effectively blending in with its environment. This model was designed for urban and suburban-based professionals.
Similar to the Hyper Adventure Concept, the Hyper Urban fits into Nissan’s EV ecosystem with its V2X functionality that enables V2H and V2G. Its Intelligent Charging Management System features AI that can autonomously charge vehicles and power buildings, providing efficient management of power.
The concept also applies sustainability to vehicle lifespan, making it ideal for people conscious of the long-term value of everything they own. Hardware updates and regular software updates provide a fresh ownership experience over many years. This includes interior refreshes with new instrument panel designs that reflect the latest technologies and trends in graphic user interfaces.
The exterior’s lime-yellow body changes its chromatic tones depending on the angle at which light hits it, effectively drawing attention while also blending into the surroundings. The front and rear scissor doors provide a sense of openness and character, while the sporty silhouette produces aerodynamic excellence for increased efficiency. Wide tires complete the sporty look, evoking rugged dynamics with urban aesthetics.
The cabin is designed to blend in with urban living spaces. Kaleidoscopic triangles inspired the instrument panel and display and can be customized according to the owner’s mood. Moreover, the front seats of the Hyper Urban Concept can collapse and fold into the back seats, creating a sofa-like space that seamlessly integrates relaxation and utility all in one package.
Aside from the concept vehicles, the Nissan pavilion also featured the Nissan Formula E racing car, its 90th Anniversary commemorative vehicles (LEAF, Sakura, X-Trail, Serea, Kicks, and Aura), as well as the Nissan Ariya, Nissan GT-R NISMO Special Edition, Fairlady Z NISAMO, and Skyline NISMO
The Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS), opened its doors to the public on October 28 and will run until Sunday, November 5, 2023. As with previous iterations of the TMS, it was held at the Tokyo Big Sight, the biggest international exhibition center in Japan.