Nissan Concept Cars

1. 2023 Nissan Concept 20-23

A bewinged electric hot hatch that we desperately want Nissan to go ahead and make. Do it.

Dubbed the Concept 20-23, this creation marks the 20th anniversary of Nissan Design Europe in London, drawing inspiration from Formula E, online sim racing, and Nissan's own legacy in hatchback design.

Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's Senior Vice President for Global Design, shared, “At NDE, our young designers were tasked with a clear mission: to conceptualize an electric urban car that embodies the joy of daily driving in London. The result, the Concept 20-23, is a compact hatchback deeply rooted in the virtual racing domain. It's a narrative about the convergence of urban living, the digital realm, and sustainable transport.”

The concept car showcases bold aerodynamic elements, including an imposing front lip spoiler, dramatically flared wheel arches, and an expansive rear wing, though its purpose remains a stylish mystery. The design also features sleek LED lighting at both ends, hinting at aesthetic elements that could potentially influence future production models.

Sporting massive wheels and low-profile tires, the Concept 20-23 stands out as a performance-oriented hatch, yet intriguingly, Nissan has not specified any powertrain details, only mentioning its all-electric nature, tailored for both spirited and city driving.

The Concept 20-23's dramatic styling could signal a more liberated design direction for Nissan's electric future. Stripping away the extreme aerodynamic features could reveal a charmingly compact three-door hatchback, potentially smaller than the Leaf, poised to compete with the likes of the forthcoming Renault 5 or the Fiat 500 electric.

2. 2023 Nissan Hyper Force

With over 1300 horsepower, Nissan's Electric Hyper Force Concept looks like a future GT-R.

The Nissan Hyper Force concept car breaks away from conventional designs, embodying a dynamic and bold ethos that lives up to its vigorous name. Its exterior sports a raw metal finish that radiates the sophistication of a finely honed chef's knife, featuring contours so precise they appear almost lethal. The car's front end aggressively protrudes, reminiscent of a locomotive's cow catcher or an exaggerated frown. Its headlights, recessed within a deep grille and positioned wide apart, draw comparisons to the distinctive gaze of a hammerhead shark.

Despite its somewhat blocky silhouette, the Hyper Force's design was influenced by insights from the NISMO racing team, promising aerodynamic efficiency that slices through air with ease. Its innovative front and serrated rear diffuser are engineered to optimize downforce and manage thermal airflow. An advanced wing incorporates active aerodynamics, while a novel plasma actuator, manipulating airflow with an electrode, enhances grip around its bespoke carbon wheels. This vehicle is not just a showcase of aerodynamic prowess but also of electrical ingenuity, boasting a hypothetical solid-state battery system that delivers 1341 horsepower, all channeled through an enhanced version of Nissan's e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive technology.

Hints of the GT-R legacy can be seen in the concept's circular quad taillights and specific emblem layout, sparking speculation about the future direction of Nissan's performance vehicles. While Nissan representatives remain tight-lipped about whether the next GT-R will adopt a purely internal combustion engine, the enthusiasm for the Hyper Force concept will undoubtedly influence Nissan's strategy for its forthcoming performance models.

3. 2013 Nissan IDx Nismo

The idea of Nissan putting out a modern successor to the Datsun 510 got us all excited. Retro meets modern.

In 2013, the automotive world was introduced to a concept that blended nostalgic design cues with futuristic innovation: the Nissan IDx Nismo. This concept car, unveiled with much fanfare, promised a unique blend of past and present, aimed at igniting the passions of car enthusiasts around the globe. Let's dive into the essence of the IDx Nismo and explore what made it stand out.

The Nissan IDx Nismo was not just another concept car; it was a heartfelt homage to Nissan's rich racing history, specifically the iconic Datsun 510, also known as the BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) Datsun. The 510, which made its mark in the 1970s, was beloved for its accessibility, reliability, and race-ready performance. The IDx Nismo captured the spirit and excitement of this classic racer but with a modern twist.

At first glance, the Nissan IDx Nismo struck a chord with its retro-inspired design, featuring a boxy silhouette that harkened back to the Datsun 510's era. However, this was no mere retro reproduction. The IDx Nismo infused contemporary styling elements, including aggressive Nismo performance touches, bold color schemes, and futuristic lighting, that propelled its vintage aesthetic into the 21st century. The exterior was characterized by sharp lines, a low and wide stance.

While the Nissan IDx Nismo was primarily a design concept, it hinted at the potential for exhilarating performance. Speculation around its powertrain suggested a turbocharged engine paired with a sport-tuned suspension, capable of delivering a driving experience that was both engaging and reminiscent of the golden age of compact sports cars. Although specific details about its engine and performance figures were not disclosed, the IDx Nismo's presentation suggested a blend of efficiency and excitement, true to the Nismo ethos.

4. 2015 Nissan Juke-R 2.0

If you ever wondered what a Nissan Juke and GT-R would look like if they had a baby? Welcome to the Juke-R 2.0.

In 2015, the automotive world witnessed the rebirth of a legend with the unveiling of the Nissan Juke-R 2.0, a vehicle that pushed the boundaries of crossover performance to the extremes. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the original Juke-R, this second iteration was more than just an ambitious project; it was a statement of Nissan's engineering prowess and a bold exploration of what happens when you combine the heart of a supercar with the body of a compact crossover.

At its core, the Nissan Juke-R 2.0 was an engineering marvel, a testament to the audacity of Nissan's Nismo division. The original Juke-R, introduced in 2011, was already a groundbreaking machine, marrying the compact Nissan Juke's chassis with the powerhouse engine and drivetrain of a Nissan GT-R. The 2.0 version took this concept to new heights, incorporating the enhancements and advancements of the GT-R Nismo, Nissan's flagship performance model.

The heart beating within the Juke-R 2.0 was the venerable VR38DETT, a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, taken directly from the GT-R Nismo. This powerhouse was capable of delivering an astonishing 600 horsepower, a significant increase from the already impressive 545 horsepower of its first iteration. This engine allowed the Juke-R 2.0 to achieve breathtaking acceleration and top speeds, rivaling those of established supercars.

Its exterior was aggressively styled, featuring widened fenders, a revised front bumper, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, all of which not only enhanced its menacing appearance but also improved its aerodynamic performance. The matte black finish of the show car added to its stealth fighter-like presence, making it clear that this was no ordinary crossover. This was a bold experiment that paid of.

5. 1985 Nissan MID 4 (Type I) Concept

The all-wheel-drive, mid-engined supercars that Nissan almost went ahead and built. What a time.

In 1985, Nissan unveiled a concept that aimed to redefine the possibilities of sports car engineering and design: the MID 4 (Type I). This groundbreaking prototype, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show, was Nissan’s ambitious vision of combining high performance, cutting-edge technology, and the driving dynamics of a mid-engine layout. The MID 4 was a showcase of Nissan's aspirations to enter the realm of supercars, embodying innovation and performance that would influence the brand's future designs and technology. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable concept car.

The MID 4 was designed around a mid-engine layout, a choice that marked Nissan's foray into the competitive field of high-performance sports cars. By placing the engine behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle, Nissan aimed to achieve optimal weight distribution and handling characteristics, rivaling those of European supercars. This layout was a significant departure from the front-engine designs traditionally favored by Nissan, representing a bold leap forward in their design philosophy.

At the heart of the MID 4 was a 3.0-liter VG30E V6 engine, naturally aspirated to produce around 230 horsepower. This power unit was an advanced feature for its time, showcasing Nissan’s commitment to engineering excellence. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, directing power to all four wheels through an advanced AWD system. This innovative powertrain setup was indicative of Nissan's desire to blend performance with advanced technology, ensuring that the MID 4 was capable of delivering exhilarating acceleration and top speed figures that could compete on the global stage.

Moreover, the MID 4 was equipped with an early iteration of four-wheel steering, a technological marvel that improved handling and stability at high speeds by allowing the rear wheels to turn in phase with the front wheels. This feature would later find its way into various production models, showcasing Nissan’s pioneering approach to vehicle dynamics.

While the MID 4 (Type I) Concept never reached production, its impact on Nissan’s design and engineering was profound. The MID 4 served as a testbed for technologies that would later become hallmarks of Nissan’s approach to car making, including the AWD systems that would characterize the iconic GT-R and the application of four-wheel steering in the 300ZX.

6. 2018 Nissan Xmotion

Seven digital touchscreens, and a virtual personal assistant that’s a fish. And yet, we really want one.

The Nissan Xmotion may look like an SUV on the surface, but to take a step inside is to enter a dense forest of technology. The concept car has a total of seven digital touchscreens inside, making it one of the more aggressive attempts by an automaker in recent memory to sweep aside the manual controls of the past and fully embrace a pixelated future.

There’s also a lot of wood trim, which seems like an attempt to offset the harsh futuristic glare of the digital surfaces. Of course, there are even more ridiculous tech and design notes underpinning the onslaught of screens. Nissan says the displays and infotainment system can be controlled by hand gestures and eye movements. “Intuitive controls and a voice command system allow drivers to focus on driving, helping them access various information in a smart, easy, and safe manner,” the automaker adds, in a nod to the giant distraction its bevy of screens could present.

The visual simplicity of the Xmotion concept exterior is contrasted by the rugged, metal-crafted wheels and all-terrain tire design. Like the rest of vehicle, the mechanical tool-inspired wheels and all-terrain tires coexist as one piece, with the tire tread physically laminated over the 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Additional exterior features include a retractable "rooftop box" and a unique tail light design inspired by Japanese woodwork. With its long wheelbase, with wheels and tires pushed out to the extremes of the corners, the Xmotion concept allows for the creation of a fresh, "4+2" passenger layout. Featuring three rows of side-by-side individual seats, it's designed to provide a perfect space for a young couple, another couple and two children or pets in the third row.

The Xmotion showcased Nissan's ability to blend heritage and innovation, suggesting a future where vehicles are not only modes of transportation but also expressions of cultural identity and technological advancement.

7. 2021 Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept

The Single Seater hints at performance hidden in the Ariya's SUV body. Boring meets awesome.

Nissan is positioning the upcoming 2023 Ariya not just as an electric vehicle (EV) but also as one with potential for performance. In this vein, the company from Yokohama introduced the Ariya Single Seater Concept, possibly previewing the technology and design direction for Nissan's Formula E Gen3 contender.

The Ariya was officially introduced to the U.S. market just before the L.A. Auto Show. However, it was during the Nissan Futures event that the Ariya Single Seater Concept made its debut, showcasing an innovative use of the Ariya’s electric powertrain. This event also highlighted Nissan's future trajectory as an EV maker, with the unveiling of several concept vehicles.

Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's Senior Vice President for Global Design, commented on the brand's evolving design philosophy, noting, "In developing our Nissan Ambition 2030 vision, we've evolved our design language of Timeless Japanese Futurism. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese terms 'shun', which means to run swiftly with ease, and 'sho', signifying to ascend with vigor and elegance, the Ariya Single Seater Concept embodies this new aesthetic. This concept allows our global team to explore a blend of speed, technology, and beauty, all derived from the Ariya’s EV technology but wrapped in a motorsport-inspired package."

The Single Seater integrates design elements from both the Ariya and Nissan’s Formula E car into a performance-oriented design. The concept's front features an illuminated "V" integrated into its nose and wings, while its sides, crafted from carbon fiber and including rear wheel body covers, draw from the Ariya's "fluid and efficient surfaces." The vehicle mirrors the aerodynamic styling and wheels of the Ariya SUV, albeit with racing slick tires, suggesting both were "sculpted by the wind." It harnesses the same dual electric motors found in the production Ariya for its power.

Nissan teased the possibility of employing this concept as a unique racing chassis for a single-seater series, marking a new venture for Nissan and NISMO into single-seater racing with complete backing from the manufacturer. This initiative would follow Nissan’s history with the Nissan Micra Cup, although Nissan has previously only supplied engines for the World Series by Nissan, transitioning from the SR20DE I-4 to the VQ series V-6 engines, and later to a Zytek 3.4 liter V-8 in 2012. The concept of an all-wheel-drive single-seater race car raises intriguing possibilities, especially considering whether it might omit rear brakes, similar to the anticipated FIA Formula E Gen3 car.