The SUV concept is aimed at showing the direction of design for the brand
DETROIT – If you’re wondering what SUVs will look like in a few years, Nissan thinks it has the answer.
It introduced the Nissan Xmotion Concept at the North American International Auto Show, giving it tough, rugged looks with a distinctly Japanese flavor.
At its reveal, Nissan officials say the looks are likely to show up in future SUVs, but wouldn’t commit to whether the next Rogue or Pathfinder will be based on it.
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For now, they are focusing on the artistic elements.
“It draws inspiration from the Japanese aesthetics and techniques,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design.
It has boomerang-shaped headlights in front and a wide grille with horizontal bars meant to invoke Japanese architecture. The taillight design, Nissan says, was inspired by Japanese woodwork and puzzles.
The interior features an aircraft-style steering wheel and a large video display that depicts swimming koi.
The wheels and tires were created in a way to make them appear as a single unit.
Carrying the theme inside, the dashboard and console were cut from a single Japanese cedar tree. And it has some of the usual concept-car touches, like rear-facing cameras in place of rear-view mirrors.
The goal was a concept SUV that is “bringing celebration to everyday life, “ Albaisa said.
