What Are They?
Nissan Concept Vehicles
What's Special About Them?
Pivo
Nissan calls its Pivo concept the ultimate city car. It derives its name and much of its utility from the fact that the cockpit can pivot in any direction. Forget backing up, just spin the thing around and drive into any parking space you want. Drive-by-wire technology makes it possible as there are no mechanical connections between the cabin and the chassis. To maintain visibility in all directions, the Pivo has frame pillars that are "see through" thanks to outside cameras that project what's on the other side of them into the cabin.
Compact lithium ion batteries and Nissan's Super Motor electric drive system are two more of the Pivo's unique features. There are actually two Super Motors, one on each axle. The motors can deliver power independently to each wheel assuring the most efficient torque delivery possible. Unlike traditional batteries, the Pivo's juice comes from lithium ion batteries that are flat allowing for a more spacious cabin design. More technology is packed into the Pivo's windshield, as it features a head-up display and infrared technology that allows the driver to control various functions with the wave of a hand.
Foria
The Foria is a back-to-basics concept coupe that emphasizes strong performance and a clean design. It's a front-engine, rear-drive 2+2 with four-wheel steering and a paddle-shifted automatic gearbox. The 18-inch wheels are pushed to each edge to minimize overhangs and provide excellent balance. There's a barely noticeable set of reverse-opening rear doors that provide easy access to the backseats. The interior details are supposed to evoke traditional elegance — gauges that look like old cameras, worn saddle leather, that kind of thing. It's not all traditional as there's also a central information screen with a driver-adjustable display.
Amenio
Like most minivan concepts, the Amenio was designed to spruce up the family vehicle image without getting rid of its basic functionality. There's still seating for six, but the second row consists of individual seats that not only have two kinds of leather they also recline and have pop-up footrests. In contrast, the driver seat focuses on driving so it provides more support and fewer distractions. Traditional Japanese Rosewood trim surrounds a wide-screen dash monitor that can be seen by everyone on board. The Amenio features advanced satellite tracking ability so you can watch your progress on the road from above. Not bad for a minivan.
Note
The design of the Note was "inspired by Adidas" according to Nissan. It's an idea that usually doesn't work too well in the movies, but the Note turned out alright. The idea was to build a wearable car that could be customized by its owner. Various interior and exterior panels are interchangeable including the front and rear bumpers. The interior makes use of several different types of fabric used in sportswear to give the cabin a high-tech look. Instead of a traditional drop-down glovebox, the Note has a zippered pouch. As with the exterior, customization is key inside, too, as the seat fabrics can be swapped out depending on what you're using the vehicle for that day.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Nissan went a little more traditional with this year's concepts. It gives these vehicles a better chance of being produced later on, but honestly, we're not dying to see any of the four in showrooms soon. — Ed Hellwig
Nissan Concept Vehicles
What's Special About Them?
Pivo
Nissan calls its Pivo concept the ultimate city car. It derives its name and much of its utility from the fact that the cockpit can pivot in any direction. Forget backing up, just spin the thing around and drive into any parking space you want. Drive-by-wire technology makes it possible as there are no mechanical connections between the cabin and the chassis. To maintain visibility in all directions, the Pivo has frame pillars that are "see through" thanks to outside cameras that project what's on the other side of them into the cabin.
Compact lithium ion batteries and Nissan's Super Motor electric drive system are two more of the Pivo's unique features. There are actually two Super Motors, one on each axle. The motors can deliver power independently to each wheel assuring the most efficient torque delivery possible. Unlike traditional batteries, the Pivo's juice comes from lithium ion batteries that are flat allowing for a more spacious cabin design. More technology is packed into the Pivo's windshield, as it features a head-up display and infrared technology that allows the driver to control various functions with the wave of a hand.
Foria
The Foria is a back-to-basics concept coupe that emphasizes strong performance and a clean design. It's a front-engine, rear-drive 2+2 with four-wheel steering and a paddle-shifted automatic gearbox. The 18-inch wheels are pushed to each edge to minimize overhangs and provide excellent balance. There's a barely noticeable set of reverse-opening rear doors that provide easy access to the backseats. The interior details are supposed to evoke traditional elegance — gauges that look like old cameras, worn saddle leather, that kind of thing. It's not all traditional as there's also a central information screen with a driver-adjustable display.
Amenio
Like most minivan concepts, the Amenio was designed to spruce up the family vehicle image without getting rid of its basic functionality. There's still seating for six, but the second row consists of individual seats that not only have two kinds of leather they also recline and have pop-up footrests. In contrast, the driver seat focuses on driving so it provides more support and fewer distractions. Traditional Japanese Rosewood trim surrounds a wide-screen dash monitor that can be seen by everyone on board. The Amenio features advanced satellite tracking ability so you can watch your progress on the road from above. Not bad for a minivan.
Note
The design of the Note was "inspired by Adidas" according to Nissan. It's an idea that usually doesn't work too well in the movies, but the Note turned out alright. The idea was to build a wearable car that could be customized by its owner. Various interior and exterior panels are interchangeable including the front and rear bumpers. The interior makes use of several different types of fabric used in sportswear to give the cabin a high-tech look. Instead of a traditional drop-down glovebox, the Note has a zippered pouch. As with the exterior, customization is key inside, too, as the seat fabrics can be swapped out depending on what you're using the vehicle for that day.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Nissan went a little more traditional with this year's concepts. It gives these vehicles a better chance of being produced later on, but honestly, we're not dying to see any of the four in showrooms soon. — Ed Hellwig
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