Evolution isn't limited to the animal kingdom: The Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept advances the brand's love-it-or-hate-it V-Motion design as featured on today's Nissan models such as the Maxima[1] and the Murano[2]. Besides revealing Nissan's latest styling direction, the Vmotion 2.0 is a clear preview of the next Altima[3] mid-size sedan.
Measuring 191.3 inches long and 74.4 inches wide and sitting on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Vmotion 2.0 is a mere half an inch shorter overall than the current Altima, but it sits 2.4 inches wider and boasts 2.9 inches of additional space between its front and rear wheels. Shorter overhangs at both ends give the concept a more dynamic profile than today's Altima. Still, remove gaudy concept-car cues such as its huge wheels, shaved door handles, and suicide rear doors, and it's obvious the Vmotion 2.0's taut proportions rival those of the slinky Mazda 6[4]. Detailing on the 54.3-inch-tall sedan is a mixed bag. The thin LED headlights and taillights, complicated side surfacing, black roof panel, and massive grille will all be regarded as either cutting edge or a step too far for a mainstream family sedan.
Inside, the Vmotion 2.0 has light-colored leather seats complemented by attractive zebrawood trim. A widescreen display sprouting from the dash combines both the digital instruments and the multimedia interface. To allow both driver and front passenger a view of the entire panel, the steering wheel is cut at the top, not unlike the unit found in Adam West's Batmobile. A touchpad in the center console operates the Vmotion 2.0's infotainment features. Meanwhile, rear-seat passengers are treated to a smaller display screen that mimics much of the information displayed up front.
The Vmotion 2.0 is equipped with Nissan's ProPilot automated driving system. Already announced for the next-generation Leaf[5] electric vehicle, ProPilot will allow the forthcoming Leaf to work the accelerator, brakes, and steering wheel at highway speeds; however, the driver will need to regain control for lane-change and passing maneuvers. In the Vmotion 2.0, engaging ProPilot causes the car's grille and rear diffuser to glow, letting others on the road know the system is in use.
Although we're not entirely sold on some of the Vmotion 2.0's surface detailing, the concept's stance and proportions, welcoming interior, and automated driving system provide clues that Nissan's next Altima could pair adventurous design with the latest automated driving technology.
References
- ^ the Maxima (www.caranddriver.com)
- ^ the Murano (www.caranddriver.com)
- ^ the next Altima (www.caranddriver.com)
- ^ the slinky Mazda 6 (www.caranddriver.com)
- ^ the next-generation Leaf (www.caranddriver.com)
- ^ View Photos (www.caranddriver.com)
- ^ View Photos (www.caranddriver.com)
