Nissan debuted the Vmotion 2.0 concept car Monday at the North American International Auto Show. While not the only Japanese company to introduce a new styling language for its midsize sedan this week, Nissan may have done the most commendable job.
However, the automaker is being very careful to not accidentally call the concept an Altima, despite the two having nearly identical dimensions. Instead, the company wants the Vmotion 2.0 to herald the new design direction for all of its sedans. Especially important is the dramatic V-shaped front end. While Nissan has already implemented the shape on models ranging from the Maxima to the Rogue, it wants to use the bodywork to unify the brand — similar to Pontiac’s split grille of yesteryear, or BMW’s twin kidneys.
Less of a guarantee is the floating roof design made possible by a slender and disjointed C-pillar, a little carbon fiber, and a lot of glass. Pinched rear pillars and separated ceilings are definitely the trends du jour, but they do make cars look unashamedly futuristic.
The Vmotion 2.0’s suicide doors are also unlikely to make their way to the Altima, but we may see the longer hood and fastback silhouette.
Nissan says the concept hints at the future of the company’s”Intelligent Mobility,” including a future vision for its ProPILOT autonomous driving functionality. However far away that hypothetical technology may be — this is a concept, after all — the automaker is already working out the aesthetics surrounding it. The front and rear of the vehicle has glowing lights to indicate when it is operating in semi-autonomous mode, while the driver receives updates on the car’s progress from a huge screen that spans practically the entire width of the dashboard.
With no technical specifications available, it’s not worth getting overly excited about the science surrounding the Vmotion 2.0. However, feel free to get as riled up as you’d like over the soon-to-be contemporary styling that should eventually spill over into Nissan’s next round of new models.
Speaking of which, the Altima is due to be redesigned in 2018.
[Images: Nissan]
I don’t hate it, but there are so many details that would never make production, that when you strip them all away you’re left with a current Maxima.
Rear fins, really?
“Rear fins, really?”
Oh, please yes!
Moar bankin-gami (sheet metal creasing)! Cuz it’s all designers got left.
Agreed. This looks like it could have been a clay model of the Maxima before they sanded down all the pointy parts.
Hey, the new Prius has fins…why not?
Trying to imagine this on 60 series 16″ tires with another 3″ of ride height; only in front though.
Right?? What is with Nissan sedans having (visually) failed rear suspensions after like 4 years?
We Are Driven!!!!!!
(I actually like the design, BTW)
I guess I’m getting old – new car buyers today want vehicles designed after Optimus Prime it appears.
Transformers attack!!!
Lol @ the rear 1/4 view. For something so unashamedly futuristic, the “fastback” sure does strongly resemble a mid-70s B-210 hatch more than it does any past (or supposedly future) sports car it aspires to emulate.
At least the B-210 fastback didn’t come with useless rear doors, they had the good sense to make the sedan a different shape back there. So, ya know, people could get in.
Maybe Nissan should work more on refinement, rather than making cars look sporty and fast but drive and feel terrible.
“sure does strongly resemble a mid-70s B-210 hatch”
japanesenostalgiccar.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/1976-Datsun-B210-05.jpg
o_O
I dont see it, much like I couldnt buy Nissans claim of the Juke “channeling vintage Datsun rally cars”.
I await the day I catch these in the inevitable de-badge/blacked out trim look, usually driven my a buffoon with a loud exhaust, already seeing less than 5 year old Maximas in this shape along with countless G35s.
As it stand I think this looks okay, though the rear quarter windows, stance, and even the headlights remind me of later Grand Prixs.
“remind me of later Grand Prixs”
Ouch! When you cut, you cut. But I guess truth can be like that.
Doesn’t matter what it looks like, it’ll still have the same 2.5L paired to a terrible CVT.
How is that not good enough for hitting the nail salons, liquor stores and Taco Bells?
Shall we dine at Taco Bell?
I’ll just have a cup of beef grease and a large black coffee, please.
Must avoid carbs, you know.
It’s been downhill since the 3rd generation “4DSC” Maximas.
One of my favorite FWD sedans ever, classy looking, sweetheart 190 hp V6, and a manual transmission.
So Nissan’s next-generation styling is an exaggerated, more-obnoxious version of the current, stupid, styling language? Just like every other manufacturer? Got it.
Maybe I’m just making things up as I age, but I could have sworn that automakers used try to make their car styling, uh, you know attractive?