New Concept Sheds Light on Nissan GT-R

Motoring Channel Staff - 12/10/2005

Nissan will tease show goers at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show with a handful of new concept cars, one of which will see the return of the cult classic Skyline GT-R.

Of Nissan concept cars to make their debut at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the most important is the 'GT-R Proto' which gives clear design direction for the next-generation GT-R, which has been hinted at by the Asian company since the last model - the R34 GT-R.

Anyone who has respect for the hallowed Skyline models that culminated in the 1999 R34 will be keen to see what Nissan reveals at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, which the company says will provide a clear indication of the final design of the production model to be launched in 2007.

Nissan says that, from its original roots as a pure-bred Japanese performance car, the new GT-R will now be a car sold globally, recognising its ability to compete with the very best in the world from Porsche and others.

For the first time in its history, the new GT-R will be designed as a specific body style, and not derived from a sedan -- rumours suggest it may be based on a modified 350Z platform.

Nissan states that the design language of the GT-R Proto is expressed by a distinctive body-style that communicates pure performance and functionality. The form of the GT-R Proto instantly expresses its purpose and potential, but in a way that is unique to this iconic car, evidenced in many of the design cues, like the quad brake lights.

At the front end, the single center air intake is designed to optimise airflow and to strongly link the identity of the GT-R from R34 to GT-R Concept (2001). The company also says that the front fenders, or front quarter panels, were designed after analysis of the airflow around the tyres to enhance its aerodynamic efficiency, and the air vent behind the front fender also optimises aerodynamics. The sides of the body are sculptured towards the rear fender, expressing the power and dynamic tension of the car.

The shape of the body combines solid and smooth surfaces to achieve the look of what Nissan calls a 'well-trained athlete'. The unique C-pillar crease is designed for optimum aerodynamics, reflecting the racing DNA of the GT-R brand.

The rear of the new GT-R concept, which will be unveiled in the metal on the '05 Tokyo Motor Show's opening day, is described as strong and well defined by NiMoCo. The signature four ring-shaped tail lamps provide an immediate visual link to previous GT-R models while four large-bore exhaust pipes complete the purposeful look, suggesting that the engine that powers the concept will be a high torque, high power multi-cylinder air pump likely to continue the GT-R's heritage by employing twin turbochargers.

Nissan is very clear in stating that the GT-R Proto provides for the first time a clear indication of the final design direction for the production model to be launched in 2007, the first all-new GT-R in eight years. It has stated that the GT-R Proto - of which we'll have final photography of soon - is styled very closely to the production model which will be launched in two years time.

Other concept cars to be shown on the Nissan exhibit at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show will be the Pivo, which we covered briefly in our news section, a strange-looking electric car that can pivot (hence the 'Pivo' name) its cabin 360 degrees to provide simple reverse parking and a better view of the road, while the Foria, a premium compact sport coupe, will also be on show.

Targeted at customers looking for performance and an old-world aesthetic reminiscent of the 1960s, the 4.35m long Foria is a compact coupe concept, which is aimed at delivering a car, according to Nissan, whose value cannot be measured just in terms of specifications or performance figures.

The compact 2+2 coupe has a front-engine, rear-drive layout allowing an exceptionally short front overhang, long bonnet and compact cabin.

These styling features, together with the neatly-styled rear end and large 18-inch wheels positioned at the four corners result in a car that is easy on the eye and delivers driving pleasure says Nissan, complete with 4-wheel steering, or 'Active Steer' in Nissan speak.

The low 1.37m tall Foria also takes a leaf from the RX-8 book of egress/ingress, exhibiting centre-opening, B- pillarless doors have been adopted for effortless access to the rear seats in the coupe body style says Nissan.

Car design enthusiasts will note the integrated grille/headlamps that form a powerful front face, where the headlamps are a combination of precision technology and jewellery-like quality asserts Nissan, with deep blue lenses reminiscent of cut-sapphires.

The curved rear of the Foria serves to heighten the car's overall dynamism; the slim, elegant character lines around the back and the crystal 'expression' of the rear combination lamps lend a refined atmosphere to the overall appearance.

Inside, the Foria maintains a simplistic air, with control switches on the center stack and instruments designed to appeal to those who love mechanical instruments and to capture the spirit of traditional silver halide cameras. Nissan claims that this traditional feeling combines with a sporty driving position to convey a strong sense of driving purpose. A large multifunction dial commander and large function switches in the middle of the center stack are designed to reduce the driver’s workload substantially, while providing multiple capabilities in each toggle.

The interior is finished in a lustrous grey sports jersey fabric that combines with the brown leather of the instrument panel and other trim parts, as well as the ivory-coloured front seats, to project what Nissan describes as a contemporary look.

The wide dashboard monitor is positioned for minimal change in the driver’s line of sight and its exceptional width is used to good advantage to display all the distances of the recommended Sat Nav route in one screen. In addition, the monitor can be used selectively, such as for simultaneously displaying a navigation map and point-of-interest (POI) information which can be obtained live while driving.

Another interesting concept car from Nissan is called the Amenio concept, which is Nissan's take on the increasingly popular people carrier, a multi-person minivan with what Nissan terms as 'all-round versatility'.

The Amenio is a six-passenger, multi-purpose people carrier targeted at users who need a vehicle for their own individual needs, but who also place a high priority on flexibility.

The Amenio adopts the 'Modern Living' concept seen successively in other Nissan concepts, including the Teana, Fuga and Tiida, but it is not just an extension of those models. Rather, the Amenio is distinguished by its unique expression of advanced value in a cabin design, one which the Japanese company says helps to conveys driving pleasure without sacrificing comfort.

The Modern Living concept is evidenced in passenger seats that capture both the form and functionality of lounge chairs, while the front passenger's seat and the second-row seats slide and recline electrically, and offer stowaway leg rests, similar to those on aircraft seats.

The leather used for the seat coverings has a distinctly smooth surface, while the leather on the armrests has a graphically patterned texture. This combination of different surface treatment provides a suitable expression of premium quality.

While the Amenio’s interior design is based on a contemporary expression with global appeal, it embodies Japanese DNA in modern forms. For example, the surface of the instrument panel combines rosewood, which is a well-known element of Japanese traditional architecture.

The grid-like pattern of the roof allows plenty of outside light to enter the cabin through the glass area. Sliding doors are fitted on both rear seat sides, and the elimination of the B-pillars creates large openings for effortless entry and exit.

The Amenio concept has a new telematics interface focused on near-future needs. Positioned in the center of the instrument panel is an 18-inch ultra-wide monitor that can easily be seen from any seating position. Besides being exceptionally wide, the monitor also delivers high-resolution screen images. It displays content with high legibility in an easy-to-understand format, including live point-of-interest information picked up from nearby locations in the City Browsing mode.

New features have been added to the menu to enhance the driving experience. For example, the Earth Browsing mode lets users look down from outer space, via satellite, at cars travelling on the Earth's surface, while the Space Browsing mode displays star constellations located in the direction in which the Amenio is travelling.

The Amenio is equipped with Nissan’s Around View Monitor that displays a 360-degree view of the area around the car vehicle in real time, easy-to-understand images. Located on the dashboard, the monitor substantially reduces blind spots and is especially helpful when parking. The system is a further advancement of Nissan’s pioneering Rear View Monitor and Side Blind-Spot Monitor technologies. The Around View Monitor is also featured on the Pivo concept model being shown at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.