Third in a Series of Design Previews Expressing Innovation

As evident from the front face, characterized by a bold grille and sharp, boomerang-shaped headlights, the "Sport Sedan Concept" is the third in a series of design previews, following the "Resonance" concept car unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show and the "Friend-Me" concept car shown at the Shanghai Motor Show. It signifies a transition to a new generation and the evolution of Nissan design, utilizing Nissan's new design language.


These concept cars share distinctive design elements that will be applied to all future Nissan models, including a striking V-motion front face, a floating roof, and boomerang-shaped headlamps and rear combination lamps.


Nissan officially commented, "The design embodied in these three concept cars will be adopted in various body types of future Nissan vehicles, from sedans to crossovers." The new design direction is concretely demonstrated through this trio of interconnected concept cars.

Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Nissan, commented, "This 'Sport Sedan Concept' signifies a new direction in emotional and energetic design, evolving Nissan's unique approach of applying the essence of sports car design to sedans to a new dimension. This 'Sport Sedan Concept' truly captures that essence, achieving bold, exciting, and sports car-like design and proportions."


The "Resonance" concept car is believed to preview the design of the next "Murano," while this "Sport Sedan Concept," emphasizing a sporty style, is strongly speculated to be a precursor to the next "Maxima." Production vehicles developed based on these designs are expected to be noteworthy models, each asserting an energetic presence in their respective categories.

While not as bold, the boomerang motif for the front and rear light designs is already featured in production models such as the Nissan "Versa" (known as "Note" in Japan), "Altima," and "Maxima," and is expected to evolve as a signature design element for the Nissan brand.

High Anticipation as Flagship for the North American Market

The exterior of the "Sport Sedan Concept" expresses power through an aggressive "V-motion" design, flowing from the bold chrome grille to the hood, and a three-dimensional form created by large, boomerang-shaped LED headlamps. The flared wheel arches at the four corners accommodate 275/30R21-sized tires.


The roof adopts a unique "floating roof" shape, interrupted midway at the C-pillar, which then connects to a high-set rear deck. The rear end is equipped with boomerang-motif taillights, designed to echo the front headlamps.


While the interior remains at the concept car stage, hints for production models are subtly integrated, such as the driver-oriented center console, quilted seats, and a center console emphasizing stitching. Like the exterior, three-dimensional forms and design are evident here as well. The interior's color scheme, emphasizing contrast, and multifaceted metallic accents are also notable features.

The unveiled "Sport Sedan Concept" is front-wheel drive, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with Nissan's sport-tuned Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). It is stated to produce over 300 horsepower. An advanced suspension layout with performance dampers is also employed.


As the flagship model for the Nissan brand in North America (excluding Infiniti), the Maxima garners significant attention. Indeed, it has a large user base, and its presence is frequently observed on freeways. How will this bold design reform resonate with buyers in this traditionally conservative sedan segment? While anticipation for the production car is high, the future transformations of the "Sentra" and "Altima," which will share the platform, are also eagerly awaited.