The auto industry has seen some of the coolest looking vehicles in the form of concept cars. These vehicles are not only made to catch the attention of auto enthusiasts but also show the direction that a company is going in terms of design, features, and performance. These vehicles are often found on motor shows where they can be viewed by car enthusiasts.
Nissan is one company which has taken inspiration from other industries and fused them with their concept vehicles. While these vehicles may not be available to the public, it is evidence that Nissan can design and manufacture such advanced cars. Two of their most notable concept vehicles are inspired by the Xbox 360 and Adidas. The Xbox 360 inspired concept vehicle is the Nissan Urge while the Adidas-inspired one is named the Nissan Note.
The Urge is a roadster which according to Nissan is "motorcycle-inspired". This futuristic vehicle combines futuristic driving and realistic gaming. This is because the Urge concept can be used to play "Project Gotham Racing 3". The concept car is the result of the partnership between Microsoft and the Nissan Design America Inc. The Nissan Urge truly combines gaming with driving since a person can play PGR 3 using the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedals of the vehicle. This is made possible by the hard work put into the design and construction of the vehicle by Nissan designers and Microsoft engineers.
The vehicle is equipped with the "Xbox 360™ next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft" according to Nissan. The player can use the controls of the car while viewing the action through the 7-inch LCD screen that doubles as a rear view mirror when the car is used for actual driving.
This concept gaming car was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. While this particular car is years away from production, it shows how car manufacturers are tuned to the ongoing trend among the new generation of car buyers. If this car is fitted with the same powerful engine used in the Nissan Z car and all its components such as Nissan distributor caps, spark plugs, and the like, one can experience an exhilarating driving experience both in the virtual and the real world.
The impact of the younger generation on the future design of Nissan vehicles is explained by Bruce Campbell, the Vice-President of Nissan Design America. "Nissan conducted an Internet survey of 2,000 eco boomers, a majority of which said technology and gaming are among the most important attributes in their first car," Campbell said. "Xbox 360 offered the latest in technology and was already a favorite among this audience," he added. According to the company: "A Nissan URGE driver can, for example, maneuver through the streets of New York, park the car and fire up the Xbox 360, then virtually race through the same streets using the same steering wheel, gas pedal and brake pedal - blurring fantasy and reality in a way that the automotive world has never before seen."
Another Nissan concept vehicle is based on the mini MPV produced by Nissan for the Japanese and European market - the Nissan Note. The concept vehicle is inspired by German sports apparel manufacturer Adidas. The decision to design a vehicle inspired by Nissan is aimed to catch the attention of the younger generation of car buyers. The current fashion tend being sportswear like those created by Adidas, Nissan developed a vehicle that will embody the same traits that Adidas products posses.
One of the most notable characteristic of these products is the color that is why Nissan created the Adidas inspired Note with youth-oriented colors. To make the concept Note standout, Nissan designed "wearable" items for the vehicle. Of these, the seats are the most notable since consumers have the power to change the covers to match their preference or mood. Aside from this, materials used on sportswear like rubber are used on the vehicle's interior.
While the Adidas inspired Note and the Urge Concept are just what they are, concept cars, their development shows what Nissan is capable of. Whether they will be mass produced is another story. But for those who love gaming, individuality and driving, there is reason to hope for a brighter future in terms of automobile development.
About the Author
Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.
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