Nissan unveils Hyper Tourer EV concept

NISSAN has unveiled the third instalment of its ‘Hyper’ electric concept vehicle series ahead of next week’s Japan Mobility Show, the Hyper Tourer futuristic people mover that will make its physical debut in Tokyo from October 25.

Intent on “nurturing and reinforcing the bond between people as the journey together”, this ultra-modern take on the Nissan Elgrand is said to be geared toward individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and is aimed at personal and business buyers alike.

According to Nissan, the Hyper Tourer concept combines the essence of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) with various advanced technologies, including autonomous driving. It also offers V2X (vehicle-to-everything) connectivity with a high-capacity battery capable of supplying electricity to homes, stores, and offices.

Designers say the exterior of the Hyper Tourer conveys a “sense of comfort within” and is composed of smooth body panels and sharp character lines that “demonstrate traditional Japanese beauty”.

The imposing, almost monolithic presence of the Hyper Tourer is said to harmonise with its surroundings, the sides flowing diagonally from the front to the rear for “higher aerodynamic performance” and “the impression of a smooth drive”.

Further, the white waistline of the Hyper Tourer serves as the vehicle’s head- and tail-lights, while its Kumiko-patterned wheels, and the soft, straight body lines, create “a premium feel beyond the concept’s class”.

Internally, the Hyper Tourer’s space comes in part from the use of high energy density, solid-state batteries that Nissan says have allowed it to create “innovative (in) car packaging”.

Boasting an ultra-low centre of gravity and all-wheel drive, the model is said to offer smooth, flat acceleration and deceleration.

It also offers a range of unique features, such as the overhead console and lighting feature that draws its design from traditional Japanese Kumiko and Koushi patterns “to create a sense of luxury”, and a flat LED panel set in the floor that displays imagery of a riverbed and the sky, “helping create a relaxing space where digital and nature are fused”.

Importantly, and thanks to its fully autonomous driving capabilities, the Hyper Concept offers the ability for the driver’s seat to swivel, allowing them to “focus on interacting with their travel companions”. 

The rear-seat passengers can use a wearable display to view and operate the navigation and audio systems of the Hyper Concept, “creating a sense of unity among all occupants”, Nissan says.

An artificial intelligence system can also monitor passenger biometric signals, including brain waves, heart rate and perspiration, and automatically select music and lighting to fit the mood.

Nissan says the Hyper Tourer concept “re-envisions the road trip by combining the comfort of a luxurious living room with the convenience of a passenger van – all contained in a stylish and futuristic package”.

Expect to see more from the Japan Mobility Show from October 25.