Detroit show: Nissan outlines future with Vmotion 2.0

NISSAN has used the stage at the North American International Auto Show to unveil a concept named the Vmotion 2.0, which it says signals both the company’s future sedan design direction as well as its autonomous technology advances.

The Vmotion 2.0 builds on the ‘V-Motion’ front design template used in other Nissan vehicles such as the latest-generation Murano SUV and Maxima large sedan, neither of which are sold in Australia.

The model is characterised by sharp lines – which Nissan calls its ‘Emotional Geometry’ design language – which is present throughout the car, from the headlights and air intakes, to the bonnet and doors, finishing at the rear with angular, ‘boomerang’ style tail-lights and a diffuser that, like the front badge, glows when Nissan’s ProPilot autonomous driving system is engaged.

The 4860mm long, 1380mm high silhouette is accented by a ‘floating’ glass roof and C-pillar, while the roof line is accented with a carbon-fibre finisher with silver threads.

Metallic colours are a theme of the exterior, demonstrated by the ‘warm silver’ body paint with copper undertones which changes hue in different light, and large, two-tone metallic alloy wheels.

The cabin is accessed through ‘suicide’ doors that open to reveal a pillar-less space filled with a mix of diverse materials and colours.

The Vmotion 2.0’s dashboard contains a large, singe instrument cluster and infotainment system interface that also integrates the ProPilot graphic user interface. The centre console has tactile buttons and a multi-functional touchpad for access to the various systems.

Cabin materials include leather with threadless quilting on the seats, leather steering wheel, centre console and dashboard, carpet trim on parts of the floors, and ‘Zebra’ wood trim on the floors and doors.

The two rear passengers are treated to ample legroom due to the car’s extended, 2850mm wheelbase, and a centre console screen which can serve as an extension of the main display.

Lines of gold metal rise the length of the seat to reveal Bose UltraNearfield speakers embedded in the headrests, which can control the direction and distance of sound to generate a 360-degree sound field around the driver.

As part of ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility’ – the brand’s desire to achieve zero emissions and zero fatalities on roads – the Vmotion 2.0 is equipped with the ProPilot autonomous driving system which Nissan plans to eventually guide the car in autonomous mode in all traffic and road conditions.

No technical information has been given as to what engine powers the Vmotion however, if the goal of Nissan Intelligent Mobility is zero emissions, a hybrid or fully-electric powertrain would be a frontrunner should the car ever go into production.