Possibly in hopes of reminding the assembled writers that the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is not the future of the brand’s design, part of the CC launch was spent at Nissan Design North America where we were shown a clay model representing some of the design cues that could appear on future Nissan sedans. The designer we spoke to was careful to point out that this is neither an official concept nor “the next Altima,” but rather an exploration of the evolving Nissan design language. For example, the Z-car’s “boomerang” taillights, which have spread to vehicles like the Maxima, Juke and Murano CC are now found in the headlights of this unfinished clay model. The “J-line” kick-up where the beltline meets the C-pillar is also on display. Otherwise, there are also some unusually organic, flowing forms that have yet to debut on a production Nissan. I’m not sure this next-generation design answers all the questions floating around about the Nissan brand, but it’s an interesting look at the direction Nissan design is headed.
I like it a lot – shades of the Hyundai Sonata and the Mazda 6. If they can avoid the Mazda smile and the Acura beak, they’ll do OK with it.
One of the problems that I find with current designs is how all cars are adopting the same aerodynamically efficient, cab-forward, wedge shape. I understand why this is happening, but it makes it harder and harder to distinguish one car design from another.
One of the things I like about the current Altima is that it still has a relatively elongated (and shapely) front hood. The Altima is still quite distinctive, the model above is not.
Looks like a stretched Civic to me….
It just looks like a Honda Civic except for the C-pillar, which looks to be the creation of someone who never heard about the weakest link in a chain.
Hmm… Early 2000s GM concept with a dash of Mazda and 370Z. Ho-hum. When is Nissan going to produce the 2006 Urge X-Box 360?
I see Buick in it, particularly the large grill opening. Compare it to the new Regal.
I think that’s actually just a clay model of the recent Ellure concept:
http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2010-ellure_concept/
Ha, yes – you nailed it. Good find.
<yawn>
Could be any Hyundai. Big whoop.
Sure looks like an Elantra in profile.
Thought of Hyundai immediately when I saw the picture, before reading the text or the comments.
This is a much better design language IMHO: https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/02/whats-wrong-with-this-picture-baby-jag-by-bertone-edition/
Actually I like it alot. Make it in three different sizes, and sell. It would have to be a true large car though as the Maxima in current form is not. Go directly at the Avalon in size and the Altima in driving pleasure.
The sharply pointed “C” pillar indentation where either glass or a black plastic triangle usually goes makes it look loke a Mazda 6. So far, so good. Make it economical to feed, though. Build it!
I see the next Sentra in that clay model. Good thing the Sentra is not something I would consider for my next car.
As nearly everyone else said, Nissan’s “new design direction” looks a lot like eveyone else’s new design direction. Yes, at 70 mph, this “fluid” design may offer welcome aerodynamic advantages, but what about in towns, around suburbia and in mall parking lots where better visibility would be advantageous? Also, the steeply raked windshield that seems to be gaining in design popularity is reflective, glary, fogs under some conditions and requires a contortionist to keep clean on the inside. Aerodynamics isn’t the only functional characteristic that bears watching.