 Nissan Ellure concept. Click image to enlarge |
Photo Gallery:
Nissan Ellure concept
Los Angeles, California – Describing it as an “engagingly seductive” sedan target at “women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion,” Nissan presented the Nissan Ellure concept car to the media at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show today.
“While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan’s intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come,” explained Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “As an expression of our long-term vision for the next generation of great Nissan sedans, Ellure allows us to introduce a new sedan concept – one that honours the sedan’s unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark. It’s an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion.”
Its next-generation compact hybrid powertrain allowed the wheels to be pushed out to the corners, creating a stable stance and roomy interior as well as a highly functional trunk – despite its smooth aerodynamic shape.
“Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We’ve used Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle,” said Nakamura.
The Ellure grille, with its large polished Nissan badge, was inspired by “Kamishino” Samurai formal coat. A nod to traditional Japanese design can also be seen in the Ellure’s rear end, which is inspired by a “Torii” Shinto shrine gate. The sides of the vehicle are dominated by large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access and easy ingress/egress.
The “Geode” White tri-coat mica paint features pearlescent/gold flake with a blue aspect that varies in appearance by tone and temperature of light.
Inside, the dramatic instrument panel design flows from door-to-door, seamlessly integrating with the door panels and blending into the lounge-like rear seat to wrap the driver and passengers in an elegant and passionate space. With clean, intuitive touch interfaces, the wide display panel screens present information in a two-level layout, with information arranged by priority of use. The chrome-free leather (eco tanning process) on instrument panel offers a colour gradation and use of heat repellent pigment to help reduced glare and air conditioning compensation. The special truncated shape of the steering wheel provides a clearer view of the instrument panel and display screens.
The front seats are covered with a black eco-suede utilizing recycled fibers (100% post industrial PET ultra microfiber). The seat design itself uses transparent red acrylic seatback panels and low shoulder height to reduce the usual “wall” between front and rear passengers. The front passenger seat design includes a forward-facing ottoman, and both front seats include elegant “floating headrests.”
The “showpiece” of the interior is the “floating” centre console with a sculptural, see-through effect, white leather covering and backlit red nighttime lighting. A console-mounted central controller provides intuitive control for HVAC, audio, navigation and other functions. The all-glass ceiling is embedded with special red mood lighting.
The three-person rear seat, covered in gray ultra-suede, provides the roominess of sedan but the feeling of coupe. The “shock wave” carpeting design, with rings of color radiating from center out, follows the topography of the interior. The carpeting itself is made from handmade strips of 100% wool felt, which is naturally water repellent.
Other interior features include hidden audio system speakers embedded in doors and headrests, interior “alcove” style, recessed lighting design and armrest touch controls with haptic feedback.
“We’ve provided a private and passionate inside space that the owner can feel is completely her own. Not a hangout space in itself, we see the Ellure interior as mobile social space hosted by the driver,” adds Nakamura.
The Ellure drivetrain is conceived as a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive. It would also include an independent suspension, regenerative braking, and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering .
