We adore futuristic concept cars and minivans, so Nissan’s upcoming debut of the Hyper Tourer at the Tokyo auto show next week is something we are more than pleased to celebrate.
This is most certainly not a “close to production” concept previewing a future model; the Hyper Tourer appears to serve primarily as a design teaser for Nissan’s next generation of vehicles. Earlier this month, the company previewed the lower and streamlined Hyper Urban concept, another Tokyo debut. Both indicate that the company’s upcoming products will feature significantly more angular form language.
The electric Hyper Tourer is marketed as a vehicle that “reimagines the group road trip by combining the luxury of a living room with the practicality of a passenger van, all in a stylish and futuristic package.”
The body panels feature a contrast between seamless body panels and “sharp character lines” intended to convey traditional Japanese beauty, delivering on this final point. The white accent line that separates the glass from the bodywork around the entire exterior of the Hyper Tourer integrates ultra-slim headlights, while the broad front panel and wheels feature kumiko, a traditional Japanese design typically comprised of interlocking wooden bars.
The interior of the Hyper Tourer is where the real fun begins, due to the combination of enormous space—aided by solid-state batteries, according to Nissan—and spectacular design elements. Twin sliding doors provide access to a cabin with four individual chairs, the front ones of which pivot to face those in the rear when the vehicle is entirely autonomous.
As with the other claimed technologies, you’ll need to use your imagination, particularly since it has been three years since former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who is now an international fugitive, said the company would have delivered fully autonomous vehicles. However, it’s encouraging to know that this ideal is still alive.
The rear of the Hyper Tourer features more traditional Japanese design, as well as a large flat LED panel display in the floor that can display images of a riverbed and the sky to, as stated by the manufacturer, “help create a relaxing space where digital and nature are fused.” Apparently, rear-seat occupants can also use a wearable display system to view and control navigation and audio settings, so they do not feel left out.
Even if something comparable to the Hyper Tourer were to enter production, it is highly unlikely that it would be sold in the United States. However, we can fantasize, cannot we?
Leave a Reply