In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Nissan Design Europe (NDE) being established in London, Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s President and Chief Executive Officer, paid a visit to NDE. During his visit, a remarkable new urban electric concept car called the Nissan Concept 20-23 was unveiled. This unveiling took place in a unique and inspiring location, as the new show car was presented on a floating barge right outside NDE, situated along the Paddington Basin section of the Grand Union canal.
The Nissan Concept 20-23 was the brainchild of a team that included some of the younger members of NDE. Their task was straightforward: design a car without any constraints that they would personally love to drive on the city streets where they work. The name “Concept 20-23” carries significant meaning. It pays tribute to NDE’s two decades of presence in London, featuring the numbers 2 (ni) and 3 (san), as well as denoting the current year. This concept car also continues Nissan’s rich tradition of infusing a playful and eye-catching spirit into the realm of hatchbacks and city cars. It’s a modern take on the legacy of Nissan’s renowned Pike cars, including classics like the Be-1, Pao, Figaro, and S-Cargo, adding a 21st-century twist to this small-car tradition.
The Nissan Concept 20-23 boasts a distinctive 3-door hatchback body-style that incorporates highly aerodynamic elements both at the front and rear. The car’s design features deep skirts that serve the purpose of guiding airflow away from the car’s front. This redirected airflow then passes through openings designed to cool the brakes before exiting through vents situated just behind the front wheels.
Moving to the front of the vehicle, you’ll notice a unique design approach. The front end presents a flat plane that gradually rises to meet the top of the hood. This design creates an unexpectedly clean and sleek surface. Positioned within this area are the front headlights, which have a distinctive appearance characterized by a thin upper and lower semi-circle design, enhanced by the use of LED technology. The turn signal is seamlessly integrated into the same semi-circle LED unit. These headlights contribute to the Concept 20-23’s friendly and inviting appearance, standing out amidst the complex aerodynamic features that govern the car’s airflow.
When viewed from the side, the car exudes a sense of muscularity, achieved through extended wheel arches that encase large wheels equipped with low-profile tires. The upper sections of the front and rear wheel arches incorporate vented louvres, strategically placed to mitigate air resistance within the wheel bay. The curvature of the wheel arches stops abruptly at the lower door level, where sharp angular intersections frame the air outlet located behind the front wheel. Similarly, angular slits on the rear wheel arches facilitate the cooling of the rear brakes. The extended skirts seamlessly hug the lower portion of the car’s body, contributing to its overall aerodynamic profile.
Moving to the rear of the Nissan Concept 20-23, you’ll notice a striking design feature in the form of a large, single-piece spoiler that seamlessly emerges from the roof rail. This spoiler incorporates endplates that gracefully curve from a near-vertical orientation close to the c-pillar to an angled horizontal element. This design not only adds a touch of elegance but also serves a functional purpose by generating downforce to enhance stability. Importantly, the rear spoiler does not compromise rear visibility, addressing a common issue faced by sports cars with rear spoilers.
The rear of the car continues to impress with its thoughtfully designed elements. The rear lights mirror the front design, featuring thin upper and lower semi-circle LEDs. These elements contrast with the squared-off shapes in the lower portion of the lights, which serve both functional and aerodynamic purposes. They effectively manage airflow and maximize the creation of downforce as air escapes from beneath the car. The rear hatchback’s outline is highlighted by a horizontal bar that extends across the full width of the vehicle, below what appears to be a gentle, welcoming curve, resembling a soft smile.
While the Concept 20-23 primarily focuses on its exterior design, the interior does not disappoint. The sporty theme carries over seamlessly into the cabin. Accessing the interior is a unique experience, facilitated by two scissor doors that hinge upwards from the base of the A-pillar. A protective foam-padded brace bar spans the door openings, requiring both the driver and passenger to step over it as they settle into their seats. The car’s deep bucket seats offer snug support without sacrificing comfort. They are elegantly trimmed in a near-white finish, and a prominent head-support design reminiscent of racing cars enhances the sporty feel.
Once seated, the driver is greeted by an extended steering column that culminates in a rectangular sports steering wheel adorned with a multitude of controls and adjustment options. Paddles for adjusting the electric powertrain’s performance and additional switches are thoughtfully placed within easy reach, just behind the steering wheel, allowing for effortless control and customization of the driving experience.
Within the Nissan Concept 20-23’s interior, the steering column is anchored by a sturdy carbon-fiber mount. This mount is securely bolted into place, originating from the base of the generously sized, open aperture that forms the center console. Positioned between the two occupants, two robust metal beams provide support for the center console and are firmly bolted to the car’s “spine” that extends up from the floor. Beneath these two brace bars, a fire extinguisher is strategically mounted, emphasizing the safety-conscious design of the interior.
The interior of the Concept 20-23 offers a futuristic interpretation of a racing car’s essential functionality. It adopts a minimalist approach with just a couple of screens prominently displaying vital information, ensuring minimal distractions for the driver. This design philosophy reflects the inspiration drawn from real racing cars, such as Nissan’s Formula E entrant, which often serve as the blueprint for high-end online racing simulator setups.