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Nissan Unveils New "Japanese Futurism" Design Direction

The weirdly clean Max-Out concept

By Rain Noe - February 6, 2023

in Cars

It's funny how these days, by doing something simple you're doing something radical. This is especially true in automotive design, with seemingly every manufacturer cranking out crossover concepts with complicated, confusing surfacing.

In contrast, Nissan's designers have created an almost shockingly simple and clean form with their Max-Out concept, which is intended to illustrate the company's new design direction. Here are the sketches and renders:

"The Nissan Max-Out is a convertible concept that aims to deliver a new driving experience with its superlative stability and comfort. Dynamic cornering and steering response are balanced with limited body roll to optimize driver and passenger comfort, creating a feeling of oneness with the car."

"As a symbol of Nissan's Japanese Futurism design approach, the Max-Out takes shape with clean lines and transforming illuminated elements inside and out to support and embellish the vehicle's feeling of motion and tech."

"The two-seater also features the unique ability to morph the seating, flattening into the floor to offer more interior space when desired, making it ideal for drivers with and without passengers."

And here's the physical model they rolled out at their recent Nissan Futures showcase event this month:

At press time the Max-Out concept didn't even have its own press release nor website; I'm not sure why Nissan's playing it quiet with this one. I think if you're going to do something this simple/radical, you really oughta get in there and own it.

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Larry M

a year ago

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Looks like it would be fun, if well executed.
What’s the Cd? What’s the power train?
Nissan has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory before.

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Priam Givord

a year ago

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I would say there are still unresolved influences & choices (Tron + biodesign ?), it doesn't feel together yet in my opinion. Work the mix until it feels good, keep it up.

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Chuck Mack

a year ago

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The first few sketches had a rather 'baad' look, especially the one with the grim reaper-like driver -(in motion just standing still) then it toned down and became a bit stubby and staid.

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Zach W

a year ago

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This looks sick but I don't get how this is "simple" design. Sure, if you remove the mirrors, cup holders, arm rests, seat-belts, handles, center console, windshield supports and seats from any car it would look "simple" but it's a trainwreck of usability.

This design seems to be based on a super complex curving grid system with dozens of intersecting surfaces and lines. The front and back fenders are overly curved and styled. The lights are ridiculously complicated looking and I'm sure super easy to replace. The molded interior shell looks uncomfortable and completely non-adjustable. God forbid the passenger drops something and it rolls right under your brake lever.... This is a silly concept car meant to "push boundaries" that doesn't even make sense to the user.
I'd wager something like a 1974 BMW 2002 is far more simplistic in shapes and form and just as fun to drive.

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Michael DiTullo

a year ago

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yes please! I love this. It is bizarre in the best possible way.

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