Nissan Design Europe (NDE) proudly marked its 20th anniversary in London by introducing the revolutionary Nissan Concept 20-23. The celebration took place on a floating barge in the heart of the city, paying homage to the studio's unique location and the creative spirit that has thrived within its walls.
The Birth of Nissan Concept 20-23 Show car
The Concept 20-23, born from the imaginations of a young and innovative NDE team, was designed without constraints, allowing them to craft a vehicle they would love to drive through the bustling streets of London. The name "Concept 20-23" encapsulates 20 years of NDE's presence in London, combining the traditional Japanese numerals "ni" (2) and "san" (3) with the current year. Furthermore, it draws inspiration from Nissan's rich history of crafting unique hatchbacks and city cars, such as the Be-1, Pao, Figaro, and S-Cargo, introducing a contemporary twist to this cherished tradition.
Design Philosophy and Inspiration of the Electric Hot Hatch
Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's Senior Vice President for global design, shared insights into Concept 20-23's creation at its grand reveal. He described it as a compact hatchback strongly influenced by the world of online racing, reflecting the fusion of modern city living, online gaming, and zero-emission mobility.
Aerodynamic Brilliance
The Concept 20-23 boasts a 3-door hatchback body with radical aerodynamic enhancements at the front and rear. Deep skirts guide airflow away from the front, passing through apertures to cool the brakes and exit through vents behind the front wheels. The front end features clean lines with distinctive LED headlights, creating a friendly yet dynamic appearance amidst the complex aerodynamic shapes.
Muscular Elegance
From the side, muscularity is apparent with extended wheel arches enveloping large wheels fitted with low-profile tires. Vented louvres on the top of the wheel arches help reduce pressure in the wheel bay. Angular intersections frame the air outlets behind the front wheels, while extended skirts hug the car's lower portion.
Aerodynamic Rear Spoiler
At the rear, a large single-piece spoiler adds a harmonious touch while maintaining excellent rear visibility. The rear lights mirror the front's thin semi-circle LED design, emphasizing the car's full width with a horizontal bar defining the rear hatchback outline.
Innovative Roof Ventilation on the Hot Hatch Concept
A thin air intake integrated into the roof's meeting point with the windscreen provides ventilation to occupants, enhancing the driving experience while reflecting Concept 20-23's performance-oriented nature.
Interior details of the Nissan Concept 20-23 Show car
While the Nissan Concept 20-23 is primarily an exterior model, the interior design is equally impressive. Entry is through two scissor doors, and inside, deep bucket seats offer both support and comfort. The interior boasts a futuristic interpretation of a racing car's functionality with minimal distractions, featuring a rectangular sports steering wheel and vital information screens.
Nissan 20-23 Concept - A Perfect Tribute to 20 Years of Design Excellence
The Nissan Concept 20-23 is a fitting tribute to 20 years of innovation at NDE, where bold ideas have continually taken shape and come to life. This sporty urban electric car represents the intersection of creativity, technology, and a commitment to a sustainable future.
