(continued from above)
"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," explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief
creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML), who supervised the global design
effort. "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 honors 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."
A Simple Yet Provocatively Modern
Exterior
The Ellure exterior expresses the warmth of a sculpture, but
is defined by the solid movement of the shapes - and the control of light and
dark in a way that is sophisticated yet rebellious. Its designers sought to
shift the balance between rational values and emotional ones, expressing both
intelligent, sustainable design qualities and a sense of passion and fun. The
proportions of the new Ellure respect the basic layout and dimensions of a
traditional mid-size sedan, while taking advantage of a next-generation compact
hybrid powertrain. This allows the wheels to be pushed out to the corners,
creating a stable stance and ample interior room, as well as a highly functional
trunk - despite the smooth aerodynamic form.
The exterior projects a
sense of strong mass, with a refined contrast between broad planes and strong
shoulders. Rather than trying to hide its front-wheel drive dynamics, the body
forms drape over the front wheels and radiate outward toward the sides and rear.
The bending of the sheet metal is utterly simple but dynamic - sheer and
taut like a shock wave. Ellure is not designed to hide its "sedan-ness," as some
so-called 4-door coupes do, but to honor the form with the way light transitions
like a ribbon or wave from the bold front grille and lights, through the
sculpted shoulder lines and on to the full glass roof and strong rear end. It's
all about using a sense of tension and release to keep the shape interesting and
the viewer interested.
While not intended to project an obvious "eco"
image, the Ellure design includes serious elements of efficiency. The deeply
skirted front fascia and bold solid-transparent front grille with small openings
direct the wind over and under the body. Ellure also features a full underbody
pan, molded side rearview camera housings (utilized in place of traditional
outside mirrors), small wheel openings and full transparent covers over 21-inch
5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-rolling resistance Michelin
tires.
"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.
Nissan Ellure Concept: Review (2/2)
