Nissan marks two decades of its London-based Nissan Design Europe (NDE) with the unveiling of its latest urban electric concept car, the Nissan Concept 20-23. Nissan’s CEO, Makoto Uchida, showcased the new vehicle right across NDE’s iconic location at the Grand Union canal’s Paddington Basin.
Why It Matters
This release commemorates the 20th anniversary of NDE and demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to innovative design and sustainable urban mobility. The Concept 20-23 symbolizes Nissan’s blend of contemporary technology with its long-standing tradition of unique city car designs.
Key Points
- Design Origins: Concept 20-23 was crafted by NDE’s budding designers, inspired by their London surroundings.
- Naming Inspiration: The name reflects 20 years of NDE in London, Nissan’s conventional number 2 (ni) 3 (san), and the current year.
- Legacy: The concept echoes Nissan’s Pike cars’ heritage like the Be-1, Pao, Figaro, and S-Cargo but adds a contemporary twist.
- Design Attributes:
- Aerodynamic design featuring deep skirts for optimized airflow.
- Distinctive LED front headlights and rear lights with a semi-circle design.
- Extended wheel arches for reduced air resistance and muscular aesthetics.
- Roof-integrated thin air intake.
- Exterior finish in grey paint resembling a solid metal block, with the signature number “23” displayed.
- Interior:
- Sporty interior featuring scissor doors.
- Deep bucket seats ensuring comfort with a race car vibe.
- Futuristic steering column with multifunctional steering wheel.
- Minimalistic design emphasizing essential information and controls.
Bottom Line
Nissan’s Concept 20-23 is more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to the company’s legacy, innovative spirit, and vision for the future of urban transportation. As put by Nissan’s Senior Vice President for global design, Alfonso Albaisa, this model epitomizes 20 years of daring ideas and tangible innovations from NDE.
