Nissan, a renowned player in the electric vehicle market, has recently unveiled the Concept 20-23, a striking testament to their dedication to innovation and design. This forward-looking concept car, revealed on the occasion of Nissan Design Europe’s (NDE) 20th anniversary in London, represents a fusion of sporty aesthetics and urban practicality.
The Concept 20-23 is not merely a homage to NDE’s two decades in London; it also incorporates Nissan’s iconic number 23 (ni san), signifying the current year. The design team, which included some of the studio’s younger members, was granted creative freedom to craft a vehicle tailored for navigating the bustling streets of London.
Drawing inspiration from Nissan’s involvement in Formula E and the world of online simulator racing, the Concept 20-23 pays homage to Nissan’s storied heritage of distinctive hatchbacks. However, it’s important to note that this concept car is currently presented as an “exterior model only,” leaving specific specifications and dimensions shrouded in mystery. Based on design cues and Nissan’s description, it is likely a three-door variant of the previously teased Micra EV from January 2022.
Aerodynamics take center stage in the Concept 20-23’s design. The car showcases a three-door hatchback body style adorned with prominent aerodynamic elements at the front and rear. Deep skirts guide airflow, providing brake cooling and reducing air resistance in the wheel bay, accentuated by bulging wheel arches and large motorsport-style wheels.
The side profile reveals extended skirts and angular slits framing air outlets and inlets, contributing to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency. The rear of the car boasts a single-piece roof spoiler and a squared-off diffuser, underscoring its sporty demeanor.
Despite its aggressive aerodynamic features, the Concept 20-23 maintains an approachable appearance. LED headlights and taillights designed in thin upper and lower semi-circles, scissor doors, and a textured grey paint finish add to its intriguing aesthetics. The number 23 graces the rear, while a roof scoop provides both flair and additional interior ventilation.
While the Concept 20-23 primarily serves as an exterior model, glimpses of the interior reveal a minimalist, performance-oriented design. The cabin showcases two deep bucket seats reminiscent of racing cars and an extended steering column culminating in a multifunctional steering yoke. The interior exudes simplicity, featuring only two screens for displaying essential information, aligning perfectly with the car’s sporty and minimalist ethos.
Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for global design, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the convergence of modern city living, online gaming, and zero-emissions mobility embodied by Concept 20-23.
Nissan, however, remains tight-lipped about the electric powertrain suited for the Concept 20-23. The company’s plans for this concept car are still undisclosed, but it is reasonable to anticipate that it will exert a significant influence on the design of forthcoming Nissan EVs.
The Nissan Concept 20-23 emerges as a bold and refreshing vision of urban electric cars, seamlessly blending sportiness, practicality, and innovative design. Its enigmatic allure adds to its appeal, making it a promising harbinger of future possibilities in the automotive landscape.
