Rahul Somvanshi
Nissan Design Europe (NDE) threw a right royal bash in London, unveiling the next-gen Concept 20-23 car and marking 20 years of top-notch design. Picture this: the reveal happened on a floating barge on the Grand Union canal, just opposite the NDE studio – talk about making a splash! Nissan’s top chair, CEO Makoto Uchida, was present, mentioning the importance of this milestone.
The Concept 20-23 isn’t just any motor; it’s a nod to Nissan’s heritage of bold hatchbacks, mixing the excitement of online simulator racing with real-life Formula E vibes. Alfonso Albaisa, one of the biggies in global design at Nissan, said, “We told the young guns at NDE to design a fun electric city car they’d fancy driving around London every day.” The name Concept 20-23 is a clever mash-up of 20 years in London, Nissan’s lucky number 23, and the present year – pretty nifty, right? Crafted by a lively and diverse crew, including some fresh faces at NDE, this car is as eclectic and spirited as London itself! Albaisa added, “The 20-23 Concept is a compact hatchback with a twist, blending modern city living, online gaming, and zero emissions.”
The car’s sleek aerodynamics, featuring deep skirts at both ends, ensure a breezy airflow and cool brakes. With its distinctive semi-circle LED headlights, this car is a friendly face in the crowd. The Concept 20-23 flexes its muscles with extended wheel arches, large wheels, and vented louvres to cut through the air. At the back, there’s a seamlessly integrated spoiler, solving the age-old problem of rear visibility in sports cars. The car’s gritty grey paint job reflects the urban vibes of London, looking like it’s been carved from a single piece of metal. The number 23, a big deal for Nissan, is proudly displayed, adding a touch of identity.
Similar Posts
While we only got a peek at the exterior, the imagined interior is just as sporty, featuring scissor doors and deep bucket seats. The driver is welcomed by a futuristic steering wheel, kitted out with all the controls you could wish for. The inside of the car is all about racing functionality, with minimal distractions and vital info on display. Albaisa summed it up as a “fitting celebration of 20 years of bold ideas coming to life at NDE!”
NDE, nestled in a historic building by the Grand Union Canal since 2003, is home to over 60 creative minds. This studio has been the birthplace of game-changers like the Qashqai and Juke, reshaping the car landscape. Matthew Weaver, Vice President of NDE, is chuffed with the team’s consistently bold and innovative work. The Concept 20-23 showcases Nissan’s commitment to bold design and electric mobility, giving us a sneak peek into the future.
The reveal has us all buzzing about what the next 20 years will bring as NDE dives into electrification and autonomous tech. The studio, once a hotspot for 90s “raves”, has a colourful history before Nissan spruced it up. NDE’s first project, the Qashqai Concept, was a hit at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, later becoming a crossover sensation. The Juke, revealed in 2009, was a Marmite car – you either loved it or hated it – and it became another win for Nissan. The team also dreamt up the Ariya Single Seater Concept, exploring the potential of an all-electric racing car.
Other gems from NDE include the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo and the Gripz concept car. The Gripz paid tribute to the 240Z, the 1971 Safari Rally champ, and hinted at the design of the next-gen Juke. The Concept 20-23 is a celebration of Nissan’s innovative spirit and two decades of design leadership. With the car world evolving, the NDE team is ready to bring more groundbreaking designs to the table.
The Concept 20-23, blending playful design and advanced tech, is where real racing meets online gaming. The unveiling, set against the historic NDE studio and the canal, was a meeting of past, present, and future design. As Nissan continues its green journey, the Concept 20-23 is a symbol of the brand’s vision for urban electric cars. The world is now watching with bated breath as Nissan, with its rich heritage, steers into the future. With the Concept 20-23 lighting the way, it’s a thrilling time for the automotive design lovers!
