LA 2010: Nissan Ellure concept previews future sedan design

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

LA 2010: Nissan Ellure concept previews future sedan design

by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Nov 17th 2010 at 3:26PM

Nissan calls its Ellure concept "the sedan re-imagined," previewing what sort of design is possible for its forthcoming four-door range. This concept is at once elegant and aggressive, with styling elements that don't stray too far from what the automaker is currently putting out. Those headlamps, for example, use the same fin-like design of the taillights on the 370Z and Juke, and are a more forward-thinking version of what we currently see on the Maxima.

Let's be clear, though – there are plenty of elements on the Ellure that are purely concept car spec. The large, 21-inch wheels and rear-hinged rear doors, for example – stylish and sleek, yes, but hardly practical for future production sedans. The same thing can be said for the interior, which uses suede seats, "floating" headrests, red floors and red pedals (why don't more cars have these?).

The Ellure is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter inline-four and a 25-kilowatt electric motor, mated to the automaker's Xtronic CVT and a front-wheel-drive layout. Nissan says the concept uses regenerative braking and an advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering system to ensure that the Ellure is as involving as possible for drivers out on the road.

No, the Ellure won't be destined for production, but we're eager to see how this sexy new sedan influences Nissan's future product portfolio. See it in full high-res glory in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the official press release.

link:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/nissan-ellure-concept-la-2010/

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2010 Nissan Ellure Concept

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Editor

November 17th, 2010

Nissan is rolling out a new sedan concept at this week’s 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, building on the automaker’s long tradition of sedan design that includes numerous generations of Maximas, Altimas and Sentras. The new concept is the Nissan Ellure, an expressive design that points the way toward some of the automaker’s next-generation sedan models.

Nissan, however, is quick to point out that the Ellure is not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, though it confirms Nissan’s intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come.

The proportions of the new Ellure feature the 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--both in the cabin and the trunk.

Under the hood is an advanced hybrid system that mates a 240 horsepower supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a 25 kilowatt (35 horsepower) electric drive motor with a clutch on either end. The drive motor is mounted between the internal combustion engine and Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with drive being sent to the front wheels.

Filling out each of the wheel wells are 21 inch light alloys wrapped with Michelin low-rolling-resistance tires and semi-transparent full wheel covers for minimal air drag.

The big news is the introduction of “Pure Drive”, a sub-brand that will likely be used on production models to denote its cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles. Nissan describes Pure Drive vehicles as featuring the most advanced technologies to deliver to customers an optimal balance of top-level fuel consumption and value.

For more details check out John Voelcker’s extensive report over at GreenCarReports.

link:

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1051597_2010-los-angeles-auto-show-2010-nissan-ellure-concept

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

LA Show 2010: Nissan's Ellure Sedan Targets Sophisticated Female Eco-Rebels [52 Photos]

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010

Besides dropping its Murano CrossCabriolet at this year's LA Auto Show, Nissan has also brought the Ellure concept. Nissan says the Ellure represents Nissan's commitment to the sedan segment, but not any particular upcoming model. If anything, take this as a 4-door design exercise that's "an ideal fit for the needs of its [potential] projected owners, women in their '30s and '40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion."

The Ellure gets its "aerodynamic" on thanks to an underbody pan, covered 21-inch wheels covered with clear plates, and those sinuous curves. Also, the grille is inspired by a formal samurai coat, or Kamishino, while the rear takes cues from the Torii gates found on Shinto shrines (Nissan/Infiniti has been really good lately about integrating Japanese culture into their designs, don't you think?).

Shiro Nakamura, Nissan senior VP and Chief Creative Officer, says, "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."

The "Molten" interior, which houses a floating center console, incorporates lines from the concept's exterior to help fuse passenger and passer-by experiences. Also, there is a full wraparound treatment from front to back that starts with the dashboard and moves around the "lounge-like" rear seat. Eco-materials are used throughout, too, like chrome-free "eco-tanned" leather on the dash and eco-suede on the front seats (ultra-suede in back, playa).

The powertrain is "conceived" as a 2.5-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine connected to a 25 kW electric motor driving the front wheels through an Xtronic continuously variable transmission.

Anyone else think this is what the next Sentra should look like? It better, because otherwise Hyundai's Elantra is going to own the compact segment on looks alone.

By Phil Alex

LINK:

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-show-2010-nissan-ellure-sedan.html

[daves87rs]

Hmmm...

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I actually really like it.

[ocnblu]

I was going to say "Altima", but if this is a preview of the next Sentra, even better. The current Sentra is just too odd.

[A Horse With No Name]

I actually really like it.

I do also, which is surprising since I don't like a lot of modern Nissan designs.

[67impss]

I like it but do like most Nissan designs. After the Joke I was sure that would get really strange hope this is were they're going forward.