	Alternativefuel-cars.com

Home

Nissan Bevel Cargo and passenger Van

Concept hybrid by Nissan

Nissan recently showed ( at the Detroit Motor Show ) the‘Bevel’ concept Hybrid commercial and passenger van..To categorise the Nissan Bevel includes ‘a combination minivan and SUV.’ The Bevel has a unique interior, made up of three zones: one for comfort (including the driver’s seat), one for information / technology, and one for utility purposes.

Unlike earlier vans the Nissan Bevel looks similar to a highly modified van of the eighties but with state of the art features

Nissan Bevel Concept vehicle Some of the Bevel Concept features include the solar panel roof and drive-by-wire steering, brakes and throttle. The Bevel’s power plant is a 2.5 litre V6 hybrid-electric engine. As with so many concept cars, the question comes up: would Nissan build the Bevel Concept vehicle for the market? As usual, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the Bevel as is, but we may see elements of the Bevel design and engineering in future Nissan models.

According to recent Nissan press release:

"Bevel’s exterior design begins with the two passenger-side doors, featuring a rear door hinged at the rear to provide an exceptionally wide door opening of nearly five-and-a-half feet. Bevel’s tall one-piece rear hatch features a special horizontal hinge arrangement, with a height when raised of 6’2” from the ground. With the hatch open, a special tailgate-like work platform folds down and snaps into place, creating a sturdy workbench-like area. "

"The “command central” information/technology zone features a series of screens that display images from the sideview mirror cameras and five information menus – Vehicle Information, HVAC, Navigation, Entertainment and Home – through use of the ribbon-mounted controller.

The “Entertainment” control center allows the driver to access phone settings, weather and traffic reports, Internet and personal e-mail accounts, and music, while also allowing the driver to access a home network and monitor locks and security system, heat and air conditioning, appliance, room lighting and garage door status. "

Some automotive manufacturers seem to be more adventurous with their design brief and Nissan consistently appears to put itself firmly into that category. Nissan also seems to use concept cars as specific vehicles for testing and refining design, features and gauging public response. The Nissan Murano is one example of the bridge Nissan has built between concept and production. The interesting thing for me with the Nissan Bevel is that many industry commentators say that it's bold and dramatically innovative, yet I see at least three links to the 1970's in it. Forget the DeLorean - it's back to the future with the Nissan Bevel Concept Car!

Photo and Detroit motor show video.