Nissan designers are targeted on the longer term, which is clear by taking a look at a few of the model’s latest merchandise like the electrical Ariya crossover and the upcoming Z Proto sports activities automobile. However these two automobiles are simply the tipping level by way of design. Right now, Vice President of Nissan Design America David Woodhouse and former Nissan designer Jaebum “JB” Choi unveiled an idea that provides us an early glimpse into the model’s distant future.
Dubbed the Nissan GT-R (X) 2050, JB Choi created the unique sketches and renderings of this idea whereas nonetheless a pupil on the ArtCenter School of Design. That led to an internship at Nissan Design America, and finally, the corporate determined it might develop the full-scale mannequin you see right here.



Measuring in at 10 ft lengthy and simply 2 ft tall, the low-slung GT-R (X) idea is nearer to a “superbike on 4 wheels” than a conventional supercar, Woodhouse notes. However the idea does borrow some Nissan cues you may already be conversant in, just like the signature V-Movement entrance finish and quad rounded taillights. However one factor that really separates this idea from each different supercar is the seating place.
With a purpose to pilot the GT-R (X), drivers would lie on their stomachs, with their heads on the entrance axle and their arms and ft at every wheel – virtually like they’re flying above the street. It will additionally require donning a particular go well with that features a helmet for brain-to-vehicle connectivity, a futuristic idea that Nissan has hinted at previously. Choi imagines his GT-R (X) idea can be a “wearable machine,” one thing akin to a futuristic exoskeleton.
“Exoskeletons in the present day make individuals stronger by carrying mechanical buildings. I attempted to suit the scale of an individual’s physique as a lot as I may, as if I had been carrying a automobile,” Choi tells us. “I wished to create a brand new type of machine that’s not a car to journey, it’s the area the place machine and human grow to be one.”

40 Images
Clearly, this idea is not hitting the Nissan manufacturing line anytime quickly. However as Woodhouse notes, it’s a good perception into what the model hopes to attain within the distant future.
“[JB’s] thesis was all about demonstrating the emotional connection know-how can create and the profit that it may ship for patrons,” Woodhouse says. “It was tremendous thrilling for the NDA group to assist JB give type to this concept as a 1:1 mannequin.”
As for Choi, his internship with Nissan Design America wrapped up earlier this 12 months. The corporate was so impressed along with his GT-R (X) idea and the story behind it, although, that he now works full-time on the studio. So anticipate extra superb designs from him sooner or later.