World debut for the Nissan Ellure Concept in LA

Proving its longtime tradition in designing appealing sedans, such as the Datsun 510 and numerous generations of Maximas, Altimas and Sentras, Nissan is presenting in a world premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show its newest sedan concept: the Ellure.

“While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan’s intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come,” explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “As an expression of our long-term vision for the next generation of great Nissan sedans, Ellure allows us to introduce a new sedan concept – one that honors the sedan’s unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark. It’s an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion.”

The Ellure keeps faithful to the basic layout and dimensions of a traditional mid-size sedan, but takes on the advantage of a next-generation compact hybrid powertrain, allowing its wheels to be pushed out to the corners, creating a stable stance and ample interior room, as well as a highly functional trunk.

From the outside the Ellure concept features a contrast between broad planes and strong shoulders. Its body covers the front wheels and radiate outward toward the sides and rear. Although there is a simple bending of the sheet metal, the Ellure exhibits a dynamic design that starts on the front grille and lights and goes up the sculpted shoulder lines and on to the full glass roof and ends on the rear fascia.

The skirted front fascia and solid-transparent front grille with small openings that directs the wind over and under the body are some of the cues in the Ellure design that give him a kind of “eco” image. The design concept also features a full underbody pan, molded side rearview camera housings, small wheel openings and full transparent covers over 21-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-rolling resistance Michelin tires.

“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,” said Nakamura.

The grille found on the Ellure has been inspired by “Kamishino” Samurai formal coat. It combines edges and bright surfaces to add a polished, almost jewel-like surfacing.

Inspired by a “Torii” Shinto shrine gate, the rear end of the Ellure is a nod to traditional Japanese design. On the side the concept car is dominated by the large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access.

Besides displaying Nissan’s future sedan design language, the new Ellure also represents how future Nissan sedans will balance the conflicting desires for fun-to-drive performance, ample passenger/luggage utility and sustainable mobility.

The Ellure is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and a 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT™ and front-wheel drive.