Nissan Ellure Concept: 2010 L.A. Auto Show
- Looks like: A swoopier Maxima
- Defining characteristics: Glass roof and aerodynamic wheels
- Ridiculous features: Concept car standby, replacing mirrors with cameras, suicide doors
- Chance of being mass-produced: Zero
Nissan seems conflicted about the Ellure concept. It says its “engagingly seductive” yet follows that by saying it doesn’t give any glimpse of what future Nissan sedans will look like. That’s strange, because these days, automakers design concept car specifically to see how a new design scheme will look in a physical form.
This form uses some of the styling from the Nissan 370Z sports car and oddly enough the just released Quest minivan up front. The rear has a lot less going on and borrows directly from the upscale Infiniti lineup. The profile actually reminds me a bit of the Mazda6 sedan with large front fenders. All of this covers a form the size of a current Nissan Maxima.
Nissan says the Ellure is meant to celebrate the company’s sedan heritage including Sentra, Altima and Maxima, but then won’t commit to it. It seems like they may be fishing for media and consumer reaction.
After seeing it in person I’d say I’m as non-committal of the concept as Nissan is. It’s interesting, but not stunning.
