Nissan has shown off a for-real version of its Max-Out EV sports car concept. Previously, the Max-Out had existed only as a computer rendering, but now it's real, and it's being shown off at the Nissan Futures showcase event in the company's global HQ in Yokohama.
Skateboard EV platform
The Max-Out is designed around a new 'skateboard' electric car chassis, which Nissan is working on. It's designed to be as flexible as possible so that it can be used for saloon, hatchback, SUV and even pickup models - and, thankfully, as a two-seat sports car.
"The Nissan Max-Out two-seater convertible is designed to provide a liberating sense of openness while offering an enhanced, dynamic driving experience. The Max-Out displays Nissan's innovation to develop a diverse range of advanced and striking vehicles, with a clear vision of how they can benefit both individuals and society," said Nissan in a statement.
The Max-Out's chassis gets twin electric motors for four-wheel drive and presumably high performance. It's been designed to have as low a centre of gravity as possible and to keep this two-seat car as practical as can be, the passenger seat can fold away flat to liberate extra luggage space. Perfect for the eco-friendly singleton life...
3D light bar
There are no other technical details on offer for now, but just look at how cool this thing is, with its retro-futuristic flowing wedge shape and the full-width 3D rear light bar that looks like an original prop from Star Wars.
Inside, things move from Star Wars to Tron, with an astonishing dayglo grid pattern on everything and a steering 'wheel' which is halfway between an aircraft control yoke and an Xbox joypad. That's before you even get to the almost full-width touchscreen and the fighter-jet style windscreen that wraps around the edges of the cabin.
Production reality? Unlikely in precisely this form (not least because no one really buys sports cars much anymore), but at least Nissan is letting us look at it properly, and the fact that it's at an event called Nissan Futures gives us some hope.
Electrification and vehicle intelligence
Nissan says that the Futures event: "will feature interactive customer events, panel discussions with experts, and various displays, all aimed to exhibit its innovations in electrification, vehicle intelligence, power management, vehicle battery reuse, and more. The events and panel discussions will also be available to attend virtually.
"Guests can gain an understanding of the company's decade-long initiatives in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and battery reuse through two panel discussions on Feb. 21 with experts from Nissan and its partners. These panels will explore how Nissan has been leading the industry through its work with partners to prepare for the various challenges and opportunities the coming large-scale transition to electric mobility will bring."
If you're in Tokyo from the 4th of Feb to the 1st of March, why not swing by?