Update1:

Just updated this article with all the 2015 4DSC concept photos; sans the previous burnt photo error =] i think all the designers use Macs — and all the rest of us use PCs… ?

ANYWAY Next Maxima is set to be just 0.3-inches taller than the GT-R.

But will a manual box join the fun? With the Z06 hitting eight cogs as a manual, or the GT-R running its precious-metals DCT ….. might the next Maxima get a six-speed manual? I think it would help get people in the doors — even if they ultimately buy the V-spec CVT.

Update2: Guard Your Data.

Just speculating that buyers might want a manual, based on some of the comments on the *spookily-accurate* Maxima renderings from August 2013.

An article for which I provided the words and vertical image pairs, but none of the original “artwork.”

Were I Nissan, I would be very suspicious of where those renderings “came from.” The world is lousy with data attacks — of which perhaps 0.00001% are recognized, fixed or reported whatsoever. All fun and games until the site goes down altogether, in my case.

Sigh./

What a day. Hopefully we can all enjoy this amazing collection of hot new metal. Auto news does not come much faster or fresher than day one and two of Detroit.

The Nissan Sports Sedan Concept is fantastic.

The Sports Sedan Concept blends the best parts of the 4DSC roots with a new style that almost beats the next GT-R to market.

 

The missing box? Performance. That remains unknown as of yet, but the style sure seems like Nissan is back to its 4DSC days of wild power and space for the price.

 

 

300-plus horsepower is promised from a 3.5-liter V6 engine. While full tech specs are not available for the concepts, we do have the dimensions.

 

The below is an exclusive chart showing the changes. Exclusive because I made it in Excel just now. =]

It shows great news, I think you will agree, in terms of helping the next Maxima deliver GT-R proportions at speed. The GT-R is exactly 54.0-inches-tall, for comparison.

 

Before I forget, it seems the new grille face has been officially named!  V-Motion appears as the description, and also the new swept-back appearance in general.

The Qashai below might preview the style of an upcoming Rogue – the all-new new seven-seater from $22,000. The Rogue arrived at U.S. Nissan dealers in November 2013.

 

Official Details below from Nissan on the Sports Sedan Concept, and a more thorough design analysis once the show calms down a bit.

Overall, I think it looks great.

 

Interiors

Nissan Sport Sedan Concept Makes World Debut At 2014 North American International Auto Show

• Nissan provides an advanced look at a future production sports sedan

• Offers bold and exciting sports car proportions with energetic styling, driver-oriented interior

• Embodies next-generation Nissan design signatures, including V-Motion front aspect, distinctive “floating” roof and boomerang-shaped lamps

DETROIT – Design has long been a differentiator between Nissan and its competitors – along with performance, innovation and technology.

Now, as the company celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is doing so with the world debut of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Sport Sedan Concept, a design study with a particular emphasis on next-generation design and sporty style, was created to embody the essence of a true sports sedan – that rare execution of 4-door sedan with the aura of a real sports car.

It previews a future production vehicle intended for owners with a passion for cutting-edge design and driving dynamics.

“The Sport Sedan Concept shows a new, highly emotional and energetic design direction that takes Nissan’s legendary approach of applying sports car principles to a sedan to the next level,” said Nissan Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. “The Sport Sedan Concept captures that essence with bold and exciting sports car design and proportions.”

Next-Generation Nissan Design Language
The Sport Sedan Concept joins a trio of advanced concepts that share signature design aspects that will be adapted to all future Nissans.

Along with the Nissan Resonance and Friend-ME concepts that were introduced in 2013, the Sport Sedan Concept shares the new V-Motion front aspect, “floating” roof and boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights.

As demonstrated by the three diverse concepts, these distinctive design cues will be incorporated into a range of body types from sedans to crossovers.

“Our new design direction mirrors the strength, power and capabilities of the engineering and innovation that serves as the foundation of every Nissan vehicle,” said Nakamura.

“Nissan is a brand for people seeking bold and passionate experiences, and who are willing to make choices outside of traditional boundaries. That’s why Nissan is committed to breaking new ground in automotive design, as expressed in the stunning new Sport Sedan Concept.”

The exterior of the Sport Sedan Concept is marked by low, wide proportions, with a lowered hoodline and reduced ground clearance compared to traditional sedans – elements that would be right at home in a sports car.

The “V-Motion” movement of the front end flows from the dramatic chromed grille up through the hood.

The front of the Sport Sedan Concept also incorporates the large LED boomerang headlights, a deeply scooped front fascia and wide, sloped windshield.

The profile of the vehicle is equally powerful, with its dynamic bodyside lines adding a strong sculptural feel and connecting the wheels and tires – which are pushed out to the four corners.

There is a projection of motion, even when the vehicle is standing still. The Sport Sedan Concept rides on custom 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-profile 275/30R21 tires.

The distinctive silhouette blends smoothly into the rear design, which is capped by the high deck, large chrome trunk accent and wide, deeply scooped rear fascia.

As in the front, the boomerang rear combination lights accentuate the centered feeling and push outward to edges.

The unique “floating” roof adds a sense of openness and lightness in contrast to traditional sedans’ heavy cabin appearance.

“The innovative roofline, which is also prevalent on Resonance and Friend-ME, makes it seem as if there are no pillars at all, enhancing the sense of athleticism and sportiness,” said Nakamura.

“The roofline also contributes to the Sport Sedan Concept’s class-leading stance, which balances the look of the substantial lower body and a streamlined cabin.”

The final exterior touch is the unique “Strad Amber” paint that was inspired by the craftsmanship and rich finish of noted classic violins – instruments capable of producing vibrant intensity at times and at other times a soft stillness.

The elaborate candy color paint finish is achieved through application of an orange-amber topcoat over a base of gold paint, creating a distinctive depth and bespoke richness.

The Sport Sedan Concept’s interior also offers cues to future production designs. Premium materials are found throughout, with the use of diamond-shaped graphics on the quilted seats, stitching and panels enhancing the sense of dynamic motion.

Rather than traditional flat surfacing, the diamond treatment adds three-dimensionality.

The edgy and geometric look was inspired by modern furniture, apparel and accessories.

The interior also features high-contrast colors and facet metallic accents. All these aspects finely express Nissan’s individual authenticity and modernity.

The front-wheel drive Sport Sedan Concept is powered by a 300-plus horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine backed by a sport-tuned Xtronic CVT® and features an innovative suspension layout with performance dampers.

The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept was created by Nissan Design America in San Diego, California and developed at the Nissan Global Design Center in Atsugi, Japan.

KEY DIMENSIONS

Length	191.7 in. (4,870 mm)
Width	75.3 in. (1,912 mm)
Height	54.3 in. (1,378 mm)
Wheelbase	111.2 in. (2,825 mm)
Front overhang	39.1 in. (992 mm)
Rear overhang	41.5 in (1,053 mm)

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com