Tokyo 2007 Preview: Nissan Round Box (R.D/B.X) concept
by Damon Lavrinc on Oct 10th 2007 at 3:57AM 
Click the image above for more high-res pics of the Nissan Round Box.
Sure, the name "Round Box" might be oxymoronic, but Nissan's take on open-air motoring in the 21st century more than makes up for it's odd nomenclature. The concept is all about interaction, be it with the surroundings or other occupants, with a "right sized" cabin that allows easy communication inside and "road surface windows" that show the tarmac rolling beneath.
The styling is far from conventional, with its platypus-meets-Zed front clip, deep swage lines and upright rear playing nicely with the pushed out wheels and flared fenders.
We'll be sure to snap off a ton of photos while we're in Japan, but in the meantime, check out the gallery below and Nissan's press release after the jump.
Gallery: Nissan Round Box (R.D/B.X)
PRESS RELEASE
Round Box (R.D/B.X)
Youth-Oriented Compact Convertible Provides Occupants With Sensation of Speed and Exhilaration
* Round Box represents a new take on open-air motoring, providing exhilaration for all passengers - not just the driver - through its uniquely shared experience of fresh air stimulation, a sensation of speed and easy-to-use high-spec features.
* An innovative, interactive "Play Catch" system allows the driver and passengers - including those in the rear seat - to share entertainment and driving information.
* The "right sized" space to facilitate communication between the four passengers. Never-before-experienced value created by combinations of heterogeneous elements.
* Contributing to the shared sensation of speed are unique "road surface windows," small glass panels placed close to the ground on both sides of the car, providing passengers with a view of the rapidly passing road surface, without the risk of road contact.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark 5:12AM (10/10/2007)
firstly, yuk. secondly, looks like a peugeot concept, i think it's the headlights that do it.
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John R 7:20AM (10/10/2007)
I dunno. I kinda like this. I think it'd be cool to roll around in this with my family at beach.
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Galley 8:47AM (10/10/2007)
Yeah, me too. I could see myself cruising Ocean Boulevard in it at Myrtle Beach.
Elliott 8:53AM (10/10/2007)
I like it!
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h8rain 9:11AM (10/10/2007)
If it was cheap (like less than 12K) it might sell well. Kinda reminds me of a Smart car. I would think it would get good gas mileage. Plus it would be a funky convertible.
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importjap 9:17AM (10/10/2007)
Not digging the duckbill front
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Schmeltz 10:55AM (10/10/2007)
What is it with the bizarro designs at this year's Tokyo show? Granted, every year Tokyo has some oddities on the platforms, but this year it seems full of them. For proof, keep scrolling down through Autoblog.
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John P. 11:29AM (10/10/2007)
put a golfbag rack on the back and it'll sell to the countryclub estate geriatric set down in Florida.
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Kazoo 8:00PM (10/10/2007)
"Contributing to the shared sensation of speed are unique "road surface windows," small glass panels placed close to the ground on both sides of the car, providing passengers with a view of the rapidly passing road surface, without the risk of road contact."
Roadkill cam! The kids will love to see the splatter.
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Mr. Oak 12:37PM (10/10/2007)
This thing would get high-sided in my driveway. Not enough ground clearance to make it out of most driveways in the US.
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Frank 2:24PM (10/10/2007)
It seems like the Smart ForTwo meets Nissan's own 350z...
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Mark 9:44PM (10/10/2007)
I am sure I had one of these as a kid, only smaller...you know a Matchbox car.
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Philip 2:28PM (10/12/2007)
Its the Coolest car ever, Id love to see Nissan build this.
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Philip 3:15PM (10/13/2007)
I absolutly LOVE the Exterior of this car, I dont care about the futuristic interior, just give it the Sentra's interior, and make the car now, Forget the CVT Im just not sold on it.
Nissan have done a nice job with the Sentra this time, infact I like the look of many cars Nissan is putting out... GOOD JOB NISSAN.
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