Detroit '08 Preview: Nissan FORUM Concept

by Alex Nunez (RSS feed) on Dec 18th 2007 at 11:30AM Breaking


click image for high-res gallery of the Nissan FORUM Concept

Next month in Detroit, Nissan will show the world the FORUM, a minivan design study that probably hints at styling cues and features being considered for whatever's destined to replace the Quest. After reading Nissan's hyperbolic press release (it's pasted after the jump), one might think the FORUM is single-handedly capable of restoring the American nuclear family dynamic through its feature set alone. Seriously, there's a line in there that calls the vehicle a "unique family 'togetherness' space." I have one of those, too: it's called a house.

The FORUM's most touted features are its trackless doors, b-pillar-less construction, and swiveling 2nd row Turntable Seating. The doors utilize a new patented hinge that allows for sliders without the unsightly track line on the bodywork. That, combined with the elimination of the b-pillar, allows the side of the van to be opened wide for easy access when the front door is also open. In reality, the pillarless construction is probably just there to better show off the concept's interior, which is highlighted by a motorized, swiveling second row seat that can be rotated 90 degrees to look out the side of the van, or 180 degrees to face the third row passengers.

Other interesting features include a small built-in microwave sized just right for popcorn, wireless tv monitors, an audio muting/intercom setup called "Time Out," second and third row surveillance cameras "Kids' Cams" and the around-view parking assistance system introduced on the Infiniti EX35. Is it the ultimate family pod? Well no, since the concept has no engine. Nissan says a clean diesel would be a natural fit for it if it were to arrive in the marketplace, though.

UPDATE: High-res images of the Nissan FORUM Concept's live reveal added to gallery.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan FORUM Concept



PRESS RELEASE:

Nissan FORUM Concept Utilizes Design and Technology

Innovations to Create a Unique Family Activity Space

The Nissan FORUM, an exploratory design concept developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), represents the next revolution in family transportation. Answering the challenge of making family passenger vehicles more appealing to both drivers and passengers, FORUM offers a wide array of innovative ideas – from its trackless sliding side doors and elimination of traditional B-pillars, to an interior featuring a multi-position swiveling 2nd row seat and next-generation entertainment and family communications technology. FORUM makes its world auto show debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Two Independent Zones In One Room

As its name suggests, FORUM is conceived as a "gathering place," bringing adults and children together in two independent but linked "zones." Targeting families with older children who not only can entertain themselves but also demand to, FORUM respects the needs and desires of both grownups and kids.

In front is the parents' zone, with advanced information technology controls and seats designed to enhance driving pleasure. The rear zone is the dedicated kids' space, where they can feel comfortable and entertained. FORUM's advanced technology bridges the two zones, as desired, into one unique family "togetherness" space.

"From a conceptual standpoint, FORUM is closer to a family limousine than the minivans Gen Xers have grown up with. But unlike a real limo – or sometimes traditional minivans – the FORUM driver is just as important as the passengers," said Rachel Nguyen, director, Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. "It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children – allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle. Like every Nissan, this dramatic FORUM Concept combines passionate driving, emotive design and an abundance of advanced, user-friendly technology."

The FORUM conceptual and design teams took care to consider the needs of both male and female drivers. "Traditional minivans are often perceived as the 'Mom's car' – but FORUM is designed to be gender neutral. The reality is that both Moms and Dads want style, performance and driving pleasure in their vehicles, whether transporting kids or not."

Research shows that the primary driver of family vehicles often changes depending on the day of the week and family schedules. During the week, FORUM's primary driver might be a mom, picking up the kids at school, dropping them off at practices or lessons – so we've incorporated advanced communications systems such as rear seat camera monitoring cameras and audio controls. "Sometimes being a mom is just about managing the chaos, but moms also deserve some personal space of their own. FORUM is designed to give moms a balance between needs and the kids'," said Nguyen.

On the weekends, a dad might become the primary driver, taking over FORUM for errands, longer trips or recreational drives – so FORUM is designed with responsive power and handling, and more aggressive, performance-car styling than traditional family vehicles. FORUM also offers the exceptional flexibility required to haul large objects and other "weekend gear."

"We also know that with traditional minivans, both moms and dads sometimes feel like they are sitting in a kids' playroom – losing their identities in the vehicle," continued Nguyen. "FORUM lets kids be kids and grown-ups be grown-ups, with the adults firmly in charge."
Ultimately, FORUM is conceived as a place to share – a destination in itself, as well as enjoyable transportation to other venues.

"There are many occasions during a week when, with a family's busy schedule, the vehicle is the only place where everyone is together – so we've incorporated features and technology to enhance this precious 'quality time,'" said Nguyen.

Pushing the Envelope of Exterior Design

Though respecting the basic layout of a "one box" design, FORUM Concept adds a higher level of dramatic styling through its wide stance, high beltline, wide-open visibility and an aggressive front end appearance.
FORUM's design innovations include wide-opening front doors and no B-pillars – creating exceptional access to the 2nd and 3rd row seats. FORUM's front doors open 90 degrees, which combined with the long sliding side doors, create wide openings for easy entry and exit of all three rows. "We were able to engineer the lack of B-pillars through use of extra thick reinforced roof and door frames – putting the material where it needs to go to help maintain structural integrity for this concept," said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design, NDA. "Not only does this greatly enhance the ease of getting in and out of the rear seats, it allows us to utilize the 2nd row seat as a sort of 'bleacher' – adding a new dimension to watching sports, picnicking or other outdoor family activities."

Another exterior innovation is FORUM's trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted, non-traditional profile. A special patented hinge system makes the trackless door possible.

Integrated into the SkyView moonroof panels are hidden sunshades, which allow the glass panels to be closed off during hot days. Other exterior features include LED lights front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the sweeping grille and hood design; soft-edged side outside mirrors; wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires; a wide rear hatch; and dual exhaust outlets.

A Suite Interior

Inside the sophisticated skin is where FORUM really comes alive. The aniline leather-appointed, pedestal-style driver's and front passenger seat and cockpit area – surrounded in rich aluminum and wood – offers "front cabin" comfort and control.

FORUM's dramatic "floating" instrument panel design blends next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls. The instrument panel includes dual climate controls, Bluetooth wireless technology and mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. A built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a standard bag of microwave popcorn, is accessible from the front and center seats.

FORUM also features special vertical wave pattern carpeting. The one-inch thick "modern shag" style carpeting is 100 percent wool and, despite its elegant appearance, is easy to clean.

Designed in conjunction with the pillar-less side doors, Forum's revolutionary "Turntable Seating" 2nd row bucket-formed seat rotates 90 degrees to either side to create "grandstand" seating for watching sports or for picnicking and "side-gating."

The seat also rotates a full 180 degrees to face the three-passenger rear seat, creating family-style seating for up to five passengers. The 2nd row seat is operated by a small motor mounted in the vehicle floor. When it is time to rotate the seats, the center console lifts up and the two seat halves come together. At the same time, the two front seats move forward to aid in rotations clearance.

The 2nd row seat also includes individual wireless monitors, located in the seat console, for watching DVDs or playing games, and integrated seat belts (also utilized in the front and 3rd row seats).

Togetherness Through Technology

FORUM's interior is also a showcase for the latest mobile communications technology, much of it developed in conjunction with the Bose Corporation.

"With older, more self-sufficient children, the driver's role become more of a coordinator, rather than a protector, allowing the driver to enjoy her or his own time while facilitating togetherness," said Campbell. "The idea is to enable controlled craziness in the rear zone, rather than complete chaos – which we've accomplished with a combination of communications and monitoring systems."

Close watch on rear cabin occupants is provided by a "Kids Cam" monitoring system, which utilizes 2nd and 3rd row cameras mounted in the headliner and connected to the main instrument panel LCD display monitor. Selectable camera control switches are mounted above the rearview mirror.

A one-button audio muting "Time Out" system, with the controller located in the lower center portion of the steering wheel, allows the driver to simultaneously mute all audio playing in the FORUM and broadcast the driver's voice over all interior speakers – enabling quick and easy communication to both rows of rear seats.

"The 'Time Out' system gives the driver and passengers a sometimes much-needed time out, while the rear zone cameras enable observation – and interaction – when needed, while helping drivers keep their primary attention on the road," explained Campbell.

FORUM also offers an advanced Bose Media System, which combines infotainment features and intelligent design, with single knob proximity sensor-based controller helping the driver, again, keep their focus where it should be – on the road. Waving a hand near the controller triggers infrared sensors to bring up the initial system interface.

The Bose Media System's unique interface allows easy access to a wealth of features, including XM Satellite Radio, hard disc drive music storage, DVD, iPod interface, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and an advanced navigation system.

FORUM also employs Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, found in the new 2008 Infiniti EX35. The AVM system includes front, side and rear-mounted cameras and an advanced controller that combines the images together to give the driver a unique view of all four sides of the vehicle – helping to reduce driver blind spots when parking.

State-of-the-art audio is provided by the Bose SeatCentric system, which includes headrest and seatback speakers for consistent stereo image event as the seat swivels – along with independent audio programming for all three rows.

Working in conjunction with the wide opening sliding side doors is the Bose FreeSpace outdoor audio system, with speakers mounted on the trailing edges of the sliding doors and a wireless media player controller – providing full-range audio entertainment outside the FORUM.

Respect For The Environment

FORUM's efficient, intelligent design features also extend to the powertrain. Though as a design exploration, FORUM's emphasis is limited to form and functionality, conceptually a modern, next-generation family passenger vehicle would include a clean diesel or other environmentally sensitive powerplant.*

"Nissan has previously announced that it will be offering a clean diesel engine in the United States in the next generation Maxima, so a similar powerplant would be a definite consideration for a vehicle like FORUM," said Campbell. "Nissan is also an industry leader in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) technology, so you could predict smooth, responsive performance worthy of the Nissan badge."

Redefining Family Transportation and Quality Time

"While some people think that family transportation vehicles are a thing of the past, Nissan's view is that vehicles just need to evolve along with changing family dynamics," concluded Nguyen. "Quality time used to be more about the quantity of time spent together with the kids. Today, it's more about dedicated moments for family fun, entertainment and communication. FORUM is a great place to gather together and rediscover each other once in a while."

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Nissan

Tags: breaking, detroit, detroit 2008, Detroit2008, FORUM, FORUM Concept, ForumConcept, nissan FORUM Concept, Nissanconcept, NissanForumConcept

Get a WordPress.com Blog

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

| 1 | 2 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.






Autoblog Podcast #154: Gobbling up the News

Chris, Sam, and Dan kick out a podcast just in time for the long holiday drive.

 
 

Featured Galleries

  • 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan
  • Texas unveils new Vanity Plates
  • Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China
  • 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
  • Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI
  • Ginetta G50EV and John Surtees at the Channel Tunnel
  • 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Review: 2009 Infiniti G37x S Sedan
  • Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII-R
  • 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling
  • BMW Concept 6
  • Zenvo ST1 Details
AOL Autos

Find Your Next Car

Resources

10 Most Searched Cars on AOL Autos

Autoblog Video

Autoblog Green

Daily Finance

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Autoblog Spanish

Switched.com

FanHouse

Asylum