Nissan 20-23 concept: a preview of an electric compact sports car?
Sports compacts remain very popular, elsewhere and in our market. As proof, the North American automobile industry offers several in different flavors. Models like the Honda Civic Type R, the Toyota GR Corolla, the Subaru WRX and the Hyundai Elantra N allow consumers to get their hands on a sports car without having to deal with an excessively high bill.
However, in an electric future, what will become of this type of vehicle? Nissan believes it has a solution. At least, with a concept that suggests the idea of an electric sports compact. Say hello to the Nissan 20-23.
Nissan, in numbers?
Did you know that, in Japanese, Ni means the number 2, and San, the number 3? We will therefore understand Nissan to use the number 23 to name this concept. The 20 marks the 20 years of operation of the design studio (Nissan Design Europe or NDE) of the manufacturer based in London.
Inspired by Nissan’s participation in Formula E, this concept takes the form of a sporty compact hatchback style hot hatch, but extremely modified to give it the look of a rally car. The widened fenders, the gigantic spoiler attached to its tailgate and the very aggressive bumper give it a menacing presence.
Obviously, the stylists seem to prioritize aerodynamics. The gigantic rear diffuser seems straight from a racing car, and the air intakes in the wings allow, according to the stylists, to increase aerodynamic downforce at high speed.
A racing interior
The very refined interior of this concept further prioritizes sportiness and performance. There are very few amenities on board besides racing seats and yoke-like styling. Like a racing car, the majority of the vehicle’s controls are found on the steering wheel.
Now what is the purpose of this concept? Nissan hasn’t been very clear about its intentions, other than that the concept highlights the 20 years of the studio that designed it. According to Mr. Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Design at Nissan, the 20-23 concept is an urban electric car that can be driven every day on the streets of London. Okay, let’s agree that the 20-30 is anything but user-friendly.
Is Nissan preparing a new electric model in the sport compact segment? Nothing is confirmed, but it is obvious that this design piques curiosity. It will be interesting to see how the manufacturer’s next vehicles will be inspired by it.
