On a space trip
Images of the Volvo EM90 recently leaked into the world from China. it is a large MPV based on the Zeekr 009, a brand from the Geely stable of which Volvo is also a part. Giant MPVs are popular throughout Asia. The benchmark there: space. Fast driving does not have the same appeal as here; Asians prefer to drive relaxed in their four-wheeled resorts. Car designer Niels van Roij goes on a space trip with the new Nissan Hyper Tourer.
Distinctive and very luxurious MPVs are little established in the SUV-loving West. But in many Asian countries, drivers enjoy the extensive interior space, high comfort and luxurious furnishings that such an über-MPV offers. The Koreans have the gigantic Hyundai Staria and the Japanese can’t get enough of the grand Toyota Alphard. The latter has been built for four model generations and was also introduced in 2019 as a super luxurious Lexus LM. Asian and foreign manufacturers meet the need for space: the large LiAuto Mega and Buick GL8 – not available in the Netherlands – are considered extremely luxurious locally.
The enormous interior space of the four-wheeled spas is entirely for the benefit of those sitting in the back seat. Why the need for space? Families in the Far East are often composed: the elderly parents or parents-in-law live with their children, taking care of the grandchildren. Such a household longs for a four-wheeled paradise. This emphasis on personal freedom of movement – a great asset in the often densely populated megacities – is indicative of how different Asian needs, style and consumption habits are compared to ours. Space is the real luxury there.
The lavish minivan focuses on nurturing and strengthening bonds as people travel together. With a strong focus on the finer things in life: enjoying the company of friends and colleagues, whether on a road trip or a business trip. The MPV was once also popular here in Europe. The iconic first generation Renault Espace was often photographed in front of a TGV in its day; links between the two comfortable space wonders are countless.
Train as inspiration for Nissan Hyper Tourer
Japanese car designers also love trains, especially bullet trains. The Japanese Maglev train inspired the Nissan Design Studio to come up with the Hyper Tourer. The titanic Hyper Tourer is an artistic feat from Nissan. A monolithic mastodon. The large frontal volume that is taken up towards the stern in both side and top view, so that it spears forward effortlessly aesthetically, is endowed with a unique, extremely Japanese form spectrum.
Optical in one piece
The colossal MPV has a dramatic and exceptionally clean design. It is clearly not automotive inspired, this imposingly large and optically hewn monospace from one building part: lines flow in one movement from the top to the very bottom of the bodywork.
The digital front, with kumiko pattern, which lacks hard-lined headlights, matches flawlessly and consistently with the rear canvas. That enjoys an equally refreshing layout in the subdivision of the voluminous and colossal graphics. The digital fade-out applied to the lamps is found on the wheels, with no clear dividing line between the normally hard-defined rim and tire. Very special and consistent – ​​well seen!
The expansive body panels and sharp character lines demonstrate traditional Japanese beauty. The flanks flow diagonally from the front to the rear fender for higher aerodynamic performance and, through design, visually creates a smooth ride. With the Hyper Tourer concept, Nissan gives a new look at the comfortable, luxurious group travel in a stylish and futuristic package. There is also a need for space here, if only because of the blended families. So, when will the four-wheeled space paradises finally come to Europe?
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl