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2007 Nissan Bevel Concept

Out of all the concept cars that were recently unveiled at the 2007 North American InternationalAuto Show, the Nissan Bevel was certainly one of the most "out there" designs; one that would no doubt feel more at home at the Tokyo Auto Show. However, while most of the whacky concepts that appear in Japan are designed to appeal to hip young urbanites who want a flexible vehicle to drive around downtown Tokyo filled with partying friends, this is how the Bevel differs in its intended user, since it is targeted at older male empty nesters that are “actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service.” Nissan’s vice president of design Bruce Campbell says “Bevel is designed as a useful and rewarding vehicle for the ‘Everyday Hero’ – the guy who’s always ready to help out a neighbor, a friend or around his community These are men between 45 and 60 years of age with multiple personal interests. They don’t need the heavy-duty utility of a pickup or room for a lot of passengers. In fact, they probably drive their vehicles alone more than 90 percent of the time. What they need is an extension of their toolboxes, workshops and garages – so they can easily take their work or hobbies on the road in comfort, style and with unlimited utility. The Bevel Concept is just that vehicle.”

Nissan proposes

Bevel is designed for an unusual target audience: older, independent men. (Photo: Nissan)

that the Bevel is an “exploration of the future of the sportutility vehicle”. Although it might be sporty and it is no doubt utilitarian, it isn’t an SUV in the traditional sense. It is also different in the fact that it's not merely another crossover, but rather more a small angular van, not unlike something from the late 1960s, a George Barris/Hot Wheels influenced creation that could only have come from the U.S., probably Southern Cal. So then it does make sense that the Bevel was penned at Nissan Design America in California. It rides on rather conservative (for a concept) 20-inch wheels, to which my 56-year-old father can only grimace about expensive replacement tires, although the wheels are well protected by rubber inserts on the spokes to protect against curb damage. Longer than a Nissan Murano but shorter than the Quest minivan, it has a 115.4-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 173.2 inches. The height comes in at 63.8 inches while its width measures 75.0 inches.

Two doors occupy the passenger’s side, one front hinged andone hinged in the rear, so that when both open they can provide

We're not quite sure that the styling or the flip paint will appeal to its intended demographic, but its utilitarian capability will. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

an ultra wide aperture of over five feet, ideal for loading. The one-piece hatch at the rear offers a special horizontal hinge arrangement so that when raised it reaches a height of over six feet with the hatch open. A special tailgate-style work platform that folds down and then snaps into place creates a sturdy workbench. Nissan points out that it is strong enough to sit or stand on and has a quick-release design for easy removal and storage when not needed. Since the Bevel is targeted at woodworkers and the like, two power outlets are provided at the rear to power tools. The source of the 12V and 110V outlets is unique in the fact that it comes from integrated solar cells mounted beneath the large glass roof panels.

“In creating Bevel, we studied how Everyday Heroes really use their vehicles. The loads, the size of their cargo, how they need protection from the rain when working outside,” Campbell added. “Having a tailgate that a 6-foot-plus tall person can stand beneath while working under it adds tremendously to the vehicle’s year-round utility.”

Six hexagon-shaped “pucks” with pop-up hooks, designed to carry loads up to 250 pounds make up the roof cargo system, although I’m

Hinged liftgate and slide-out floor make loading the Bevel easy. (Photo: Nissan)

not sure if you could use anything powered by the solar panels while a load is in place on the roof as it would block the sun. Additional exterior features include hidden LCD headlights with projector fog lamps, as well as LCD taillights integrated into the tailgate. Bruce Campbell points out that “Our goal in designing the Bevel exterior was to maximize functionality and minimize the use of visual distractions such as door handles, big exhaust pipes or splashy lighting. At the same time, we wanted the little details to reflect Bevel’s utility theme, which is why there is a recurring use of hexagons in the vehicle’s design, reminiscent of a socket or a tool in the wheels, grille and even the disc brake venting.”

Inside, the interior is divided into three zones. Zone one is the comfort zone, aimed at the driver. A leather seat faces the Bevel’s “ribbon” instrument panel, which moves four inches forward and out of the way when the driver’s door is opened, and back into position in front of the driver when the door is closed. “Use of the moving or floating instrument panel ribbon was made possible by Bevel’s drive-by-wire throttle, braking and steering,” says Campbell. “This also allowed us to move the firewall forward by nearly a foot, creating additional room in front for both the driver and an occasional front seat passenger.” The second zone is the IT (information

Technology plays a major role inside the Bevel. Funky taillights can be seen from this angle. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

technology) zone, designed to connect the driver with the Bevel and the outside world. The information-centric, fully digital instrument panel features a series of screens. Side LCD monitors, located on the outer edges of the instrument panel, display images from the sideview mirror cameras. The main center display offers adjustable image sizes and typefaces and can be switched between five information menus, which include vehicle information, HVAC, navigation, entertainment and home, through use of the ribbon-mounted controller. There is an entertainment control center too, which allows the driver to access phone settings, weather and traffic reports, the Internet and personal e-mail accounts, and in my opinion most importantly, music. A home control center allows the driver access to his/her home network and monitors items such as locks, the security system, heat and air conditioning, appliances, room lighting and garage door status. The third zone is the utility/pet zone that features a laminated recycled walnut covered floor plus a series of compartments and tie-down hooks, not to mention a large, removable “doggie hutch” pet carrier designed to fit securely inside the rear cargo area.

The Bevel is more about design, styling and utility, so powertrain details are slim. All Nissan was willing to divulge was that it’s powered by an efficient 2.5-liter V6 coupled to an Xtronic CVT that transmits power to the wheels (probably to those up front). While clearly just a concept, the Nissan Bevel does offer some interesting ideas for future production vehicles, even though it is unlikely to make production itself.

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