It’s hard
to find the precise category in which to fit the concept vehicle that will debut
at the upcoming
That primary user, by the way, is projected to be a male empty-nester, apparently one self-confident enough to keep explaining precisely what it is he’s driving – and why.
“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,” explains Bruce Campbell, the
ponytailed vice president of design at Nissan Design
There is definitely nothing conventional about Bevel, even its door and window layout. It’s a four-door, yes, but that includes an extra-long one on the driver’s side, a rear hatch, and expansive twin doors on the passenger side, the rear of the two opening suicide-style. The back hatch, with its picture window-size glass, integrates into the roof, creating a cavernous opening. When the hatch opens – to a full six feet, two inches off the ground – a tailgate-style work “bench” extends outward. Nissan claims it is strong enough to sit or stand on.
The show car’s wheelbase measures about four inches longer than the Murano, at 115.4 inches, but with its relatively short overhangs, the overall footprint is surprisingly small, just 173.2 inches, nose-to-tail. But the package is designed to deliver a much bigger interior than you might initially expect.
Seats up, the cabin divides into three distinct zones. The driver gets a futuristic looking bucket that would look at home in a remake of the Jetsons. The rest of the seats can fold flat for carrying all those fishing rods or whatever our hero/driver might need.
Appealing to the modern American male Boomer means loading up with lots of electronic toys, and Bevel delivers with technology ranging from its glass roof-mounted solar panels to drive-by-wire steering, throttle, and braking.
The Bevel’s 20-inch wheels are distinctive, featuring rubber inserts on the outer spoke edges, which add a distinctive look while also protecting against curb damage.

2007 Nissan Bevel Concept
“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,” said
In concept, Nissan planners imagine Bevel equipped with a fuel-efficient, hybrid-electric V-6 package.
While it’s highly unlikely Bevel will ever make it past the concept-car circuit, some of its design cues and technical features just might make it into production. As Nissan has demonstrated repeatedly, it’s at its most successful when following its own course, rather than me-too design.
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