Nissan Actic
Nissan says its Actic concept is a "content rich" design exercise created at its design center in La Jolla, California, conceived as an entry-level vehicle for "lives in transition" as buyers move from single to "married with small children" status. Quietly displayed in a corner of the Nissan booth, the Actic portends of a crossover vehicle expected to be added to both the Nissan and Infiniti lines. The sleek, silver Actic features flowing body lines, a "cross trainer"-style 20-inch wheel and tire design, and a matching trailer with inflatable walls that converts to a sleeping space for three. With no B-pillar to interfere, Actic's wide doors slide open for easy access; the front doors move forward and the rear doors backwards, like an elevator's, creating generous access for passengers and cargo. Actic comes to life through a 100-gigabyte key fob that stores data about the needs and personality of its owner, not just standard audio and HVAC preferences but also e-mail and navi settings, as well as content that governs and affects mood and ambience. An Actic-inspired vehicle is expected to slot beneath the Murano and FX35 in 2006 or 2007.