Nissan Bevel Concept
At first blush, the Nissan Bevel concept looks like a next-generation Cube concept. But Nissan describes the Bevel as a "dynamic, multi-purpose vehicle" designed for "male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service." Talk about your market niche. If the Rouge is a smaller, RAV4-fighting Murano, the Bevel looks like a smaller, sub-Xterra, albeit more a crossover than hard-core SUV.
Nissan North America in La Jolla, California, designed the Bevel with asymmetric styling (coincidentally, like the Japanese-market Cube), high-utility three-zone interior and glass roof-mounted solar panels and drive-by-wire steering, throttle and brakes. The Bevel is substantially larger than the Cube (which Nissan/Renault chief Carlos Ghosn promised would be built for left-hand-drive markets in its next iteration, and is expected to launch in the U.S. for the 2009 model year). The Bevel's engine compartment is designed for a V-6/electric hybrid drivetrain, Nissan says. To sum up, Nissan has an intriguing design for a potential future product.