( Auto ) - Nissan believe car choice is a truly family affair. And so with their vision for the future of MPV design, they are to present the seven-seater FORUM Concept at Detroit in January, showcasing the innovative features tailoring the cabin both to front occupants and their trouble-making rear seat counterparts. Somewhat alluded to in its conceptual designation, the FORUM is a place for gathering, allowing the harmonious coexistence of parents and children in a single, but 'zoned' space.
Exuding the luxury of a limousine but with as much cabin focus on front occupants as rear, the FORUM concept car is designed to offer an 'engaging space' for children and a 'sophisticated space' for adults. A rich fascia of wood and aluminium inlays surround leather-upholstered pedestal-style seats for 'front cabin' sophistication, while a zone of 'controlled craziness' begins from the 2nd row, the integrated central console home to individual wireless displays for DVD-watching and gameplay. The 2nd row seats are also home to a little motorised innovation of their own, being able to swivel 180 degress into a 'living room' configuration aided by the lifting of the centre console.
Long sliding side doors, using a special hinge system to allow for a clean, trackless profile, and the omition of the B-pillar, safely engineered by reinforcing the roof and door frame, achieve exceptional access to the cabin. While both innately functional, they too are stylish and welcome removals. The dramatically-styled concept boasts a wide stance, high visibility and aggressive cues at both front and rear with LED lights and strips which accentuate a poised grille, stylised side mirrors, dual exhausts and impressive alloys with low profile tyres. SkyView moonroof panels provide the FORUM with a bright and airy cabin.
With speakers in every headrest and a state of the art audio system by Bose, technology is featured to a high degree in this next-generation of family vehicle. Damage control comes with two nifty innovations in the FORUM. A 'Kids' Cam' transmits images from cameras monitoring 2nd and 3rd row seats onto a display in the front, while a 'Time Out' feature in the front cabin permits the one-button pausing of all media - allowing front occupants to announce whatever may need announcing over tannoy.
While only a design study limited to form and functionality, Nissan stress that any family passenger vehicle of this sort would include an environmentally-sensitive powerplant, be it powered by clean diesel or alternative fuel. CVT continuously variable transmission technology would be of likely inclusion on the FORUM for smooth, responsive performance. Read the below press release for further details.
