(January 18, 2013) DETROIT — The Nissan Resonance has been named winner of the EyesOn Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle. The announcement came just hours after the unveiling of the design concept at the North American International Auto Show. The Resonance concept was created under the guidance of Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and features an efficient, hybrid-electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system.

That system combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.

One of the premier awards in transportation design, the EyesOn Design Awards honors the best production and concept cars making their North American or worldwide debut at NAIAS. Winners are selected by a panel of active and retired design heads of automotive companies, transportation design chairs from top art schools, and designers from other fields.



Said Francois Bancon, Nissan division general manager, Product Strategy and Planning: "When the designers were first working on conceptualizing the Nissan Resonance, they were inspired by amazing scientific advancements in technology and material innovations. They also were inspired by the aspirations of those people who unabashedly embrace innovation and are optimistic about the future. It was about serving those people a concept vehicle that is forward-looking and fuses style with an athletic ride."

Light on its feet, the exterior design signals that Nissan Resonance is pushing the crossover segment forward.

The energetic surfaces show a counterpoint of dynamic fluidity and pure edginess. Nissan's designers worked to express an aerodynamic feel that was lightweight yet also protective, and drew inspiration from the futuristic allure of hypersonic travel.

The front exterior design shows the V-Motion, which starts from the front grille, moves through the hood and resonates with the iconic boomerang shaped headlights. The body is strengthened by powerful surfaces and provocative lines and is accented by the flow through the car to the kick-up shape around D-Pillar. These distinct details give the crossover a very advanced yet spacious impression.

The roof's unique "floating" design is created through the use of the thin, steeply raked A-pillars, large full-length glass panel and flowing D-pillar design. The effect created gives the impression of a flowing structure carried by the large windows and overall spaciousness of the cabin.

The body color, named Flare Orange, adds even more energy and warmth to the overall exterior design. Other exterior features include a tinted acrylic grille with Satin Chrome accents and 22-inch, full dynamic flow aluminum-alloy wheels.

With the interior, the designers imagined what the future of first-class space travel might be: Welcoming yet exclusive and high-tech yet premium. The resulting "VIP lounge," with its light, buttery leather and premium-stitched seats, exudes genuine sophistication.

Thoughtfully considered details, including sequential welcome lighting, add warmth and drama upon entering the vehicle. The dramatic interior illumination highlights the natural wood pattern in the modern cabin.

An advanced instrument panel floats on a generous console, creating a forum where the driver can access all infotainment and communication features. Technology is graphically layered to give a holographic experience and visual depth is used to separate information in order of importance.

The open glass roof gives passengers a unique panoramic view of the world and floating elements like the roof lining add to the sense of space and airy lightness. The spacious interior atmosphere is enhanced by the sculpted door panels and elegant, deep shape of the center console.

Said Bancon: "The Resonance interior reflects the enlightened modernity of today's crossover buyer, who values an amazing experience over traditional indulgence. The architecture of the cabin is open and structured. Like the exterior, it redefines and pushes the segment beyond convention."