Nissan Shows Future of Performance with “Hyper Force EV Sports Car Concept”

Like a cross between the Nissan GTR and an F-22 stealth fighter, the Hyper Force sports car concept was the finale of five EV concepts that Nissan revealed for the  2023 Japan Mobility Show.  With 2023 marking the brand’s 90th anniversary, Nissan unveiled its first EV concept on October 3rd and then showed a new EV concept each week leading to and during the show in Tokyo.  We do not expect to see a Hyper Force in the  Nissan of Auburn Showroom. The concept is intended to show the possibilities of what may come and display features that may find their way to more mainstream products. 

The Sports Car of Five EV Concepts

The Hyper Force and its four other EV concepts also intend to show that Nissan is bullish on an EV future. This only makes sense for the brand that brought out the first modern dedicated EV (the LEAF preceded the first Tesla by several months) and currently markets two EVs to the US market. The vehicles also showcase solid-state battery technology. Nissan may be the first manufacturer to put it into production.

“All five concept cars showcased today are symbols of the future and embody our founding spirit of ‘daring to do what others don’t.” Says Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida. “We have advanced our EV innovations, moving beyond mobility to create a more sustainable world. The EVs symbolize our future of creating a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world for everybody without compromising on passions and dreams. Through the power of innovation, Nissan is creating a future where everyone can enjoy the excitement of mobility.”

1,300 Horsepower and AWD

The Hyper Force features an all-electric drivetrain using solid-state batteries and multiple motors that can produce a combined 1000 kW, translating to about 1,300 horsepower. Like the GTR, the power goes to all four wheels with an advanced form of Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology. The body, which shows echoes of the GTR in general proportions, the dual-round tail lights, and the cantilevered roof design, is constructed from high-strength carbon fiber and is designed to produce exceptional high-speed downforce. A two-tiered aerodynamic structure under the front hood provides strong downforce and high cooling performance. At the rear, a “dual-level* diffuser optimally controls airflow. The front canards, front fender flip, and both ends of the rear wing feature unique active aero functionality, while a newly developed plasma actuator suppresses air detachment to maximize grip and minimize inner-wheel lift during cornering. The lightweight, forged carbon wheels aid aerodynamics and brake cooling.

Completely Unique Interior

In contrast to the ever-growing displays on modern vehicles, the interior features multiple small interactive displays on both sides of a steering yoke, a moderate-sized center touchscreen, and a center display providing driver information at the base of the windshield. It is possible that some of these ideas may find their way into production. The dash design has a unique sectional telescoping theme that is brightly lit in red when in “R” (racing) mode and blue for “GT”(grand touring) mode. In “R”, the small interactive displays adjacent to the steering wheel can show suspension and stabilizer information for each wheel, which can be adjusted on the fly. Though clearly a driver’s car, the concept also features advanced autonomous drive with hyper LIDAR and an array of sensors tuned for sports driving,

As an added element of conceptual flourish that is pure Japan Motor Show (as it used to be called), Nissan brought in Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment and makers of the Gran Turismo video game. When the vehicle is stopped, the driver can don a special helmet with blind visors for VR that enables entering a gamified driving experience, complete with modes that will allow racing against the clock or online racers. Using skeleton visors for AR, drivers can compete against their friends or even professional drivers’ digital ghosts on a circuit, allowing users to push their driving skills on real-world tracks safely.

Again, we may never see a production Hyper Force, but Nissan is making clear that they do not see the EV future as devoid of sports cars.  To see what Nissan’s EV technology has already put into production, visit Nissan of Auburn to look at the 2nd generation LEAF hatch and award-winning ARIYA crossover.