In a genuinely innovative move, Nissan has pulled back the curtain on its fourth electric vehicle concept, the Nissan Hyper Punk, and it hopes to capture hearts and minds both among audience members at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, commencing on 25th October – as well as online within the hugely popular computer game, Fortnite.
The Hyper Punk, a compact, all-electric crossover, isn't just a mode of transportation; it's a creative hub designed for content creators, influencers, and artists who value self-expression. Nissan's commitment to blending technology and art is evident in this groundbreaking vehicle, which pushes the boundaries of traditional automotive design. This new unveiling follows the recent Hyper Urban announcement.
Fortnite experts we've spoken to have warned that cars are not popular in Fortnite as a means of transport, because relatively minor damage soon turns into an explosive situation. For example, if your enemy comes barrelling toward you in an EV, you can hit one tyre with a sniper rifle and the game is smart enough to know that you are now ‘scraping your rim' at high speed. Soon after, what's left of your virtual wheel will cause your car's health to carry on dropping. When you hit 25%, it explodes. Let's see if Nissan have implemented the full/real experience.
Scheduled to make its physical debut at the Japan Mobility Show, the Hyper Punk promises a unique experience by embracing the fusion of the physical and virtual worlds. The vehicle's unveiling follows Nissan's trend of introducing innovative EV concepts, as seen in Shinjuku and now, uniquely, in the virtual realm of Fortnite starting October 25, 2023.
One of the standout features of the Hyper Punk is its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) system, allowing users to charge their devices on the go and share the vehicle's energy with collaborators or at local community events. This emphasizes the Hyper Punk's role not just as a mode of transportation but as a mobile energy hub, fostering connectivity within communities.
Inside, the Hyper Punk's cabin is a masterpiece of origami-inspired design, blending Japanese aesthetics with modern digital capabilities. The integration of onboard cameras and artificial intelligence allows users to transform captured scenery into manga-style or graphic patterns, creating a unique and customizable environment within the cabin. This metamorphosis of reality and the metaverse is then projected onto a three-screen display surrounding the driver, creating an immersive experience.
The cabin doubles as a mobile creative studio, offering seamless internet connectivity and integration with occupants' devices and creative equipment. Thanks to AI and headrest biosensors, the Hyper Punk can detect the driver's mood and adjust the music and lighting accordingly, fostering an environment that boosts creativity and energy.
The exterior design of the Hyper Punk is a visual feast, featuring multifaceted and polygonal surfaces that stand out with shifting silver tones, dependent on the viewing angle and light source. This bold aesthetic, coupled with superior aerodynamic performance, represents a departure from minimalist design trends, embodying the user's desire for self-expression and Nissan's commitment to pushing design boundaries.
With compact overhangs and large 23-inch wheels, the Hyper Punk boasts a highly stable design ideal for both city and off-road driving. The polygonal shapes integrated into the headlights, tail lamps, and rear signature further emphasize the vehicle's unique design language.
As a prelude to the Japan Mobility Show, Nissan has already taken the futuristic concept cars, including the Hyper Punk, to the digital streets of Shinjuku, showcased on the Cross Shinjuku Vision digital billboard. This virtual exhibit will run until the opening day of the show on October 25. Furthermore, the Hyper Punk, along with its EV siblings, will be available for exploration within the popular online game Fortnite under the moniker ‘Electrify the World.'
Nissan's venture into electric vehicles isn't just about cutting-edge design and innovation; it's a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability. Aligned with Nissan Ambition 2030, a long-term vision for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world, the company aims to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050. The Nissan AMIEO region, centred around EV36Zero, plays a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to an electrified future.
As the Japan Mobility Show approaches, Nissan's unveiling of the Hyper Punk signals not just the evolution of electric vehicles but the evolution of a brand committed to pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and sustainability. The Hyper Punk is more than a concept car; it's a glimpse into a future where self-expression meets innovation on the road.