Incorporating video games into cars seems like a natural choice at this point, and Nissan has grabbed the reigns with their newest design project, the URGE. Whereas most concepts are based on engineers or designers organic ideas, the URGE actually came to fruition through a Nissan study, whereby they tried to identify the needs of the 18-25 demographic and what they would like most to get out of their vehicles. The feedback that they received indicated that people wanted to spend time behind the wheel not just driving but immersed in technology, specifically the video gaming world. With the URGE, Nissan allows the car to become the controller for XBOX racing-based video games, such as Project Gotham Racing 3. As such, the steering wheel, pedals, and shifter become functional components of the video game system, better than any arcade experience to date. The second half of Nissan’s quest here was to create an entry-level sports car that would have mass appeal for the upcoming generation of drivers, while retaining the raw, unrefined sportiness that defines the marque. Designers drew inspiration not just from existing vehicles like the 350Z but also motorcycles, and the interior is bereft of most modern niceties and is designed to put the driver more in touch with the road. While Nissan calls the project merely “a pure concept with an idea,” their idea is one with a pulse from its fan base, which says a lot about Nissan’s future commitment to building vehicles with heart.
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