The Nissan Actic, which made its world debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is a "content rich" design exercise created by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in La Jolla, Calif. It combines a simple, confident exterior form with flexible, modular seating and a unique “digital canvas” interior.
Actic makes a visionary statement from Nissan about how vehicle owners will approach technology in the future. In place of traditional content-heavy vehicle control systems that become outdated immediately, Actic's handheld "key fob"-based Information Technology (IT) system allows the user to “grow” the interface with infinite flexibility and updateability. As a result, Actic provides nearly unlimited opportunities for its users to explore and challenge the relationship between exterior and interior environments and to introduce elements of personalization by projecting video displays on a series of six roof-mounted flat LCD screens.
Other Actic innovations include dual sliding side doors, a "cross trainer"-style wheel and tire design (patent pending) with tread-wrapped 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a versatile, matching trailer with inflatable walls that converts to a comfortable sleeping space for three.
Highlights of the Nissan Actic include:
Exterior
- Athletic proportions are characterized by a long wheelbase and short overhangs, along with an extremely wide body and unusually upright greenhouse
- Smooth, flowing body form is interrupted only by the grille perforations, allowing for an unbroken expanse of its silver, sky-reflecting surface treatment
- No B-pillars, wide dual sliding doors (front doors move forward, rear doors move backward) – providing easy access for friends or activities
- “Smart” door handles sense a pass of the hand and extend for instant operation
- Shock absorber-mounted full belly pan protective undersurface, designed to cradle and help protect the vehicle and its occupants
- Liquid Silver metallic paint
Interior
- Interior design based on the idea that Actic’s ultimate use and character will come from the needs and personality of its owner
- Visual information displayed throughout the interior, on the driver-oriented instrumentation panels and on the “sky theater’s” ambient overhead flat panel display screens
- Flexible seating system with 3-across modular seating, six available seating configurations, folding seat backs
- "Floating" interior highlighted by stretch fabrics, floating armrests, fold-out child seat
- Driver-oriented cockpit with paddle shifters, analog gauges with clear screen for emergency information
Information Technology
- Readily adaptable intelligent IT system controlling a 100-gigabyte memory key fob device – a small, highly portable transmitting hard drive onto which the owner can load a host of data, preferences, settings and configurations
- Actic "comes to life" when the intelligent key fob is activated (key fob cradle located near the base of the windshield)
- All settings reside within the fob – not just standard audio and HVAC preferences but e-mail and navi settings, and the content that governs and affects mood and ambience
Wheels and Tires
- "Cross-trainer" wheel and tire design represents "running shoes for car"
- 19-inch run-flat tires developed with Michelin, with tires laminated over the rim
- Treatment makes the tires part of the wheel - makes the smaller rims look larger
- The tread is a waffle-tread design resembling Michelin's most aggressive motorcycle tires
Trailer
- Actic trailer symbolizes Actic users’ desire for "on-the-road – off-the-grid" adventures
- Unique built-in trailer coupling arm is integrated into the aesthetic of the Actic design theme, allowing car and trailer to become one unit
- Inflatable wall system, removable cushions, sleeping room for three occupants
- Trailer wheels and tires match those on Actic
Design and Construction
- Designed, created and managed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA)
- Wheel/tire design developed in conjunction with Michelin
- Trailer developed in association with Airstream
- Assembled by Metalcrafters, Inc.