2008 Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Forum Concept

• Looks like: We’re still not quite sure
• Defining characteristics:  No B-pillar, no track for side doors
• Ridiculous features: Surveillance monitors for back seats
• Chance of being mass-produced: Remote. Some of the design language might make a new minivan, but the structure and tech features would make it too costly for a typical family

Nissan seems to think it needs a new minivan to replace the Quest. While other car companies like Ford and GM have ditched the segment entirely, Nissan keeps plugging away. The latest attempt is the Forum concept. The radical looking van is actually quite innovative in a number of ways; unfortunately, all that innovation has little chance of making it to the driveway anytime soon.

The coolest part for minivan owners is that there is no pillar behind the front seats. Instead, the front doors open 90 degrees and the rear doors open on a unique hinge instead of a sliding track. That means there is room for stylizing the side panel, but we just don’t see much stylization there. It also means easier entry for all parties.

Inside there is a gorgeous upscale interior, a sky panel roof with hidden screens, and plenty of entertainment options co-developed with Bose. The rear seats get surveillance cameras to keep an eye on the kiddies as well as a swivel design, much like the seats found in Chrysler’s new minivans.

We like the idea of the Forum quite a bit, but we wonder if this is a look at a future consumer product or just a daydream for busy moms and dads. More photos below.

Comments

[dv]

nice looking minivan....

[L]

The interior doesn't look upscale to me - just weird and ugly. I hate the steering wheel and the guage cluster the whole thing is too mod looking.

I know some people are fans of those sky view roofs but I don't like that either - I can't even stand sun roofs. Just something about the light coming down from above you during the day drives me crazy.

I'm glad to see they are sticking with the minivan segment though. Ford and GM never could get the minivans right, but personally I don't think they put that much effort into it. The Nissan Quest was cool at first because it was different looking but once I saw the center gauge cluster I immediately crossed it off my list. They fixed that issue and moved the guage cluster back infront of the driver but now the design is old. I guess there is only so much you can do with a minivan but the stigma of driving a minivan doesn't bother me - I LOVE my minivan - and frankly if I drive a minivan, I want it to look like a minivan.

[J]

"Looks like: We’re still not quite sure"

How about look this name up: Nissan Elgrand.

[matt]

is this another one of nissan's ugly minivans??

i think nissan should ditch the minivan market. because their minivan sucks and they are ugly

[LM]

I like it. I think they should build it with most of the cues seen. But they won't. As is the case with concept cars, they cheapen it up, take the edges away and make it plain.

With gas sticking to $3 + and probably climbing, and the needs to boxes on wheels, the demand may increase for people movers such as this. Having something innovative and attractive (unlike the Quest) might attract attention to Nissan. Get rid of the Armada already.

[Max Reid]

Looks nice & innovative.

Except Odyssey & Uplander all other minivan models are falling because of $3 gas price and CUV's with 3 row seats taking away the share.

Ideally, Nissan can put a rear swing door and sell it as CUV. Important thing is they should reduce the weight and size.

In last 5 years, gas prices have increase 150 % and automakers have to make note of it.

[etapar]

I am not sure what the true difference is really between a minivan and crossover....except that the Minivan has great storage and flexablity with sliding doors. Why is it that just by adding sliding doors makes it a minivan? Nissan should build this van, it is way better than the quest. The outside is fantastic.

[K]

Real mom opinion here - I LOVE IT! I just bought the Pathfinder a month ago with all the options and I am really enjoying being a nissan owner after many, many years as a honda owner. I have always hated the look of a minivan, because they all look so dowdy and white trash! BUT This new concept car has me excited! I hope they bring it to market, because I would trade up for this one! I especially love the interior! I love the white leather steering wheel. Please Nissan don't listen to the above male opinions, what do they know about sytle anyway, I am sure their wives have to make sure they don' walk out of the house with brown pants and purple shirt! -LOL!

[Nissan]

I think it's very cool. But as I was looking through the pictures I was wondering what the "Time Out" button was on the steering wheel? Does that tell all the passengers they have to stand in the corner?