Nissan’s electric Max-Out convertible concept has made the transition from digital rendering to physical show car.
If you were expecting any more information about the two-seater, however, you’re out of luck: Nissan simply says it has been designed to display the company’s “innovation to develop a diverse range of advanced and striking vehicles, with a clear vision of how they can benefit both individuals and society”.
The physical concept is being displayed at the Nissan Futures event at the company’s Global Headquarters Gallery from February 4 to March 1, 2023.
You may recall the Max-Out was one of a handful of concepts previewed in renderings back in 2021, along with the Surf-Out ute and Hang-Out MPV/crossover.
All were said to ride a new architecture with proprietary all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), Advanced e-4ORCE dual-motor all-wheel drive and Advanced ProPilot driver assist features.
Nissan described the Max-Out in 2021 as an “ultra-lightweight” convertible concept that promises a very low centre of gravity, limited body roll and “superlative stability and comfort”.
It’s a two-seater, though Nissan says you can “morph” the seating. For example, the passenger seat can fold flat.
Nissan has said it’s aiming to have ASSBs in pilot production as early as fiscal year 2024 ahead of a market introduction in fiscal year 2028.
This is just part of an overarching 2 trillion yen (A$24.6 billion) investment in electrification it announced in 2021.
Of these three -Out concepts, the Max-Out seems the least likely to reach production given the declining market for convertibles. Nissan could, however, be looking to introduce a new electric halo model.
The concept’s name evokes the Maxima, which has been Nissan’s flagship sedan in the North American market since 1981. The current 2015-vintage model remains on sale there, slotting in above the Altima.
In addition to these three -Out concepts, Nissan previewed a model called the Chill-Out that teases the Leaf hatchback’s replacement.
It shares the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s existing CMF-EV platform and Nissan’s e-4ORCE dual-motor all-wheel drive system with the Ariya.
Nissan expects some markets to take to electrification more quickly.
By fiscal year 2026, it expects electrified vehicles to account for more than 75 per cent of its sales in Europe and more than 55 per cent in Japan and more than 40 per cent in China.
Surf-Out, Max-Out, Hang-Out
