Nissan->ke62 has pulled the covers off its third design concept today at the North American International Auto Show->ke222 in Detroit. Rounding out the launches of the Resonance Concept in Detroit last year and the Friend-Me concept first seen in Shanghai last April, Nissan’s new and boringly named Sports Sedan Concept has bowed in the Motor City.

Seen as more than just a design study, the Sports Sedan Concept has real potential for seeing its shapes and curves move into production, possibly in the for of the next-gen Maxima. Especially with the same cues mirrored in the other two vehicles, it’s a pretty safe bet this is the design direction Nissan is taking for its mid-decade makeover.

After giving the four-door sedan->ke142 a chance to soak in our minds, it looks rather good. The sharp, dominating V-shaped grille sits between familiar fish-hook or boomerang-style headlights followed by a flowing, fluid-like motion along the sides, culminating together in a more angular rear trunk lid. A small, black strip visually cuts the C-pillars -- combined with the blacked-out A-pillars -- make the roof appear to be floating in mid air. The GT-R->ke1592-esque, steeply-raked windshield rises to meet the steeply-angled roof right above the front passengers’ laps, then continues down and back, ending just behind the 21-inch wheels. It all works together making the car an aesthetically interesting and congruent collaboration of curves and angles.

As said before, the possibilities for the Sports Sedan Concept to see production are high, though not under that vague name. It’s likely to be the next Maxima. Nissan seems to be quite regarding details and specs of the under-body greasy bits, but some experts are reporting the venerable 3.5-liter V-6 will return, as will its current CVT powering the front wheels.

Click past the jump for more details and pictures

2014 Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Nissan Sport Sedan Concept
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 320
  • Torque: 280
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

Welcome to the new Nissan. It's fairly certain this new design language will define the aesthetics of the company for the rest of the decade. Swooping line met with angular edges make for a modern, vogue look unlike anything the brand currently sells. We like the look and can only hope the performance bite will match the exterior's bark.

Interior

Nissan hasn't said much about the interior of the car, but from the pictures, it looks downright amazing. A pistol-grip-style shifter takes center stage on the center console while a rotary knob behind it presumably operates the infotainment system. Above, the infotainment screen and instrument cluster looks like something from the movie Oblivion. The futuristic design is clean and well laid out. Here's to hoping this moves into production.

The Trio

The Resonance and Friend-Me vehicles introduced last year gave us the first taste of the new design language. Viewable here all together, the three certainly share commonalities and characteristics not otherwise seen before. Nissan surely has a hit on its hands with the design.