Nissan GT-R (X) 2050 Concept: A Glimpse into the Future of Autonomous Supercars
The Nissan GT-R (X) 2050 concept signifies a remarkable leap into the future of automotive design. Created by Nissan intern Jaebum (JB) Choi, this groundbreaking autonomous supercar is tailored for a single occupant, who interacts with the vehicle by wearing a specialized dockable body suit. The occupant’s position is face-down, creating a unique driving experience that challenges conventional car designs.
Nissan GT-R (X) Concept: All About the Size and Shape
Measuring nearly 10 feet in length and only about 2 feet in height, this innovative concept accommodates just one passenger — who is not classified as a traditional driver due to its autonomous nature. While the face-first position may seem unconventional, it certainly deviates from typical autonomous vehicles that resemble compact, upright benches.
Moreover, the design embodies a wearable machine concept. The occupant lies in a prone position, with limbs spread to form an “X.” This unique setup is coupled with a specially designed, form-fitting suit and helmet, akin to the suits used by skeleton athletes during the Winter Olympics.
Driver Wears a Dockable Suit
The occupant effectively “docks” into the GT-R (X): the helmet fits into a designated slot to access front-facing virtual-reality vision, although visibility through the small window is limited. In a fascinating twist, the occupant becomes almost like a charging component within the vehicle.
Choi states, “Exo-skeletons today make people stronger by wearing mechanical structures. I tried to fit the size of a person’s body as much as I could, as if I were wearing a car. I aimed to create a new form of machine that connects the human experience and technology more distinctly.”
Woodhouse characterizes the vehicle as reminiscent of a superbike laid on its side. The wheels allow for 360-degree rotation, and the vehicle features 21-inch tires with an inner circle of 15 inches. An active wing extends for downforce and folds to allow easy entry and exit through the top of the vehicle.
Powered Like Iron Man
This supercar is envisioned as an electric vehicle, with Choi likening its energetic core to that of Iron Man’s technology. His vision involves a lightweight, flexible frame that balances performance with futuristic aesthetics.
In a time marked by remote working and isolation, the GT-R (X) concept generates excitement and draws design inspiration from current Nissan GT-R models. The concept dovetails with future technologies that Nissan is developing, such as Brain-to-Vehicle (B2V) integration, as explained by Woodhouse, which is pivotal in bringing this idea to fruition.
This GT-R-inspired design presents an alternative option for driving enthusiasts in a landscape dominated by more standardized vehicle shapes.
Brain-to-Vehicle Technology
Woodhouse appreciates the notion of a supercar operated through brain-to-vehicle integration. He conveys, “Choi’s thesis illustrates how technology can forge emotional connections, yielding tangible benefits for users.”
A unique feature of this vehicle is the “brain-to-core transmitter,” bridging instructions from the driver’s brain to the car’s systems, thus enhancing the driving experience. The design aims to safeguard the human brain within the car’s structure.
Choi envisions a future where all vehicles are fully autonomous. By 2050, he predicts that computers will outperform human drivers so effectively that personal driving may become illegal, fostering a seamless connection between man and machine.
Nissan showcased its endeavors in B2V technology during CES 2018, revealing its capability to read and interpret driver brain waves for improved driving experiences. The technology is designed to adapt systems to maximize enjoyment and responsiveness.
Who is This Intern?
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Choi is an alumnus of the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. His thesis revolved around creating an autonomous version of the GT-R for the year 2050, where vehicles could serve as extensions of the driver.
Throughout his internship at Nissan Design America—primarily conducted remotely due to the pandemic—Choi brought his ambitious vision to life through the GT-R (X) 2050 concept, surprisingly culminating in a full-scale model.
Although his internship has concluded, it is anticipated that Choi will continue his journey with Nissan as a full-time employee.
