It’s car show season and I didn’t even know it until today. Once again Detroit proves it has no idea how to deign something that doesn’t look like Syd Mead drew it 20 years ago, but the Asian makers have quite a bit more flair than in recent memory. I am especially intrigued by a utility vehicle that the Internet has been blogging the fuck out of, so why not add to the fray?:

Nissan’s Bevel is a love-it or hate-it concept that seems to have true utility in mind. It’s a van-like thing with fully folding seats for a large internal hauling volume. It has much less glass than most utility-type vehicles — suggesting Nissan really thinks people will value its utility. The driver’s seat has a cockpit-like design, keeping all controls out of the way of potential cargo.

The Bevel also wants to turn your head, but isn’t too concerned with you falling in love. Like a muscle car, it just wants to be noticed. The muscle car analogy goes further because the Bevel has a definite retro vibe. Beyond the pearly mocha finish, there’s an air of a 1970s conversion van, mixed with the Landmaster from Damnation Alley, and a 1969 Camaro about this thing.

With all that said, the Bevel has an obvious playful side. Your first impression of it might be an overgrown VW Golf or Scion xA. Its silhouette goes from chunky to sleek and back depending on your angle. The effect is almost comic. This marriage of utility and style gives me the impression that Nissan is firing a shot across the Honda Element’s hood with the Bevel…and answering Toyota’s futuristic FJ Cruiser at the same time.

Here are other articles with lots of pics: