Nissan's distinct V-Motion grille has been a staple for over ten years, originating with the debut of the 2010 Juke that featured a subtle V-Motion grille. The design evolved significantly by 2015, showing up prominently in the Vmotion 2.0 concept and later in the production model of the Maxima.
However, as Nissan shifts towards a focus on electric vehicles – which generally don't require traditional grilles – the V-Motion design is likely on its way out. Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Vice President for Global Design, mentioned that the design team is moving away from the V-Motion theme.
"There's a little bit left, but no, we're not using these motifs so literally," said Albaisa. "I think if we have one success is that nobody asks for [V-Motion] anymore inside the company. Or if they do ask, the other executives don't follow. So one person can say, 'What about V-Motion?' And if the room is silent, that means it's a minority voice and you keep going."
Although some of Nissan's internal combustion engine vehicles still prominently feature the V-Motion grille, it is being phased out in newer models such as the Versa and X-Trial / Rogue. These vehicles now sport a revised, wider V-shape on their front ends, similar to the design introduced on the Ariya.
In general, Nissan's design philosophy is undergoing a transformation. The push towards electric vehicles is compelling Albaisa and his team to prioritize efficiency, but he still places high value on aesthetic appeal.
"We used to be able to put the nose wherever we want. All of the cars you see today, the nose is moving up a bit because we’re taking air under the nose," Albaisa says. "I think that those first EVs have a tendency to be a bit jellybean-ish… and already people are pushing back."
"Because we have like 13 or 14 [EVs] that we’re making, some are a bit smoother – they’re also cool – but you see the friction between the language. I don’t think people are patient, they want something new."
Source: Motor1