Nissan Max-Out

Here’s the Nissan ‘Max-Out’ but What Is It?

The "Max-Out" compact convertible concept is set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. What is it about and what's with all of the laser-like lights?

by Thom Taylor

Published on April 4, 2023 4:31 pm

2 min read

It’s a reasonable question, “What is it?” It looks like a digital drawing, or something out of Tron or Avatar, or maybe Gran Turismo. But it’s a real EV from Nissan. It’s a retro-futuristic fun concept and a two-seat convertible. It is the Max-Out, and the EV will debut at the Auto Shanghai 2023 show later this month.

Why did Nissan develop the Max-Out EV concept?

Nissan Max-Out — Nissan Max-Out EV convertible concept | Nissan

Nissan says the Max-Out is a showcase for some of its future advanced technologies. Meant to telegraph its “shaping the future of sustainable mobility and innovative design” while it navigates “the various challenges and opportunities the coming large-scale transition to electric mobility will bring.”

Nissan Max-Out — Nissan Max-Out EV convertible concept | Nissan

The Japanese automaker has a whole host of all-electric vehicles it will bring along to the show as well. Obviously, Nissan is embracing electrification in a big way unlike Toyota, which seems to be hedging on the trend.

Are the laser lights integrated or reflected onto the Max-Out?

While the car itself is small with a simplified body form, once the lights go off, it becomes much more dynamic. Laser-like pinstripes of green neon-like light travel throughout the interior and some body surfaces. This reflects back into the black body for still more light dynamics. The upper half of the steering wheel lights up, and a digital display screen spans from pillar to pillar.

Nissan Max-Out — Nissan Max-Out EV convertible concept | Nissan

More laser light technology makes up the rear inside of the taillight panel, highlighted with “Nissan” as well. The grille becomes a light show as well. The wheel covers take on a gridded void lights giving the car an otherworldly feel. This pattern is impossibly out of perspective which adds to the uniqueness of the wheels.

Is Nissan going to manufacture the Max-Out?

Nissan Max-Out — Nissan Max-Out EV convertible concept | Nissan

The lightweight EV ‘vert gets its power from an e-4ORCE dual-motor EV system. Right now, Nissan is keeping most of the rest of the Max-Out specs under wraps until Shanghai, but we’d guess it’s capable of 350 hp. Of course, this is more about fantastical light displays to show the fun side of technology.

We doubt this is headed for production, but we’d love it if it did. If it drives and handles as well as its visual delights suggest, this would be one fun electric dart. We’ll have more to update after its debut on April 18.

Nissan Max-Out — Nissan Max-Out EV convertible concept | Nissan

Staff Writer

Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.