On that subject the Serenity's headlight clusters might be the tallest vertical-style lamps ever created, continuing the pattern started by the stylized "D" and "C" shaped grille openings right back to the base of the A-pillars. Splitting the grille is a nose that seems more akin to a new Mitsubishi or even a classic Renault, the Japanese automaker's partial parental overseer, than anything from Nissan, but in some ways follows the company's new bisected grille styling theme. Nissan describes the car's "front mask" as "suggestive of Kabuki facial make-up," further stating that its appearance results from "a fusion of essential functionality with a distinct Japanese pattern like that seen in latticework". Very thin, horizontal engine and brake cooling ducts are tastefully applied to the lower front fascia, following what looks at first to be a less is more design theme.
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| The triangulated rear quarter windows are also unique styling elements, pointing upward similar in context to the Murano but much bolder in execution. (Photo: Nissan) |
From profile its less than simple greenhouse pulls cues from the new Titan pickup and Armada full-size SUV, notching upward three-quarters through the front door windows and back downward three-quarters along the rear doors, a creative way to add a distinguishing line to windows that could otherwise have appeared nondescript. Once again Nissan describes this design detail as pulling inspiration from Japanese culture, this time the shape of the side windows having been inspired by the country's folding fans, an interesting idea but something I, as a Westerner, wouldn't have caught onto. The triangulated rear quarter windows are also unique styling elements, pointing upward similar in context to the Murano but much bolder in execution.
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| The tall taillights of the Serenity integrate a unique geometric design into their lenses. (Photo: Nissan) |
The tall taillights integrate a unique geometric design into their lenses, while offering about as much rear end real estate as possible to the important job of warning tailgating drivers to back off. The rear window features a trapezoidal shape that is becoming almost commonplace in new car design these days, but the angular exhaust tips that continue the lights' shape just below are all original in design. At liftgate central the thick spine of formed sheetmetal that raises the brand's logo is all new-age Nissan.