Nissan Motor Co. has recently made a bold move into the virtual realm with the introduction of ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ on March 7th. This groundbreaking project marks Nissan’s 90th anniversary and underscores the company’s dedication to its deep-rooted history and a strong emphasis on safety. By delving into this new initiative, Nissan is striving to provide users with a one-of-a-kind and immersive experience that takes them on a journey through time, focusing on three iconic cars while also advocating for safe driving practices.
The inaugural exhibition of ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ showcases the Silvia Q S13, a renowned drift car from Nissan’s lineup. Not only does this virtual environment allow users to explore the intricacies of the car, but it also sheds light on how the color of pedestrian clothing can impact a driver’s perception on the road. This unique perspective serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and attentiveness while driving, even within a virtual setting.
Moving on to the second exhibition, users are transported to a virtual realm featuring the legendary Skyline 2000GTX-E. This car holds a special place in Nissan’s history due to its significance in tuning culture and its appearances in popular video games and movies like the Gran Turismo series and Fast and Furious franchise. Apart from getting up close with the car, users can engage in a mini-game that highlights the consequences of multitasking while driving and encourages safe driving behaviors.
The third and final exhibition takes users on a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s-1960s era, immersing them in an American diner and drive-in theater ambiance. This retro setting provides users with the chance to practice steering wheel controls, stressing the importance of familiarity with their vehicle’s controls and the ability to operate them effectively.
The ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ is a collaboration between Nissan and Japanese university researchers, demonstrating the potential for amalgamating virtual technology with research. This collaborative effort not only lends credibility to the project but also showcases Nissan’s unwavering commitment to constant innovation and pushing boundaries within the automotive industry.
Accessible and Inclusive Metaverse Experience
Accessible through the Meta Quest headset, Nissan’s ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring easy access for a broader audience. This approach to inclusivity further enhances the project’s reach, making it available to a diverse range of users.
Continued Virtual Ventures
This is not Nissan’s initial foray into the virtual world. In 2022, the company introduced its inaugural virtual test drive, granting users the opportunity to experience a Nissan vehicle from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, in December 2023, Nissan revamped four existing metaverse worlds, amplifying its presence in the virtual realm. With ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’, Nissan once again proves itself as a trailblazer in the automotive industry, delivering an engaging and educational metaverse experience that not only celebrates its rich legacy but also advocates for road safety.
Leave a Reply