Nissan Cube Interior Design Package

The Nissan Cube, a vehicle instantly recognizable for its asymmetrical body and quirky design philosophy, wasn't just about exterior aesthetics. A significant part of its appeal lay in its thoughtfully designed interior, particularly the "Interior Design Package" offered on higher trim levels. This package went beyond simple upholstery upgrades; it represented a deliberate attempt to create a unique and engaging passenger environment. This article delves into the technical details of the Nissan Cube's Interior Design Package, exploring its components, materials, and underlying engineering considerations.

The Shag Carpet Dash Topper: A Controversial Centerpiece

Perhaps the most immediately noticeable element of the Interior Design Package was the shag carpet dash topper. This feature, a thick, textured piece of material affixed to the top of the dashboard, was undeniably divisive. While some appreciated its whimsical nature and tactile quality, others found it impractical and potentially distracting. From an engineering perspective, several factors had to be considered in its design and implementation.

Material Selection and Adhesion

The shag carpet wasn't simply any off-the-shelf carpeting. It had to meet specific criteria for:

UV Resistance: To prevent fading and degradation under prolonged sun exposure.

Flammability: Automotive interiors are subject to stringent fire safety regulations. The material needed to be flame retardant and meet established safety standards.

Abrasion Resistance: To withstand the rigors of daily use and cleaning.

Outgassing: Minimizing the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could fog the windshield or contribute to interior odors.

The adhesive used to secure the shag carpet to the dashboard was equally critical. It needed to be:

Heat Resistant: Able to maintain its bond under the extreme temperatures that can occur inside a parked car in direct sunlight.

Flexible: Accommodate the expansion and contraction of both the dashboard material and the carpet due to temperature changes.

Non-Corrosive: Avoid damaging the underlying dashboard material over time.

The application process likely involved careful surface preparation, precise adhesive application, and potentially vacuum forming to ensure a uniform bond and prevent air pockets. The choice of adhesive was probably a modified acrylic or polyurethane-based formula, specifically designed for automotive interior applications.

Impact on Airbag Deployment

A major engineering consideration was the potential impact of the shag carpet on the deployment of the passenger-side airbag. The carpet couldn't impede the airbag's ability to deploy correctly and safely. This likely involved:

Careful Mapping of Airbag Deployment Zone: Determining the precise area of the dashboard affected by airbag deployment.

Strategic Carpet Trimming: Ensuring the carpet was trimmed back sufficiently around the airbag cover to allow for unimpeded deployment.

Weakening of Carpet in Deployment Zone: Potentially using laser scoring or a similar technique to weaken the carpet fibers in the immediate vicinity of the airbag cover, allowing it to tear more easily during deployment.

Extensive Crash Testing: Performing numerous crash tests with and without the shag carpet to verify that it did not compromise airbag performance.

The Rippled Headliner: Evoking Water and Light

Another distinctive feature of the Interior Design Package was the rippled headliner. Designed to resemble the surface of water, this headliner added a subtle visual texture to the cabin and contributed to the overall sense of spaciousness. The creation of this effect involved several engineering challenges.

Material Selection and Forming Process

Traditional headliners typically consist of a fabric layer laminated to a rigid backing board. The rippled headliner likely employed a variation of this process, but with modifications to create the desired texture. Possible manufacturing techniques include:

Thermoforming: Heating a sheet of thermoplastic material and then molding it over a rippled mold. This would create a permanent, three-dimensional texture.

Vacuum Forming: Similar to thermoforming, but using a vacuum to draw the heated plastic sheet against the mold. This is often used for more intricate shapes.

Embossing: Using rollers or plates to impress a pattern onto the headliner material. This would create a less pronounced, but still visible, texture.

The chosen material had to be lightweight, durable, and acoustically absorbent to minimize road noise. It also needed to be resistant to sagging and deformation over time, especially under varying temperature and humidity conditions.

Lighting Considerations

The rippled texture of the headliner was specifically designed to interact with the ambient light in the cabin. The ripples would create subtle highlights and shadows, adding depth and visual interest. The design team likely experimented with different ripple patterns and material finishes to achieve the desired effect. They may have also considered the placement and intensity of interior lighting fixtures to maximize the impact of the rippled surface.

Color Palettes and Material Harmony

Beyond the shag carpet and rippled headliner, the Interior Design Package also included unique color palettes and material combinations. The choice of colors and textures was carefully considered to create a cohesive and visually appealing interior. This involved:

Color Theory and Psychological Effects

The selection of colors likely took into account the principles of color theory and the psychological effects of different hues. For example, lighter colors can create a sense of spaciousness, while warmer colors can evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. The interior designers would have carefully balanced these factors to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

Material Harmony and Tactile Qualities

The choice of materials extended beyond aesthetics to include tactile qualities. Different materials, such as soft-touch plastics, textured fabrics, and metallic accents, were combined to create a multi-sensory experience. The goal was to provide a comfortable and inviting environment that was both visually appealing and pleasing to the touch.

Conclusion

The Nissan Cube's Interior Design Package was more than just a collection of unusual design elements. It was a carefully engineered and integrated system that aimed to create a unique and engaging passenger experience. From the controversial shag carpet to the subtly rippled headliner, each component was designed with specific technical considerations in mind, including material selection, safety, durability, and aesthetics. While the package's unconventional nature may not have appealed to everyone, it represented a bold and innovative approach to automotive interior design.