AutoGuide.com

Nissan is tipping its hat to the future at this year’s Detroit automotive soiree. The Japanese brand unveiled a design study that hints what a next-generation Maxim might look like. Officially this orange four-door is called the Sport Sedan Concept.

And it’s all about design, because it sure as hell ain’t that sporty; I’ll tell you why shortly. In the looks department this car has a so-called V-Motion front end, a unique floating roof effect and familiar boomerang-shaped tail lamps that we’ve seen on other Nissans. Aside from this car’s face I really like what’s going on with the rest of its body.

Additionally this thing’s got a lower hood line and reduced ground clearance compared to regular sedans, ostensibly to make it look cool. Like every design study the Sport Sedan Concept rides on custom wheels. They span 21 inches and feature an eye-catching fan-like pattern.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

The company said these design traits will likely be adapted to all future Nissan products.

Now inside, the cabin is dressed up with quilted seats, just like grandma used to stitch on Sundays after the church potluck… just kidding, it’s not that kind of quilt, but there is an attractive diamond pattern that runs across the bucket. Additionally this motif is carried through elsewhere in the interior, adding a three-dimensional feel to things

Now for the disappointing news. The Sport Sedan Concept is powered by a 300-plus horsepower 3.5-liter V6, which is admittedly pretty appealing. But completely contradicting the word “sport,” which is literally found in the middle of its name, the engine is matched to one of Nissan’s Xtronic CVTs.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

GALLERY: Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

GALLERY: Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

Discuss this story at our Nissan forum.