This month, FW editor John Challen ponders on just how much Nissan’s 1,341hp Hyper Force concept is a flight of fantasy or a road to a new model.

The Hyper Force was one of five Nissan concepts at the Japan Mobility Show

The Japan Mobility Show (née motor show) is never short of eye-catching surprises and slightly leftfield – to put it mildly – transportation propositions. There’s always a wide spectrum from ‘they’ll never get THAT into production’ to ‘ooh, is that the new [insert motoring icon from yesteryear here]?’ – and the last show didn’t disappoint.

In the latest edition of the event, Nissan had five different concepts on show, and we couldn’t let it pass without mentioning at least one of them. To be honest, this column could’ve featured any of the futuristic fantasies because they are all extreme in design and almost certainly subject to a huge overhaul, should any of them make it into production.

On that latter point, there is plenty of method in the madness, so dismiss the concepts at your peril. Don’t believe me? Here’s the take from Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida on the quintet: “All five concept cars showcased today are symbols of the future and embody our founding spirit of ‘daring to do what others don’t’. We have advanced our EV innovations, moving beyond mobility to create a more sustainable world. The EVs symbolise our future of creating a cleaner, safer – and more inclusive world for everybody without compromising on passions and dreams. Through the power of innovation, Nissan is creating a future where everyone can enjoy the excitement of mobility.” Sound convincing?

To be a true Fantasy Fleet contender, there was only one real candidate from the infamous five: the Nissan Hyper Force. Naturally, it’s an all-electric powertrain – with a whopping 1,341hp and featuring solid-state batteries. There’s also Nissan’s e-Force all-wheel-drive technology to help make it, as Nissan describes, ‘a game-changing hyper EV’.

Specific technical details are sparse beyond the above, save for the fact that drivers can use ‘racing’ or ‘grand touring’ modes, the inclusion of ‘hyper LIDAR’ and carbon fibre four-point racing seats. But Nissan made a big noise about Hyper Force’s connection with the gaming community. Indeed, the whole concept was a collaboration with Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment – the guys responsible for Gran Turismo. There’s also an online game in Fortnite (Electrify the World) for ‘customers of all ages’ to enjoy.

Yours truly is too old for all that sort of thing, but what I can say is that Hyper Force looks pretty impressive. What elements of the car make it to a road-going Nissan in the future remains to be seen. Until then, let the idea of this fantasy becoming a reality stay as a dream until you see – or hear – otherwise!