Automotive brand Nissan has collaborated with sportswear company New Balance to create the Kicks 327, a car that resembles a trainer.
Created to promote Nissan’s Kicks electric SUV, the collaboration is a play on the car’s name, which is slang for trainers.
“The car name Kicks means sneaker in English slang,” explained Nissan. “This became the origin of the idea and led to the realization of a ligament with sneakers.”
The SUV was adorned with a body wrap to give it the look of a gray New Balance 327 trainer.
The shoe’s suede upper was reproduced with a graphic print on the wheel arches, while the laces were printed on the hood of the vehicle and the collar, tongue and eye were reproduced on the roof.
According to Nissan, the 327 coach was chosen for the collaboration because its appearance matches that of the SUV.
“The 327 has a sleek SUV look and is light and sticks to the ground,” explained the brand.
“We thought it would match the concept of the Nissan Kicks e-Power 4WD, which allows you to enjoy driving in any situation, whether it’s on the street or off-road.”
Footwear brand New Balance also highlighted that the ethos of the trainer matches that of the SUV.
“327 is a model born from the design inspiration of New Balance’s street, trail and racing shoes in the 1970s,” said Ken Suzuki, Marketing Director of New Balance Japan.
“The sleek design and unique design of the trail running model has been sublimated as fashion, making it a shoe that shines in the city,” he continued.
“When I heard about Nissan’s Kicks concept, I immediately thought it would match the 327.”
The Kicks 327 will be on display at various Tokyo locations throughout February and will also be driven around the city.
It’s one of several unusual cars already unveiled in 2023, with Rezvani Motors launching the “world’s most aggressive SUV,” Hyundai unveiling a car that can drive sideways, and BMW unveiling its color-changing Vision Dee concept.
