Nissan GT-R (X) 2050 Concept can only be driven flat-out

While internal battles still rage in Japan on whether the next-gen R36 Nissan GT-R will be hybrid or all-electric, Nissan USA has reimagined the GT-R for 2050.

Called the Nissan GT-R (X) 2050, the new concept from Nissan's San Diego, California-based studio looks like it might have accidentally driven off the set of sci-fi movie Blade Runner.

Measuring in at just 2908mm long, 1537mm wide and standing just 658mm tall, the Nissan GT-R (X) is tiny and its dimensions reflect that, as well as its dramatic X-inspired design, the GT-R has morphed from a 1.8-tonne all-wheel drive coupe to an ultra-lightweight sports car in which the driver lies flat on his or her stomach in an 'X' position.

Instead of seeing out through a regular windscreen, the GT-R (X) driver, whose head is resting just over the front axle, uses a virtual reality helmet that draws on the car's extensive camera system to project the view ahead.

According to designer Joeburn Choi, the unorthodox position helps the driver to 'wear' the GT-R, making it feel more like an extension of your body, rather than a remote, detached driving experience.

“Exo-skeletons today make people stronger by wearing mechanical structures. I tried to fit the size of a person’s body as much as I could, as if I were wearing a car,” Choi explained.

Despite its futuristic bent, the new Nissan USA concept hasn't abandoned its GT-R heritage. Look closely and you'll see it still sports its quad tail-lights, and the slab-sided approach is said to be reminiscent of the R35.

There's no word on power output or performance of the Nissan GT-R (X), which was created to provide pure-electric drive via an Iron Man-style 'arc-reactor', but there's plenty of active aero to add extra downforce when needed.

The unusual wheels, meanwhile, combine the wheel and tyre as one unit and allows the car to turn 360 degrees.

Finally, if you're looking for a traditional steering wheel or pedals, good luck, as there aren't any.

Instead, the GT-R (X) is operated using Nissan's Brain-to-Vehicle tech that is under development and is claimed to interpret signals from the human brain to make the vehicle drive.