Nissan Navara looks to the stars in new Dark Sky concept

If you've ever wanted to go on a trail and then gaze into the starry night sky, well Nissan's latest concept pickup is perfect for you. Called the Navara Dark Sky concept, it was built in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and recently made its public debut at the 2018 Hannover Motor Show in Germany.

While it is a concept, the futuristic looking truck still looks similar to the production model Navara. Nissan says the concept draws inspiration from 'the cosmos', hence the dark exterior color scheme with nebula motifs. The most obvious changes can be found on the front fascia with restyled LED headlights, red LED accent lighting on the grill, and a roof mounted LED light bar. A raised ride height coupled with unique wheels fitted with off-road tires compete the Navara's futuristic look. Inside, the same exterior motif has been carried over albeit with orange accents instead.

While the futuristic Navara looks ready to take on the trail, it is more than just another capable off-roader concept vehicle. In fact, it acts somewhat like a mobile astronomy lab. This is because the special trailer it is towing houses a high-power PlaneWave telescope. This allows astronomers to take a better look at the night sky from far-flung places which have less light pollution; often located in remote places with no direct access.

To help the truck perform better off-road, the Navara concept is fitted with an upgraded Nissan ProPilot Assist system. It also features the brand's Intelligent Around View Monitor system, Blind Spot Warning and Intelligent Towing Hitch Alignment. All these systems enable the Navara to maneuver the telescope trailer into the best position, giving astronomers the best view of distant galaxies.

"The Nissan Navara Dark Sky Concept is a brilliant example of Nissan serving as an authentic partner, empowering our customers to go anywhere. Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility and ProPilot, we are creating the best solutions for the next frontiers of business, no matter how complex the commercial need," said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president of Nissan's light commercial vehicle business.