The NEXTOURER concept is a "next-generation touring sedan" with all the style, luxury appointments and high-tech features of a luxury touring sedan, combined with the versatility and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle. Like a touring sedan, the NEXTOURER provides responsive performance and exceptional dynamic balance. Like an SUV, it offers a spacious, versatile interior layout.

For loading smaller items, the lower half of the Dual-Mode liftgate can be opened like the trunk of a conventional sedan, while larger items may be loaded by opening the entire liftgate.

The NEXTOURER is powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT), mated to a Toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Toroidal CVT delivers 20 percent better fuel economy compared with a conventional automatic transmission. The Toroidal CVT offers a choice of manual or automatic shifting. In manual mode, shifts are made using the wing shift controls mounted behind the steering wheel (similar to the paddle shifters used on Formula One racecars). The wing shift selectors allow the driver to make quick fingertip shifts without removing his or her hands from the steering wheel.

The NEXTOURER features a number of advanced technologies, including an Active Height Control that lowers the vehicle when it is stopped for ease of entry and exit, raises it nearly four inches at low speeds, then lowers it by two inches at highway speeds for improved handling and fuel economy.