Nissan’s Smart Rearview Mirror Is A Total Game Changer

It might seem strange to get excited about a rearview mirror, but Nissan’s Smart Rearview Mirror is really quite extraordinary. It’s the world’s first LCD monitor that uses a high-resolution camera located on the back of the car to more clearly display what’s behind your vehicle when you are driving down the road.

Think about that for a moment. By placing the camera on the outside, you circumventing traditional rearview obstructions such as passenger heads, rear seat headrests, large spoilers, and even darkly tinted rear glass. And a switch function, operated by a control located at the bottom of the mirror, allows the driver to switch between a traditional rearview mirror system or the Smart Rearview Mirror.

“Customers have told us that they want improved rearview visibility while driving, and we think that Smart Rearview Mirror is a solution to do just that,” said Anthony Baehner, Nissan Product Planning. “It helps to provide a clear view of what is behind the vehicle, removing obstructions that may otherwise interfere such as headrests, other occupants in the vehicle, and maybe a cargo area filled up with stuff. It takes all of that out of the way and helps provide a much more clear image of what is behind the car.”

Nissan’s Smart Rearview Mirror can also provide a clear image in a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow, dawn and dusk. The high-quality camera and image processing system implemented in the LCD monitor consistently results in a clear image with minimal glare, even during sunrise or sunset conditions or when the vehicle is being followed by a vehicle with strong headlights.

The Smart Rearview Mirror is currently on display in an all-new 2014 Rogue at Nissan’s stand at the New York International Auto Show. If you’re attending the show, be sure to stop by and experience it firsthand. And if you can’t make it, you can see it in action in the video above.

Nissan is planning to introduce the Smart Rearview Mirror to global markets over the next few years after an initial rollout to Japanese customers this spring.