The Nissan IDx Concept vehicles might just be the biggest surprise for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show. Looking nearly production-ready, the Nissan IDx Freeflow and NISMO hark back the spirit of the (awesome) Datsun 510. Also known as the Datsun 1300, 1500, 1600, Datsun Bluebird, Yue Loong Bluebird 706, Datsun Sedán and Datsun Guayin – the Datsun 510 is a coveted and celebrated design.
The cool design and floating roof-look aside, the Nissan IDx will most likely be a mobile infotainment device. I mean, that’s what’s important to the new youth market, the same people who had a hand it its design. That’s right, Nissan used the ideas from folks who were born after 1990. Frankly, the kids look like they got it right.
“The round, no-nonsense steering wheel, attached to the level dashboard, mounts a modern-looking speedometer that would not seem out of place in a younger person’s lounge. Together with an analog clock, prominently located above the centered function monitors, the cumulative effect is an interior that feels heavily influenced by the wish for a cozy, relaxing space.
Additionally, the coordination of finished metals with the thick surfacing material on the dashboard and console, combined with the denim selected to cover the seats and certain trim areas, produces sections that dazzle the eye but are balanced by more calming hues in other spots. This is the unique quality of the co-creators’ taste as expressed in the cabin appointments.” – – Nissan Media
The Nissan IDx (meaning identification meets dreams – I think) should be rear drive with a 1.2 all the way to 1.5-liter engines hooked up to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The good news is: the NISMO version will have a direct-injected, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine connected to a rev-matching six-speed manual. A “sporty” CVT will be offered too.
Guess which one I want to drive?
And THAT’S the thing about the Nissan IDx… it looks like we may get a real one – soon. Nissan has made no secret of the fact that they have no intentions on being a boring company. Sure, they build a lot of CVT-based machines, but they also build the Z-car and GT-R. The Nissan IDx looks primed to go heads-up against the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S.
“Many of the group of co-creators who were involved with IDx NISMO are people who grew up playing racing simulation games that feature cars of the past and from all corners of the globe. They had a natural desire to realize that virtual driving experience in a real car of their own.
Not limited to being inspired just by racing cars, IDx NISMO was born from a refined combination of the freedom to borrow liberally from memorable vehicles of yesteryear and the present, in addition to whatever was felt exudes “cool.”
The IDx NISMO’s co-creation dialogue took the distilled heritage of Nissan’s basic box-shaped racing vehicles of the past and married it with various intriguing new details. This resulted in a car that appears to be timeless and moored in a place all its own.
Though IDx NISMO shares the overall length and height of its Freeflow cousin, the 1.8 meter width of the car is testament to its low, wide stance that emphasizes its sporty proportions.
One of the hallmarks of box-type racecars is speediness conveyed by a reverse-slanted nose. On IDx NISMO, this frontal design element is embellished by an aura of seriousness communicated by the use of carbon panels. Side mufflers provide a pleasing exhaust note. The car also has contemporary touches such as front/rear and right/left aerodynamic spoilers and lightweight 225/40 19-inch tires.” – – Nissan Media
This car looks too cool to ignore and I intend to keep an eye on it as production information (hopefully) will surface one day soon. In the meantime, enjoy this video of some other Nissan/NISMO goodies from the 2013 LA Auto Show!
