Many auto manufacturers are searching for the next great concept car to entice customers to choose their models over the competition. The sports car tends to be the type of vehicle most manufacturers use to try to stand out from the competition. Nissan’s latest concept for a sports car, the widely popular concept IDx coupe, is reportedly heading towards production, but not before it gets a redesign. There have been doubts that this sports car model will actually make it to the production line, but the latest rumors reveal that it will most likely not end up on the rejected concept car pile but instead find its way onto the showroom floor in the next few years.
The Debut of the IDx
At the 2013 Tokyo Motor show, Nissan unveiled two IDx concept cars, the Freeflow and NISMO, that both were inspired by a retro design, resembling some of the iconic cars of the 1960s and 70s Japan, such as the Datsun 1600, Laurel and Skyline. The IDx Freeflow was developed as a lifestyle-focused car, while the IDx NISMO had a more futuristic feel to it. Nissan developed these concept designs by integrating feedback from potential customers throughout the creative process. This demonstrated a closer relationship between customers and Nissan than has been done before, as well as bringing in ideas from outside the industry, providing the opportunity for a truly innovative car. The two cars were based on ideas from two separate groups, which explains their differences.
The Original Concept Models
The Freeflow design concept was developed by a group of people who were more attracted to “natural and tasteful things,” according to Nissan. Therefore, it had many features, such as a simple no-nonsense steering wheel, that this demographic would find attractive in a vehicle. The car was also developed with a high level of fuel economy in mind. The other group that worked on the NISMO was more attracted to the physical look of the car, as well as the capabilities. Their design was highly influenced by video games, as well as classic and modern racing cars.
The concepts were a hit, making Nissan decide to turn them into production. There have been many rumors saying that Nissan has scratched the idea entirely, although there has been no official statement either way. The latest rumors state that production on the car is still planned, just with a redesign.
The IDx Coupe Redesign
These rumors, which are based on information from an unnamed insider, say that Nissan plan to create a more aggressive look for the production model. The new model will have more muscular lines, and there will be heavy influences from the Nissan Sport Sedan concept, which was unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. This redesign will most likely take the car away from the retro look and provide it with a more modern design. Nissan is trying to attract customers by not only having the latest in connectivity tools but also create a car design that is really special and goes above and beyond the current style trends.
The redesign will not just be aesthetic, according to reports. It will also most likely use the next-generation Z car’s platform with a 2.0-liter engine that will generate around 135 kilowatts of power. The previous designs were using a sub-2.0 liter engine instead. With this redesign, the car will be ready to compete with its most likely main rival, the Toyota 86
If the IDx coupe makes it to production, it will not be until 2017, with models hitting the U.S. showrooms in 2018. Until then, there will be new generations of Nissan’s GT-R and Z sports cars to help pass the time until the new IDx becomes available.