As cool and creative as the Nissan IDx concepts are, inspired by the legendary Datsun 240k and 1600, the company’s vice president has confirmed they will go into production.
Although they aren’t likely to hit showrooms exactly as is, Andy Palmer, Nissan executive vice president, spoke out at the Detroit auto show currently under way saying at least one of them will go into production.
“One of those two will go into what we call our midterm plan. Now, whether we do both remains to be seen. I am not saying that we won’t do both, but we definitely will do one of them.”
Nissan is yet to offer a compact sports car to rival the very popular Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, and the Hyundai Veloster. There were rumours of a new 200SX hitting the scene in the future, but now it looks like these beaut rear-wheel drive machines will step in for the segment.
One of the concepts is inspired by the Datsun 1600 and is more of a lifestyle proposition, while the other is more of a pure performance machine developed by Nismo. It’s understood the Freestyle version could be made in favour of the Nismo, at least for the time being.
Specific details on the possible engine – or engine choices – haven’t been confirmed, however, a small capacity four-cylinder using a turbocharger is likely. Experts suggest we could see the new Nissan Pulsar SSS 1.6-litre turbo carried across. In the SSS it produces 140kW.
