When news of the IDx Nismo and Freeflow concept cars were shown at the Detroit Auto Show, nobody connected the spunky looking coupe with long standing rumors of the S16 return. The Toyabaru twins have certainly taken the automotive world by storm, with many of the car manufacturers following with compact rear wheel drive vehicles.
In an interview we covered last year with Drive Magazine, lead designer for Nissan Shiro Nakamura gave his thoughts on the rear wheel sport compact trend, as well as the future of the Z.
“I much prefer smaller sports cars,” Nakamura said. “With 370Z, we still don’t know if the next-generation will have a smaller or larger engine.”
And what better car to define the next-generation sports coupe than the legendary Datsun 510 reborn? While we initially thought the engine would be based on the NA MR found in many of the Mercedes Benz commuter cars, it’s clear that Nissan is sending a message to their legions of fans with a turbocharged IDx Nismo.
Before we get onto the Nismo however, it’s fair to question where and how the IDx Free Flow will factor into the equation with many manufacturers looking to flood the market with these smaller rear wheel coupes.Drive Magazine gives us further insight into the IDx concepts, with Nissan slating release sometime in 2016.
While Nissan claims that the IDx doesn’t share any traits with their heritage, it’s not hard to see the front and side structure of the IDx mimicking or at least paying homage to the 510. Nissan expounded on the press release, giving their thoughts on the new concept car.
The front/rear fenders and side structure, such as the door panels, seem to sandwich the cabin to focus attention on the center of the vehicle. This structure allows the car to differentiate itself from others through the side and front face, with vast freedom for customization.
In order to have enough flexibility consistent with the creativity inherent to the IDx approach some areas of the interior incorporate a dual-layered “tight-fit skin.” For example, the dashboard is simple yet refined, created by employing cast molding in parts in the body structure and on the ventilation ducts. By combining this with sparingly used, close-fitting trim, the dashboard can be a foundation for various expressions and functions.
Similarly, the gauges, center consoles, and floor consoles were crafted to enable any necessary parts to be installed in an easy and seamless way.P
The IDx Freeflow looks to be the commuter of the two concepts, with subtle styling cues and enough room for four comfortable adults. Equipped with a round steering wheel attached to a very interesting looking dashboard and interior, rounding out the tachometer and instrument panel in a bland if not spartan look.
Nissan states that the IDx Freeflow may come equipped with a 1.2 or 1.5 liter gas engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission ( CVT ).
But of most interest to tuners and modders alike would be the Nismo, which looks carries it’s racing name well with a 1.6 turbocharged engine and sporty CVT system. Equipped with 19 inch rims wrapped with 225/40 racing tires, we only wish the car came in a manual, something that Nissan says could come down the line in the form of paddle shifters.
Are you as excited as we are to get our hands on it?
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