TOKYO MOTOR SHOW - NISSAN UNVEILS A NEW DATSUN......

[CroS13]

A few weeks ago Motor trend did an interview with Nissan exec Andy Palmer, who hinted of 1 or possibly 2 new models to be unveiled at Tokyo Motor show 2013.

 

Speaking to Motor Trend's Nate Martinez, Palmer said, "Do we have any competitors [in the small, rear-drive coupe segment]? Are you talking about the Subaru [bRZ]? It was a car designed for a 50-year-old. It's for a midlife crisis. That's not what we do." Strong words, but what followed was even better.

 

"Are you coming to the Tokyo Motor Show? You'll see the answer to the midlife crisis. Except it won't be for the midlife crisis." So, if you were wondering whether Nissan is working on a competitor to the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, the answer seems to be a resounding "yes."

 

Now rumors were spreading of possibly a new Silvia, or a new Z, but it seems they have re made a Datsun 510 instead!!! Or err... a IDx?

 

 

So what are all your thoughts on this new "concept" from Nissan?

 

Personally, I like the look of the nismo model, however i don't think it will be a true competitor for the  BRZ / FT86.  The FT86 really hit the nail on the head to compliment the legendary hachi roku.

 

Now putting the GTR aside, which is unattainable to most people, The FT86 is the only real budget performance car out of a Japanese maker in a long time, a real kick back to the glory days of the 90's.

 

The designers say that they are making this car to try and appeal to the new generation of young people, who arn't interested in cars according to them. And they have listened to everyone's opinions with an open mind. 

 

I Don't know who they have been listening to, but sure as hell isn't EVERYONE who is crying for a S16, or some budget performance car to take on the FT86. The problem i foresee is that Nissan cant make a budget sports car more powerful, or close to their premium range of the 370z, because then it would eat into profits of that lineup. Why spend 60k on a 370z  when i can buy a IDx for 35k and it performs the same?

 

So i can see this having a weak sauce 1.6L engine, and perhaps for the "nismo" version, the turbo motor out of the new SSS pulsar. which will be expensive and really take it out of the econo sports car bracket. Much like STI models when it comes to Subaru.

 

It will be interesting to see where Nissan goes with this, i foresee it going downhill and end up being boring and a failure like the Nissan Juke.

 

Rudolf.

 

 

 

[dat2kman]

They have drastically price dropped the 370Z, to clear stocks.

About to be unveiled, pics of a bronze coloured one have been leaked, a new two door coupe, no word weather it is. z or a Sylvia S16

 

My hunch, it is a S16 rear wheel drive will be the direct competitor to the Toyo 86 and the Sub BRZ.

 

The IDx is supposed to be getting a 2.5 litre four cylinder, going on some media, and it is rear wheel drive, It's nice that they are making it as a tribute to the original Dato 1600

[d3c0y]

I think it's pretty good too, the design is out there and yet super retro. It is what people have been asking for in some circles and i bet all the P510 forums are rejoicing. The engine seems secondary these days as the FT86's power plant isnt exactly setting the road on fire and to be honest this could be a good thing.

 

 

Under-powered cars could be what reignites the modified car culture of the 90/early 2000s that some of us lament. If you want these cars to go fast, you have to bolt on a turbo kit to get an acceptable level of performance.

 

 

If you compare it even to an S30, most of us swap in bigger L28s, put on triple carbs and exhaust systems to get acceptable levels of performance. It really is a throw back in more ways than one if you ask me!

[cracker]

They have drastically price dropped the 370Z, to clear stocks.

About to be unveiled, pics of a bronze coloured one have been leaked, a new two door coupe, no word weather it is. z or a Sylvia S16

 

My hunch, it is a S16 rear wheel drive will be the direct competitor to the Toyo 86 and the Sub BRZ.

 

The IDx is supposed to be getting a 2.5 litre four cylinder, going on some media, and it is rear wheel drive, It's nice that they are making it as a tribute to the original Dato 1600

 

do you have a link to any of the leaked info/pics of the bronze coupe mentioned?

[benny]

this is live on the nissan stage-

 

 

[cracker]

OOOOHHHH!! Très excité!

[dat2kman]

The thing under the cover is the new S16

It is supposedly the new Sports Car from Nissan, not sure if the 370Z will continue, if it does, it may be offered worldwide in a Poverty Pack version, as per the UK.

 

I did see a leaked photo of the "S16" but there were no details at all as to wether it was a Z or a Sylvia, just speculation by motoring press, sorry, cannot remember where i saw it!!

The same page also had Nissan produced video footage of the 2014 GTR Skyline, not much change to that body.

 

Tokyo motor show is interesting, each manufacturer has days where they unveil a new model, mid-show, rather than en-masse at show opening.

Watch this space!

[C.A.R.]

Sorry, but it's as ugly as a box of arseholes.

 

WNB.

[gav240z]

Lurch you're such a wordsmith lol...

 

I for 1 think it looks pretty cool, definitely different and 50 years from now it's unique design will be appreciated by youngsters  . For example I'm really digging the old Datsun shapes of yesteryear these days.

 

Cars that were deemed uncool not that many years ago like the 180B coupe's or 240K's etc.. are making a comeback I think.

 

For example this thing here:

 

Is very similar in some ways to the shape and concept of the Lotus Europa.

 

I appreciate both shapes, my g/f on the other hand thinks I'm nuts.

 

As mentioned above, I think under powered RWD cars is a good thing, the aftermarket can take hold of these and provide upgrade kits for those wanting to go faster. If you think back to the 510, 240z days Nissan had a strong array of performance upgrades on hand for the automotive enthusiast.

 

I remember lots of people saying the R35 GTR shape was horrible etc.. when it was first unveiled but I think it's far nicer looking than the earlier GTR's myself. You often have to see these cars in person to properly appreciate them.

 

Even an old 240z can look garbage in photos taken from the wrong angle. See it in person I say.

[dat2kman]

Nothing like the Europa, Gav, the roof on the IDx is similar to a late 70's F10 model Pulsar, with that dicky plastic overwrap moulding.

Ithe nose styling is sorta P510, with quad lights, drooped down bonnet, the rear, dunno, it's got a bit of P510 about it, ex SSS coupe original.

The mooted engine is a 2.5 litre four cylinder, not a 1.6 litre,.

 

That orange/white racing Cherry, is in the Zama museum, in the flesh it looks weird, then again standard they looked weird.

 

To have a solid market entry, i suggest Datsun ( the IDx is branded Datsun) give me 30 of these in BRE colour schemes, and we set up a "one make" race series, driven by car club enthusiast racers, fully factory supported.

What could go wrong!!

[cracker]

I think the lines of the IDx resemble the kgc110. From side on there is almost a lancia stratos vibe with sharp lines which I personally find unattractive. The IDx is an interesting take on the small rwd sports car in that I don't really think it competes directly with the 86 for some reason. Maybe because the styling is so radical.. time will tell as it gets closer to production of course.

[benny]

its worth noting that the stage picture i posted is at the LA autoshow not Tokyo.

[benny]

Well so far there is the new IDx, 2014 Nismo GTR, Nismo Juke RS and the Nismo Sentra. Nismo styling is looking pretty good!! Quite aggressive.

[Johnboy]

Looking sporty!!

[cracker]

its worth noting that the stage picture i posted is at the LA autoshow not Tokyo.

 

Are you at the show benny? Is there any information on when the covers might come off the two coupes on stage?

 

I completely agree on the styling of all of the Nissans revealed... quite aggressive which is a good sign. The GO+ is a show stopper.

[benny]

I wish i was.... Just trying to keep upto date on google and facebook!! Its about time nissan stepped it up and stopped making boring looking cars.

[dat2kman]

I've now got the official image from Nissan, someone care to give me an email addy so i can email it, and you pist it up.

It has Z styling, sort of!

[Mr Camouflage]

I don't think it will make it to the production line. I think the IDx and the Freeflow are both boundary pushing concepts designed to get you comfortable with a much tamer/blander/less freaky version which might otherwise have caused the same reaction, but will have you saying, "well at least its not as ugly as that concept they put out last year". 

 

Also Nissan is planning to dilute the Nismo brand by slapping Nismo badges on everything they make. Nismo Micra anybody?

 

 

[cracker]

I've now got the official image from Nissan, someone care to give me an email addy so i can email it, and you pist it up.

It has Z styling, sort of!

 

pm'd my email address...

[benny]

I don't think it will make it to the production line. I think the IDx and the Freeflow are both boundary pushing concepts designed to get you comfortable with a much tamer/blander/less freaky version which might otherwise have caused the same reaction, but will have you saying, "well at least its not as ugly as that concept they put out last year". 

 

Also Nissan is planning to dilute the Nismo brand by slapping Nismo badges on everything they make. Nismo Micra anybody?

 

 

nothing wrong with a nismo micra.... as long as it goes hard!!

[dat2kman]

The auto makers are all into "concepts" it gives them a sense of public reaction.

Look at Dodge, Mustang Chevrolet in Murica, the retro looks!

 

The Japanese are following suit.

I have emailed the pic i got to cracker, and benny.

Post it up!

[NZeder]

Post the images you must

[benny]

Here is the image jason sent through... pretty sure its just a photoshop though. One of the giveaways is the infinity badges on the wheels-

 

 

[NZeder]

That is a bit like the concept that Nissan showed back in 2011 - see here

[C.A.R.]

Post the images you must

 

Stop stealing my gags!