Nissan News: Dead and Gone: Nissan IDx

[William Maley]

The Nissan IDx concepts received rave reviews from the press and public when they debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2012. A modern interpretation of the iconic Datsun 510 from the 70's, the concepts were small, rear-drive coupes that could compete with the likes of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The past year or so saw reports of a production model possible arriving in 2016. But since then, Nissan hasn't said anything about them.

 

The Truth About Cars reports that plans for a production version of IDx has been canned. Speaking with Pierre Loing, Vice President of Product Planning for Nissan North America, he explained that the company doesn't have a small enough rear-drive platform to do a production IDx. The 370Z was a possible candidate, but it was deemed too big.

 

What about developing a new platform for the IDx?

 

“Small, sporty cars are very attractive for consumers but not in huge numbers. To do them properly – in our case – you can’t rely on an existing rear-wheel drive platform, because its dimensions are for a much larger powertrain. So, for us, it would mean developing a different rear-wheel drive platform and then we are bumping into the same obstacles every other automaker has: the volumes of a small, sporty car are not enough to justify the investment,” said Loing.

 

So while the dreams of a rear-drive IDx have been dashed, the design of the IDx could be transferred to a front-wheel drive based model.

 

“I think we may still have some room (to add a retro-inspired car). We have a wide lineup.”

 

Source: The Truth About Cars

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[oldshurst442]

I thought that this was already decided upon a while ago.

 

Its a shame. I liked the style of this car.

 

Considering Im into American Muscle Cars, I wouldnt mind owning something  styled like that.

Its very unique and very retro, without actually being based on a previous car...yeah I know...its loosely based on a Nissan 510...its quite the head turner...is alls Im sayin', and I wouldnt mind be seeing driving one.

 

ALSO, I could imagine this being drifted around Tokyo streets...or being the star in a re-boot of the Fast and Furious franchise.

Yup...this car has/had the potential to turn the automotive enthusiast crowd on its head....its a shame that Nissan got cold feet.

 

EDIT:

I actually read the article carefully the second time around...and maybe a FWD model car might inherit its looks...because for Nissan/Renault...a unique RWD platform just for this vehicle is a tad too expensive to justify the possible low volume of sales...

 

True...how can we argue with that?

A possible partnership with another automaker?

Who knows...alls I know its a shame...

[Drew Dowdell]

I don't understand why they couldn't have put this on the Z platform.... it's not like that is a huge car. Put a turbo-4 in it and it should be fine. 

[G. David Felt]

Butt ugly to me. Glad I do not have to see these on the streets. Reminds me of something out of a poor animation movie.

[oldshurst442]

Butt ugly to me. Glad I do not have to see these on the streets. Reminds me of something out of a poor animation movie.

Well, Nissan has taken some styling cues from it already.

 

The 3/4 window styling theme...

 

 

I like that styling theme.

Call me nuts, but I like the messed up Maxima. It has all kinds of crazy about it, and I like it.

[aurora97]

You need to give credit to Nissan for at least trying it out.  I am still waiting for a new Supra from Toyota.  If I was told to drive one either this or the Mini Cooper, then I would rather have driven one of these things instead of a Mini Cooper.

[G. David Felt]

Just proves there is something for everyone. I pass on the mess of Auto Design Nissan has right now.

[A Horse With No Name]

Hell is freezing over because Nissan and Chryco are now both building vehicles I am liking. Next up GMCtruckguy buys an F150 (just kidding Roger!)

[aurora97]

Wasn't it Nissan's tag line 15 years ago, "Enjoy the ride"?  There is very little to enjoy in the auto industry these days.  These cars would have made an interesting business case to say the least.

[Susimi]

Can't say I'm sad to see this thing canned as it looks hideous in my opinion. That being said you gotta had it to Nissan for going with this sort of design, it's certian eye-catching...or was anyway.

[balthazar]

Recall all the allocates given Pontiac for 'trying' (Aztek)?

I'm with dfelt; not in the least visually aspirational, IMO.

[SalesmanSean]

Visually I like what Nissan is doing lately, the Murano, the Maxima, I think they're both nice looking vehicles.  In particular that Murano is a huge improvement over the previous iteration.  Then again, I'm in that crazy minority that actually likes the Juke, too.  I don't much care for the Versa, note or sedan, Sentra is blah, Altima is okay, but not great, Pathfinder and Armada are alright, new Rogue is better, but not as good as what it could have been if the Murano is any indication, and the Rogue Select needs to go, it's just a sad, non-selling reminder of how bad the old Rogue looked.  I think these would have been interesting to have, it would have been a great addition to the lineup appearance-wise, and would have been something fun to offer from Nissan.  Hopefuly if they live on as a front-drive model instead they can still make them fun and catch some peoples' interest.

[ZXD22]

Giving them props for the effort, but the car just doesn't look appealing to Me. Very good try though.