Nissan’s little roadster, the Urge, is rather eye-catching in concept form, but will it garner enough interest at its Detroit Motor Show début to warrant a production run?
Nissan’s little roadster, the Urge, is rather eye-catching in concept form, but will it garner enough interest at its Detroit Motor Show début to warrant a production run?
Small, minimalistic, light and motorcycle-inspired, the dramatic Urge is the result of an online survey of about 2 000 young enthusiasts to establish what they would like to see in their cars.
Nissan’s stand at next week’s Detroit Motor Show will showcase a sports concept with little creature comforts but all the technological gizmos to allow for the incorporation of essential cell phones, MP3 players and gaming consoles.
Urge uses a high-revving, small displacement engine with a six-speed manual sequential gearbox and a Brembo braking system.
Though based on the same wheelbase as its popular sibling, the 350Z, the Urge is about 40 cm shorter and its light weight (it tips the scales at just over 1 000 kg) should be enough to guarantee plenty of edge-of-your-seat racing experiences.
About those seats – the Urge has racing-style mesh-and-leather buckets in an interior characterised by metal and durable rubber materials.
The rear-wheel drive three-seater’s design has been inspired by motorcycles, and its aluminium-framed body has panel cutouts and glassed areas for its passengers to feel the whoosh of an exhilarating motorcycle ride. The third seat is tucked behind the front seats in a hidden compartment that is activated by the driver’s cell phone.
For those who need to change their clothing at least four times a day, the Urge’s functions, menus and displays are customisable. It also has an integrated Xbox gaming system where, once the driving controls have been deactivated, a screen unfolds from the rearview mirror and the pedals and steering wheel become gaming controls.
Though it is being revealed as a concept, Nissan will use the opportunity to gauge the public’s response to its gaming console/car. And who knows, if the response is good, within a few years you too may feel the urge to park off and catch up on your gaming…