Nissan's CEO has openly expressed a keen desire to launch a new sports car, reflecting on concepts like the IDx Freeflow and IDx Nismo that never made it to production. These concepts, first unveiled over a decade ago, hinted at an affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupe that resonated with enthusiasts. The CEO believes that a similar vehicle could significantly boost the brand's appeal, particularly among younger buyers, by projecting a more exciting and dynamic image. This vision comes despite the company's past struggles and ongoing financial constraints, which previously hampered the IDx's manufacturing due to concerns about market overlap and production logistics.
For over twelve years, the automotive community has speculated about the potential revival of an affordable rear-wheel-drive coupe from Nissan, sparked by the IDx Freeflow and IDx Nismo concepts. These prototypes were initially met with excitement, promising a fresh direction for the brand's performance offerings. However, the concepts ultimately remained just that—concepts—failing to transition into mass production. Nissan's leadership cited several reasons for this decision, primarily concerns about market cannibalization with existing models like the 370Z, and doubts regarding the economic viability of the project due to insufficient anticipated demand. The logistical challenge of finding a suitable manufacturing facility also played a crucial role in the concepts' shelving.
Despite these past obstacles, Nissan's current CEO, Ivan Espinosa, maintains a strong conviction that a car echoing the spirit of the IDx concepts could be immensely beneficial for the company. In a recent discussion with Japanese publication Kuruma News, Espinosa highlighted the dual purpose such a vehicle would serve: it would act as a powerful brand ambassador for Nissan and, crucially, would appeal to a younger demographic. He emphasized the importance of attracting new, younger customers not solely through pricing strategies, but by offering compelling products that foster a strong connection and loyalty to the brand.
Espinosa's enthusiasm extends to the idea of resurrecting the iconic Silvia model, stating he "would love to bring it back." However, he also acknowledged the significant engineering challenges associated with modernizing such a vehicle, particularly in achieving a lightweight design while adhering to contemporary crash safety regulations. He pointed to Mazda's success with the Miata as an example of what could be achieved. While rumors once circulated that the IDx concepts were secretly based on the S15 Silvia, Nissan never officially confirmed this. For now, the prospect of a Silvia revival remains a personal aspiration for Espinosa, acknowledging that the company's current financial priorities, which have involved job cuts, factory closures, and design studio shutdowns, may delay such a project.
While Ivan Espinosa's personal passion for sports cars is evident—he daily drives a Z model, a fact noted by his predecessor Makoto Uchida, who called him a "real car guy"—the strategic decision to invest in a new entry-level sports car must be weighed against Nissan's broader financial health. The company has faced significant challenges, including extensive restructuring efforts. Nevertheless, a "halo product" with the potential to elevate the brand's image and attract a new generation of enthusiasts could provide a much-needed boost, much like the TT did for Audi, provided it is supported by a robust lineup of mainstream vehicles.