Nissan IDx Concept 2013

[B][SIZE="3"]IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO: From Ideas to Reality[/SIZE][/B]

[I]- Two very different Nissan concepts, built on the same architecture, demonstrate howco-creation can challenge the conventions of car design -[/I]

Today Nissan unveiled a pair of concept cars with radically different characteristics, created by a new approach to product development, that together offer a new take on authenticity.

The IDx concepts on the Nissan stand at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show are case studies. The first is a casual/lifestyle-focused vision, the IDx Freeflow. The second is IDx NISMO, an ultra-sporty model of the future that looks as if it came directly from a driving simulator.

IDx NISMO and IDx Freeflow show how Nissan is using a new and innovative product development methods to meet the needs of younger customers who have novel, exciting ideas, and engage with them to build the cars they want.

The co-creation product development approach requires input from consumers. It was designed to appeal to “digital natives," the generation born after 1990, and integrates their feedback into the creation process. Nissan thinks this approach could have real applications in the near future.

This co-creation activity led to the development of the two IDx concepts cars, each with their own unique identity, yet aligning with the values and preferences and desire for authenticity, of the mainly digital native collaborative community that helped create them.

[B]IDx: A fresh start[/B]

Co-creation defines a new relationship between Nissan and its customers. The prefix Nissan gave to the two new concepts, “IDx," reflects those ideals. “ID" is the acronym taken from “identification", relating to the things all individuals relate to on a personal level in a car, and the “x," which is the variable representing the new values and dreams born through communication.

Engaging with members of the digital native generation created an opportunity to learn a slew of new insights and creative possibilities. The co-creation dialogue reached far and wide, from the basic framework of cars to the last details and finishing touches.

The final versions of the two concept cars were born from the engagement with separate co-creation communities. Each one has its own strong character and leaves a vastly different impression.

The design of the two IDx concepts incorporates digital natives' direct expression of the ideal form of ultimate simplicity in a compact sedan. It was as if they were given a clean, white canvas to freely conceptualize anything that was intriguing.

What Nissan derived from this communication was their desire for a basic, authentic configuration for a car. A car without legacy influences, based on the ideal proportions and straight stance of a simple three-box shaped car design. Thus, the IDx concepts share the same three-box genesis, i.e. vehicles made up of three compartments—engine, passenger and cargo areas.

Nissan designers infused the idea of an “authentic car configuration" into their thinking behind this starting point in the form of a “flexible box."

Several unique approaches were made from a structural standpoint so the IDx concepts could take on various appearances. For example, 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. The parting lines (panel partitions) clearly separate the sides and top, and enhance visual clarity while creating a unique and crisp boxed form. Additionally, viewed from the front and rear, the car retains its compact lines while maintaining low and wide body proportions, thereby instilling a sense of it being a “real" car.

Both the interior and exterior share the aim of a simple design, with just the right amount of functions and accessories that are standard on cars to provide a solid sense of build reliability.

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.

The IDx concepts' interiors are ultimately the expression of digital natives' values in a flexible form that is malleable enough to project an exquisite structure while rendering a unique space inside.

[B]IDx Freeflow[/B]

The IDx Freeflow reflects the sensibilities of its co-creators; the outlook of people who seek natural and tasteful things in every aspect of their daily lives.

They sought to employ a simple and clean attitude, using the authentic items that they favor to artfully combine various things and give substance to their self-expression.

The interior details of this four-passenger concept car are a carefully selected mix of fashionable functionality and comfort in a design brimming with creative originality. It is meant to feel like a living room inside a car where the owner and his or her friends can relax.

The round, no-nonsense steering wheel, attached to the level dashboard, mounts a modern-looking speedometer that would not seem out of place in a younger person's lounge. Together with an analog clock, prominently located above the centered function monitors, the cumulative effect is an interior that feels heavily influenced by the wish for a cozy, relaxing space.

Additionally, the coordination of finished metals with the thick surfacing material on the dashboard and console, combined with the denim selected to cover the seats and certain trim areas, produces sections that dazzle the eye but are balanced by more calming hues in other spots. This is the unique quality of the co-creators' taste as expressed in the cabin appointments.

In particular, the moderately faded texture and color of the denim used in the interior conveys a new kind of quality, a back-to-basics charm seldom seen in cars until now.

Though compact in size – about 4.1 meters in length, 1.7 meters in width, and 1.3 meters in overall height – the IDx Freeflow impresses with its daring yet dignified exterior.

The car's “floating roof", a seamless rounded roof shape, is another design twist that accentuates the simple box form of the body.

The exterior color is a sophisticated combination of white and flax (a light brown shade), invoking a casual feeling like that produced by the pairing of the venerable white T-shirt with khaki chinos, and highlighted with silver accessories or a belt. The overall visual effect is completed by the addition of stylish 18-inch chrome wheels.

The digital native cohort's quest for authenticity can also be interpreted as a demand for economy and efficiency in their everyday car. For this kind of vehicle, the requisite high level of fuel economy and driving performance could come from a powertrain with a 1.2-to-1.5L gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

[B]IDx NISMO[/B]

Many of the group of co-creators who were involved with IDx NISMO are people who grew up playing racing simulation games that feature cars of the past and from all corners of the globe. They had a natural desire to realize that virtual driving experience in a real car of their own.

Not limited to being inspired just by racing cars, IDx NISMO was born from a refined combination of the freedom to borrow liberally from memorable vehicles of yesteryear and the present, in addition to whatever was felt exudes “cool."

The IDx NISMO's co-creation dialogue took the distilled heritage of Nissan's basic box-shaped racing vehicles of the past and married it with various intriguing new details. This resulted in a car that appears to be timeless and moored in a place all its own.

Though IDx NISMO shares the overall length and height of its Freeflow cousin, the 1.8 meter width of the car is testament to its low, wide stance that emphasizes its sporty proportions.

One of the hallmarks of box-type racecars is speediness conveyed by a reverse-slanted nose. On IDx NISMO, this frontal design element is embellished by an aura of seriousness communicated by the use of carbon panels. Side mufflers provide a pleasing exhaust note. The car also has contemporary touches such as front/rear and right/left aerodynamic spoilers and lightweight 225/40 19-inch tires.

To meet the high expectations for a powertrain equal to the task of propelling such a formidable car, one proposal from Nissan's engineers is the combination of a high-performance, eco-friendly 1.6L direct-injection turbocharged engine together with a sporty CVT with 6-speed manual shift mode and synchronized rev control. The result is no less than an appealing mix of racing heritage with the finest of modern know-how.

Scanning the interior reveals racing-inspired crimson alcantra seat covers that entice the eyes, complemented by Spartan-looking meters and gauges that animate the race-car ambience. The lustrous metal surfaces contrast nicely with the bright red suede trim that is augmented by blue stitching.

This machine's soul-stirring design echoes the racing car imagery of the past united with the buzz digital natives get from the virtual world they know well.

That this car could result from co-creation dialogue alone exemplifies Nissan's fresh approach to contemplating car design, and even kindles a fire in the hearts of people fond of the good old days of high-performance cars.

Has the Toyobaru kick started a revolution? #2

Has the Toyobaru kick started a revolution? #3

Has the Toyobaru kick started a revolution? #4

[quote=Ferrer;1001696]Has the Toyobaru kick started a revolution[/quote]


No, because Honda is too stupid to care about the Toyobaru.

that is one ugly concept

Toyota has stated they will focus on more rear drive sports cars, Honda says no sports cars....Nissan says the BRZ/FRS/86 is a 'midlife crisis car'.....so they are completely out of touch....but they say they want a car in the BRZ category.

IMO it should be a new creation, not a retro 510....

I like the idea of it, though retro or not is debatable....I kinda like the idea of a non-fastback looking coupe/sedan(Toyobaru is weird because it looks like a lift-back car but not...), in the vein of E30-ish look.

That carbon Monotipo looking wheel(with flat top and bottom, wish it were round) is very cool looking...

Who cares about the styling.

All that matters is, more affordable rear wheel drive sporty cars = good.

The end.

[quote=Dino Scuderia;1001729]Nissan says the BRZ/FRS/86 is a 'midlife crisis car'.....so they are completely out of touch....but they say they want a car in the BRZ category.[/quote]
Maybe there's something to that. Maybe the 86 with no turbo and reportedly not enough power is a bit bland. Maybe they're just trash-talking so they can swoop in with something actually exciting.
Maybe.
[quote=Ferrer;1001742]Who cares about the styling.

All that matters is, more affordable rear wheel drive sporty cars = good.

The end.[/quote]

That's it.
I find this thing a bit questionable. But I like it, and I want Nissan to take that path again. They were the best at it, and they kept at it longer than the others.

[quote=Ferrer;1001742]Who cares about the styling.

All that matters is, more affordable rear wheel drive sporty cars = good.

The end.[/quote]

but then when they don't sell any because it's so sinfully hideous, nissan will say "oh the market doesn't want cheap rwd cars" and can the whole lineup..

need to forget trying to make things retro imo. just make it look decent

If it looks decent, wears mods gracefully and accepts aftermarket parts nicely, they'll have a super winner.

YHIHF: these will not be made.

I see a lot of first generation Silvia and Hakosuka GT-R in the design. It's not as elegant as its predecessors, but at least it's a step in the right direction.

If Nissan was crazy enough to put the Murano Cabriolet in production, surely they can produce this right?

[quote=Kitdy;1001764]YHIHF: these will not be made.[/quote]
Surely they can team up with Renault to share costs and the Régie can do their own impersonation of a new Renault Caravelle to extend potential volume.

Probably.

[SIZE="1"](By the way, I had to look up what the damn acronym actually meant...)[/SIZE]

[quote=Ferrer;1001768]Surely they can team up with Renault to share costs and the Régie can do their own impersonation of a new Renault Caravelle to extend potential volume.

Probably.

[SIZE="1"](By the way, I had to look up what the damn acronym actually meant...)[/SIZE][/quote]

Or they can turn the chassis around and make a new Alpine!

[SIZE="1"]Me too.[/SIZE]

I wasn't even sure it was a known acronym. I meant to confound with a potential Kitdy original.

My gut tells me this is not destined for the street, in a my-gut-is-actually-a-complex-interpretation-of-hard-to-tease-out-thoughts kinda way.

[quote=pimento;1001770]Or they can turn the chassis around and make a new Alpine!

[SIZE="1"]Me too.[/SIZE][/quote]
They are actually all sort of related. The A108 was based on Dauphine mechanicals and the Caravelle was the factory's take on a sportier Dauphine. Of course the Alpine was rather more successful.

I considered using the Frégate for my comical amusing remark (AFAIK the only post war front engined rear wheel drive Renault designed by Renault themselves) but that was only available as a four door, so it didn't quite fit.

But I digress.
[quote=Kitdy;1001777]I wasn't even sure it was a known acronym. I meant to confound with a potential Kitdy original.

My gut tells me this is not destined for the street, in a my-gut-is-actually-a-complex-interpretation-of-hard-to-tease-out-thoughts kinda way.[/quote]
To me the overtly retro design and some of the detailing (like the nose which I suspect would have a tough time meeting safety regulations...) are signs that this car isn't as close to production as we might wish.

Nevertheless, the success of the Toyobaru both in terms of sales as well as in terms of image, makes this more possible than if it was otherwise.

Who knows...

I would imagine if they [I]do[/I] do a Toyabaru (ಠ_ಠ I see what I did there) it would not be retro nor look anything like this.

It'd be Silviaesque or a mini Z car.

[quote=Kitdy;1001786]I would imagine if they [I]do[/I] do a Toyabaru (ಠ_ಠ I see what I did there) it would not be retro nor look anything like this.

It'd be Silviaesque or a mini Z car.[/quote]

I'd love a new Silvia! Been waiting for one since the U.S. missed out on the S15.

Apparently the car is on for production.

[url="http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/detroit-motor-show/smaller-nissan-z-car-planned"]Smaller Nissan Z car planned | Autocar[/url]

Also new Z, and that stupid BladeDeltaGliderwing thing as well.

I tell you, forget global warming and speed cameras. This is a petrolhead's golden era.

Can I has a sad?

[url="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/05/nissan-idx-is-super-dead-but-parts-may-live-on-in-fwd-platform/"]Nissan IDx is Super-Dead, But Parts May Live On in FWD Platform - The Truth About Cars[/url]

It's very dead at this point.

Boo on Nissan for being a jerk. I would have liked having a modern day Silvia.

It's sad indeed.

I guess you can't blame for [I]not wanting to lose mone[/I]y, though.

[quote=Ferrer;1012084]It's sad indeed.

I guess you can't blame for [I]not wanting to lose mone[/I]y, though.[/quote]

I guess Toyota and Subaru were pretty stupid then.

I can't understand why they won't make a BR-Z STI, it doesn't even compete anywhere near to the WRX or regular STI anyway. They would literally print money like no tomorrow.

Well, I guess being the world's biggest car maker means you can swallow it up if it goes wrong (I'm not sure the Toyobaru is actually meeting sales targets) and anyway they had to partner with Subaru (and transfer most of the engineering to them) to make it work.

Nissan can't afford that, as it turns out.

Welp, the Toyobaru was a punt, first on the scene kinda deal, that was hyped up and hotly anticipated and.. none of us bought one. If it's just power holding you back, there's about 57 kits available that'll give you a nice bump up without stressing things too much or costing an arm/leg transplant but we're still not buying them. I can assure you that if there was a waiting list for a Toyobaru, the IDx would be out already. While I agree that a BRZ STi would seem to be a sound business idea at this point given the platform and the engine are proven to take the power, it makes no sense at all for Nissan to leap into the fray at this stage.

I bought an MX-5.

That has to count for something.

Probably.

It helps a lot more than an old Alfa does.

[quote=Ferrer;1012114]Well, I guess being the world's biggest car maker means you can swallow it up if it goes wrong (I'm not sure the Toyobaru is actually meeting sales targets) and anyway they had to partner with Subaru (and transfer most of the engineering to them) to make it work.

Nissan can't afford that, as it turns out.[/quote]

That's true, Nissan is a smaller manufacturer, but not that much smaller. If they can afford the 370Z platform, I think it'd be okay if they built a smaller RWD platform and share it with Renault too.

[quote=pimento;1012117]Welp, the Toyobaru was a punt, first on the scene kinda deal, that was hyped up and hotly anticipated and.. none of us bought one. If it's just power holding you back, there's about 57 kits available that'll give you a nice bump up without stressing things too much or costing an arm/leg transplant but we're still not buying them. I can assure you that if there was a waiting list for a Toyobaru, the IDx would be out already. While I agree that a BRZ STi would seem to be a sound business idea at this point given the platform and the engine are proven to take the power, it makes no sense at all for Nissan to leap into the fray at this stage.[/quote]

I currently don't own a car, but a BRZ is up there on my list when I do get spending power. Power be damned, I'm used to underpowered cars anyway.

I was hoping for Nissan to make the IDX so that small RWD cars would show up somewhere on Honda's radar. That was more wishful thinking than anything else though. Honda's so lost with its sport car/sports sedan strategy I have no idea where to begin... Don't even get me started with Acura.

[quote=NSXType-R;1012135]That's true, Nissan is a smaller manufacturer, but not that much smaller. If they can afford the 370Z platform, I think it'd be okay if they built a smaller RWD platform and share it with Renault too.[/quote]
The 370Z already sits on a shortened Skyline/Q50 platform which apparently can't be shortened anymore. This platform forms the basis of all current rear wheel drive road Nissans, if I'm not mistaken, so I wouldn't say it's well amortised already.

By the way, the Z now costs about the same as a BRZ so I don't know if there would be much room below anyway.

The Z platform is too heavy to be debiggened for a 4-banger, and while it would be cool to see a little sporty RWD Renault, it just doesn't seem very.. Renault. Besides, they'd need to make a proper sporty Twingo first. And then a little RR roadster/coupe.

[quote=Ferrer;1012136]The 370Z already sits on a shortened Skyline/Q50 platform which apparently can't be shortened anymore. This platform forms the basis of all current rear wheel drive road Nissans, if I'm not mistaken, so I wouldn't say it's well amortised already.

By the way, the Z now costs about the same as a BRZ so I don't know if there would be much room below anyway.[/quote]

It's still a shame that the cheapest two RWD sport coupes from Japan is just the BRZ and 370Z.

I want MOAR.

(I left out the Miata, as I don't really like convertibles.)

Hmm, here the Z starts at 29K, the Subaru BRZ starts at 25K. They're within range of each other for sure, but I think in driving dynamics they're very different cars.

[quote=pimento;1012137]The Z platform is too heavy to be debiggened for a 4-banger, and while it would be cool to see a little sporty RWD Renault, it just doesn't seem very.. Renault. Besides, they'd need to make a proper sporty Twingo first. And then a little RR roadster/coupe.[/quote]

You know, Renault made the Clio V6 mid engined, you never know...