Knowing full well what Toyota->ke88 and Subaru->ke86 have in the GT 86->ke4085 and the BRZ->ke3973, respectively, Nissan is determined to show the world that it can also produce a modern-day sports car->ke506 based on one of its own iconic models.

The company will tell you that the creation of the IDx Nismo and the IDx Freeflow was a result of its intention to create two very distinct models from the same vehicle. But don't let that be the only reason, as it's pretty evident that these two concepts->ke169 are also being released as a response to the popular Toyota and Subaru sports coupes->ke141.

Nissan came up with the "IDx" tag in part to show how its ideals are reflected in the personality of the concepts, hence the ID acronym signifying "identification". For its own part, the "x" represents the variable and "values and dreams born through communication."

The result, as you can see, is a pretty wicked looking sports car that has traces of the Datsun 510 and the old Nissan Skyline, the godfather -- so to speak -- of the current GT-R->ke1592 supercar. Specifically, the IDx Nismo bears the racing dynamics of Nissan's aftermarket division.

2013 Nissan IDx Nismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Nissan IDx Nismo
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 160
  • Transmission: six-speed CVT
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Certain elements of the IDx Nismo, specifically Nissan's basic box-shaped racing vehicles of the past, were combined with more modern details, including a reverse-slanted nose that features a uniquely shaped front end with sharp corners, modern LED headlights, a pronounced grille and a front bumper that, quite frankly, looks like a singular panel resembling a tongue. Really, look at it and tell us it's not sticking its tongue out at you.

Evidently, that's a cool new look for a concept like this.

But that's not all; the IDx Nismo also comes with a glass roof, an eye-catching three-color finish made up of a predominantly white body with black and red racing accents, including a number "80" livery that has some significance to it that only Nissan can tell us.

Aerodynamic features, specifically the abundance of aero spoilers and a new set of 19-inch lightweight rims and tires, round out the exterior packaging of what can be best described as a rather unique-looking concept.

Interior

The interior of the IDx Nismo is what you'd expect from a concept vehicle with a racing spirit to it. There are no futuristic holograms of any sort; just a racing-inspired cabin with crimson Alcantara seats, Spartan-looking meters and gauges, and metal surfaces that serve as nice contrasts to a bright-red suede trim with matching blue stitching.

The red Alcantara looks really gaudy, but hey, its consistent with the overall treatment, which really is all you can ask for, right?

Drivertrain

Nissan didn't announce performance numbers for the IDx Nismo, opting only to say that the concept will carry a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine that's mated to a CVT with a six-speed manual-shift mode and synchronized rev control.

We can toss out a guess that it has around 200 horsepower and somewhere close to 160 pound-feet of torque, good enough to hit 60 mph in seven seconds, or so, to go with a top speed of around 130 mph. This would put it about on par with the BRZ and GT 86.

Pricing

It's a concept so no prices are going to be announced now or anytime soon.

Competition

It's pretty obvious that the Nissan IDx Nismo was created as Nissan's reply to the Toyota GT 86 and the Subaru BRZ, hence both sports car's designation as a direct rival to this concept.

2013 Toyota GT 86

The GT 86 made its world debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, after two concept versions were unveiled in the years before. The sports coupe was developed in cooperation with Subaru and the two developed an all-new platform for it. On the U.S. market the model is sold as the Scion FR-S.

The GT-86 is powered by a 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated, flat-four engine that delivers a total of 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and maximum torque of 151 pound-feet at 6,600 rpm. This engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds (manual transmission) and up to a top speed of 140 mph.

2014 Subaru BRZ

The standard BRZ was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show and Subaru put it on sale in early 2012.

The BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter, horizontally-opposed, boxer engine equipped with Toyota’s direct injection and port injection technology, which helps it deliver a total of 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet torque. The engine is mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission with a short-shift lever or with an optional six-speed automatic tranny that has an "S mode" for better shifting response and an "M mode" for optional shifting.

In the U.S. market, the model is priced from $25,495.

Conclusion

We quite frankly have mixed emotions about the Nissan IDx Nismo. On one hand, we appreciate the inspiration and the desire to build a concept that's worthy of Nissan's reputation as one of the best in the sports car realm. On the other hand, it looks really weird. Almost like a Datsun 510 and a box Skyline meet the future...