Retro cars have become a fad these days and automakers, like Nissan->ke62, have taken that to a whole new level by integrating all the elements we love about those classic cars->ke503 into a modern-day concept->ke169.

The result of this adventurous project is the IDx Freeflow, which adheres to what the company describes as its three-box genesis: engine, passenger, and cargo areas.

Nissan says that there are no heritage influences on the IDx Freeflow, but somehow we can't shake the feeling that the concept carries a styling homage to the first line of Skyline GT-Rs->ke1997 and Datsun 510 the company produced years ago.

Still, you have to appreciate how Nissan managed to give the IDx Freeflow an identity all its own. It is born out of a desire to create a vehicle that has a simple design with just the right amount of functions and accessories that are standard on cars to provide its own unique sense of build functionality and aesthetic specialty.

That's probably one of the best ways to describe the Nissan IDx Freeflow because it really is a car that's special in its own way.

Click past the jump to read about the Nissan IDx Freeflow

2014 Nissan IDx Freeflow

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Nissan IDx Freeflow
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 150
  • Torque: 110
  • Transmission: CVT
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The IDx Freeflow was created to highlight how even simple and clean with splashes of retro-ness can be translated into an actual sports concept that people will be thrilled to drive as their everyday vehicle.

The concept itself is pretty compact, measuring only 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) in length, 1.7 meters (66.9 inches) in width, and 1.3 meters (51.2 inches) in overall height. But while it might lack in overall girth, the IDx Freeflow does boast of a retro-inspired design that really does make it stand out from what you'd normally be accustomed to from a concept sports car.

The front end, on its own, speaks to the level of authenticity that Nissan put into its design of the concept. Overall, it's pretty simple, but the round headlights offer a distinctive look to the front end. A simple, no-frills grille connects the headlights while the inverted bumper gives the concept a muscular look that blends well with boxed body of the vehicle.

The IDx Freeflow also has a "floating roof" with a seamless rounded shape, a simple design twist that not all concepts will look good having but somehow this one does in spades.

Rounding out the exterior features of the IDx Freeflow is a body color that combines white and flax, a color Nissan describes as a light brown shade. The color choice wasn't done by accident, rather as an intentional play on a white T-shirt with khaki chinos, highlighted with the silver trim that represents a belt. You really can't make this stuff up.

Headlight Detail

Taillight Detail

Interior

There really is something about minimalistic designs that capture our attention more than those sophisticated and futuristic stylings of concept vehicle. Nissan opted for the former with the IDx Freeflow, and the final product seems to be right in line with the overall character of the concept sports coupe.

The cabin is fashionably functional, which is probably the best description you can give it. The denim material used to cover the seats and a number of trim areas is definitely unique, if not a little odd. Then again, it stands out so Nissan probably has no regrets about it.

Also, the denim somehow meshes in well with the sleek and classic-looking design of the dashboard and the center console. There's a modern looking speedometer, but for the most part, it's a classically-inspired cabin that's highlighted by a no-nonsense steering wheel, a smooth dashboard, and an analog clock that's prominently located above the centered function monitors.

Gear Shifter Detail

Speedometer Detail

Drivetrain

No performance details were given on the powertrain, but what we do know is that the IDx Freeflow will be powered by anywhere between a 1.2-liter to 1.5-liter gas engine that's mated to a continuously variable transmission.

We think that the IDx Freeflow won't be as powerful as the IDx Nismo, hence the predicted 150-horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque figures. Put performance numbers and we think the concept can hit 0-60 mph in 9 seconds to go with a top speed of 110 mph.

Pricing

The IDx Freeflow is still a concept so don't expect Nissan to release pricing details anytime soon.

Competition

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 will be 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 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. It delivers 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

Believe it or not, we actually like the exterior look of the IDx Freeflow, specifically on how it somehow managed to make a modern iteration of the classic Skyline, while not losing its own concept identity. The round, bulging headlights are definitely one of the most distinctive looks of the exterior and fits perfectly well with the simple and denimed-out interior.

We would've wanted the car to carry a bigger engine, but ultimately, that's Nissan's call.