Nissan today revealed the new Gripz concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. This 2+2 compact CUV, which appeared in last week’s teaser, won’t be the successor to the Nissan JUKE or Qashqai, after all.
Indeed, the Gripz is not seen as a direct replacement for either of those two iconic vehicles, but it does show the extremes to which the compact CUV can be pushed, Nissan says. Think 370Z.
According to the video posted online by the Japanese automaker, this concept pays homage to one of Nissan's first "crossovers" – the iconic Safari Rally-winning Nissan 240Z from the 1970s. It incorporates four key design elements first seen in Europe on the Nissan Sway, one of the stars of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show: a V-motion grille, boomerang lamps, a floating roof, and a kicked-up C-pillar.
Taking the high-tech simplicity of a racing bicycle as inspiration, the Gripz features a carbon frame over which expressive body panels are placed, like armoured cladding. Beneath the hood lies a hybrid powertrain using a LEAF-sourced electric motor, while Bridgestone tires wrap the 22” three-spoke wheels, also inspired by racing bicycles.
If performance comes anywhere close to matching the Gripz’s looks, prepare to be blown away on the road!
