"The performance targets for URGE, in keeping with an affordable, $20,000 production price target, dictate a more realistic approach
to the parts list than say our 350Z or GT-R Proto," stated Campbell. "URGE's sense of exhilaration comes more from the exposed body and driving environment than costly components. It's a sports car for first-time car buyers. The Zs and GT-Rs will come later in the buyers' lives."
Finally, the "will it get built" question needs to be answered. No, not a chance. Why? Despite what Mr. Campbell says, its composite structure would be too expensive to put into production, and for that matter its aluminum backbone and many motorcycle-inspired
features couldn't be shared with any other Nissan vehicle, putting it out of contention. This makes something like the Azeal more plausible. This said it is likely that Nissan's compact sports car, if it actually builds one, will feature some of the URGE's styling details and innovative features, important for a new generation of car buyers.
"The Echo Boomer generation, born between roughly 1976 and 1996, has grown up on video games. By 2012, nearly all 87 million of them will be of driving age and they will be looking for much more from a car than simple transportation - entertainment, a social space, personalization and flexibility," said Campbell. "The ability to park the car and activate the game system adds another dimension of entertainment beyond the pure driving pleasure of the URGE. Like its drivers, this vehicle is able to switch between the real world and video world whenever the URGE strikes."
As mentioned, the novel sports car was penned at the Japanese brand's La Jolla, California studio. It came to life in meticulous detail by Metal Crafters, Inc., from Fountain Valley, California. I don't know about you, but I certainly could get used to playing with something like this on weekends.
Specifications:
 |
| The URGE's aluminum backbone and composite structure would be too expensive to put into production, so it will never be built as shown. (Photo: Nissan North America) |
Finally, the "will it get built" question needs to be answered. No, not a chance. Why? Despite what Mr. Campbell says, its composite structure would be too expensive to put into production, and for that matter its aluminum backbone and many motorcycle-inspired
 |
| The novel sports car was penned at Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in La Jolla, California. (Photo: Nissan North America) |
"The Echo Boomer generation, born between roughly 1976 and 1996, has grown up on video games. By 2012, nearly all 87 million of them will be of driving age and they will be looking for much more from a car than simple transportation - entertainment, a social space, personalization and flexibility," said Campbell. "The ability to park the car and activate the game system adds another dimension of entertainment beyond the pure driving pleasure of the URGE. Like its drivers, this vehicle is able to switch between the real world and video world whenever the URGE strikes."
As mentioned, the novel sports car was penned at the Japanese brand's La Jolla, California studio. It came to life in meticulous detail by Metal Crafters, Inc., from Fountain Valley, California. I don't know about you, but I certainly could get used to playing with something like this on weekends.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 2-door roadster
- Layout: front engine
- Engine (estimated): N/A
- Transmission (estimated): auto
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc
- Wheels (frt/rr): 19 / 20 in
- Tires (frt/rr): 195/45R19 / 225/35 R20
- Curb Weight: 1,089 kilo (2,400 lbs)
- Web Site: www.nissan.ca
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