Nissan Debuts Compact Sports Coupe in Detroit

Under the hood is a high-output 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with variable-valve timing mated to a sophisticated

A high-output 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is tucked under the AZEAL's hood. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission connected to a limited slip differential, not exactly the type of equipment a person expects to get with a $195 per month payment.

Still, if Nissan were to strip out all the pricey stuff and bring the AZEAL to market with a more domesticated driveline and, let's say, 16-inch wheels and tires, it could still be very appealing. They could add the racy equipment back on for a special SE-R edition, for those willing to spend over $20K for a little dose of mechanical adrenaline in a racy two-door fastback configuration.

"As opposed to other body configurations, the sport coupe is the most passionate purchase decision there is, especially among young or first-time new car buyers who

The AZEAL is a design study in blending desirability with affordability, according to Nissan's Vice President of Design, Bruce Campbell. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

typically are spending a much higher percentage of their income on the purchase," said Wong.

That glass panel roof would be costly too, but oh it looks sensational. And the dash and center console underneath? Positively jewel-like, with machined aluminum dials, a gorgeous alloy audio interface, hidden retractable DVD navigation screen, aluminum and leather shift lever, electronic parking brake, illuminated starter button, substantial steering wheel with integrated controls for a built in phone featuring voice activation, and did I mention the ventilated power-actuated front seats with under-seat storage compartments, or drilled aluminum pedals? There goes that $195 per month payment.