Nissan Debuts Compact Sports Coupe in Detroit

While quite original in its own right, the AZEAL sports some design cues reminiscent of the 350Z, as well as other Nissan

The AZEAL sports some design cues reminiscent of the 350Z, as well as other Nissan models currently for sale. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

models currently for sale. This is a good thing, of course, as its family resemblance would help fit it right into the current lineup of sporty sedans, SUVs and sports cars if Nissan chose to produce it. Of course, its stylish wedge-like profile would make it stick out a little, like the black sheep in the family.

"We wanted to assure that the AZEAL had all the design elements that separate it from a sedan, including an aggressively sloped rear roofline, broad shoulders and wide fender flares and stance. As a result, AZEAL screams of independence."

Inside, Wasabi Chartreuse seat inserts are surrounded by a more serious black tone Nissan calls Gunmetal, the shade chosen as a backdrop for the rest of the interior. The contrast is an eye-opener for sure; Wasabi being

Inside, Wasabi Chartreuse seat inserts are surrounded by a more serious black tone Nissan calls Gunmetal. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

that ultra-hot, deep lime-green mustard paste that gets served up with sushi when going Japanese.

The outside colour, by the way, is Liquid Titanium - now that's a good paint name - and that center strip that runs from windshield to the top of its back hatch has been dubbed a "Mohawk", for good reason.

Besides being very good looking, in a sassy Rene Zellweger kind of way (Jerry Maguire not Bridget Jones' Diary), what makes the new AZEAL especially significant is that it's the first concept to be designed at Nissan's new Farmington Hills, Michigan technical center.