Where the Mazda has always been attractive, the MR2 roadster has long been a bit frumpy and its 140-horsepower
1.8-liter four-cylinder was somewhat underpowered compared to the souped up Mazdaspeed version of its roadster, at least. The new Solstice is more powerful yet, and upcoming supercharged GXP is expected to be well over 200-horsepower. A new Saturn roadster is on the way too, dubbed SKY, and it will offer edgier, although just as attractive styling than the Solstice, plus all the performance benefits of the Pontiac version.
Is there room for a small Nissan roadster? A mini-Z? There probably is, especially if it follows the formula set out by Mazda and GM: attractive styling, agile handling and sufficient power, all for about $20K.
Other than not being a true roadster, being that the concept appears to feature a targa-like T-bar roof, the URGE would probably be able to offer the latter three criteria, as Nissan has long built cars that manage curves well, power has rarely been problematic in its four-cylinder models, and it will be
powered by a high-revving, small-displacement four mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Its design, at least when looking at the rendering, appears very interesting, due to what Nissan calls "motorcycle-inspired styling", highlighted by brushed aluminum-alloy rims and color-infused aluminum body panels. Inside it sports a "driver-oriented cockpit" featuring an integrated Xbox 360 gaming system - what every roadster owner needs.
Of course, the URGE could merely be the Japanese brand's Nissan Design America, Inc., La Jolla, California studio having fun. There could be no concrete plans to enter the roadster market; normally a low-profit niche segment as it is. Fans of the brand, however, are no doubt hoping otherwise.
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| Due to attractive styling, excellent road manners and sufficient power, Pontiac dealers can't keep up with the demand for Solstice. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) |
Is there room for a small Nissan roadster? A mini-Z? There probably is, especially if it follows the formula set out by Mazda and GM: attractive styling, agile handling and sufficient power, all for about $20K.
Other than not being a true roadster, being that the concept appears to feature a targa-like T-bar roof, the URGE would probably be able to offer the latter three criteria, as Nissan has long built cars that manage curves well, power has rarely been problematic in its four-cylinder models, and it will be
 |
| The URGE's design, at least when looking at the rendering, appears very interesting, due to what Nissan calls "motorcycle-inspired styling". (Photo: Nissan North America) |
Of course, the URGE could merely be the Japanese brand's Nissan Design America, Inc., La Jolla, California studio having fun. There could be no concrete plans to enter the roadster market; normally a low-profit niche segment as it is. Fans of the brand, however, are no doubt hoping otherwise.
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