Nissan responds to popular urges

Give the people what they want... That’s the philosophy Nissan adopted with its Urge sports car concept, designed in the wake of survey in which the Japanese marque polled 2000 young motoring/gaming enthusiasts on what qualities they sought in a car.

The top responses were “performance” and “technology” -- attributes that are said to be embodied by the rear-wheel-drive Urge.

Nissan says it wanted to tap into the mindset of its intended audience -- young, first-time car buyers with a gamer’s sense of adventure. The designers also sought to capture in Urge “the feeling of the bare, exposed look and driving experience of a high performance motorcycle, while also providing conceptual safety features”.

Apart from its motorcycle-inspired styling, see-through glass bonnet, cutaway door panels and aluminium-intensive construction, the Urge also features cellphone and mp3 player docking stations (the cellphone acts as Intelligent Key to start vehicle) and an integrated gaming system powered by Xbox 360.

The only details Nissan revealed about the engine is that it’s a “quick, high-revving, small-displacement” unit, and that it’s hooked up to a six-speed sequential transmission.

The Urge also scores beefy Brembo brakes and 19 and 20-inch wheels at the front and rear respectively.

The three-seater layout is described as “two + alpha”, with a third seat tucked behind the driver and passenger.

The Urge’s interior features lightweight mesh bucket seats, a compact F1-style steering wheel, driver information monitor with five customisable screens and a built-in gaming system with fold-down display and steering wheel/pedal controls.

The Urge’s 2649mm wheelbase is the same as that of its 350Z sibling, even though its overall length is 406mm less.

Alas, don’t hold your breath for a production version. Mind you, some of the Urge’s design elements may filter through to future Nissan models.