The big surprise Nissan had been hinting at for the past couple of weeks was revealed today during the first press day of the 27th Sao Paulo International Motor Show in the form of its new Extrem concept study.
The Extrem is the first concept car from Nissan designed specifically for and produced in Brazil to underscore the company’s commitment to the country where it recorded a significant sales growth claiming almost two per cent of the market in 2011, doubling its 2010 deliveries, and aims to account for five per cent of new car sales by 2016.
Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego, California, penned the small 2+2 crossover in collaboration with Brazilian designers
“We call it Baby Beast,” said Robert Bauer, Senior Design Manager for the project at NDA. “We see it as an urban rally car, a tough little street fighter that can handle the urban jungle with agility and confidence.”
The concept is based on Nissan’s V-platform shared with cars like the North American Versa sedan and the global market Micra / March supermini.
At 3,850mm (151.6 inches) long, 1,765mm (69.5 inches) wide and 1,530mm (60.2 inches) tall, with a 2.450mm (96.5 inches) wheelbase, the Extrem is much smaller than the Juke (4,125mm or 162.4 in. long) all around.
It’s design borrows elements from various Nissan models ranging from the GT-R’s front grille and fenders with air vents to the 370Z’s headlamp and roofline.
Power for the small 2+2 seater comes from Nissan’s direct injection and turbocharged (DIG-T) 1.6-liter gasoline engine, with the automaker stating that the CUV could be offered with a choice of front or four-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring.
Nissan pointed out that the Extrem is “strictly a concept car with no immediate plans for production”, but added that elements of its styling offers a glimpse into future products, for Brazil and beyond.
“EXTREM suggests that exotic and exciting design need not just be reserved for expensive cars. It shows that innovative, sophisticated design can be made in a clever, attainable way. EXTREM is one of our answers to this possibility and it opens an exciting new chapter in our design relationship with Brazil,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.
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