Nissan’s plans to extend its sports car range are still on track with a production version of the Urge sports car, which was shown in concept form at the 2006 Detroit motor show. The company’s UK arm will be closely involved in the car’s development .
The development of the new sports model is currently at an early stage as the Japanese giant determines the positioning and character of the car, while the company’s Cranfield engineering centre in Bedfordshire has been benchmarking rivals’ cars, and will also help identify performance targets for the new car .
This is a positive move by Nissan as the UK is likely to be one the biggest markets for the car, has a long history of producing sports cars and is particularly demanding about them.
Insiders also stated the next-generation 350Z will be an evolution of the existing model, although extensively transformed, the popular silhouette of today’s car will remain, but with more sophisticated design details. For instance door handles will be made to look less chunky and the slightly crude joint of tailgate to rear wings will be neater.
The engine will remain much the same, which will come as no surprise given how effective and successful the current car is, but it will be more refined. Less road noise and a smoother ride is expected, with handling that’s equally entertaining.
