Kia has a turbo RWD now, WTF Nissan.

[OriginalWheelman]

312hp, 6 speed, and 4 wheel double wishbones, and a 'tube like chassis'. Seriously Nissan. When Kia beats you to the punch... you have to re-evaluate your position.



I love the proportions, if not necessarily the look of the thing. Of course, they aren't saying if it will go into production or not. If it does, and the price point is good, this thing could be seriously popular. Hyundai / Kia has been making some quality cars the last decade. They have lost a lot of the 'ew' factor from the car community. It seems like unless Nissan gets into the low price RWD game soon, they won't be able to pull any of the market. Try to find a BRZ. Last time I looked, I had to drive 4 hours to find one on a lot, and if I wanted a manual, there were only 3 within a 6 hour radius. I can go down the street and find 3 Zs on a lot.

[Hijacker]

I applaud Kia for getting into the RWD market. However, I think the course of action for when Hyundai released the Genesis applies here as well. Wait for the early bugs of an untested platform to be worked out in a year or two and then see where the car stands. I'm still trying to figure when Ghosn and company are going to wake up. I mean, c'mon! It's freaking Kia!

[2_Liter_Turbo]

Yeah, it's getting ridiculous now, lol. It couldn't be more obvious that this is what the market is demanding, yet they still keep pushing the Juke as the answer to any budget enthusiast...

[Bubba1]

Agree. Well done Kia. We can only hope this is a wakeup call to Nissan. If the IDx concept makes production and comes with RWD+ man-pedal there will be hope. We shall see.

[krash]

Dont forget the IDx! If they smooth out some of the issues with it and fit a proper drivetrain, then Nissan is still in the game.

[frapjap]

::sigh:: Its time to quit harping up the Nissan tree. They're not going to give us something this cool and that crappy excuse of a performance car, the "not" a 510, doesn't hold a candle to this Kia in looks OR performance. CVT whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

As for this Kia, its a really honest, original looking car and the only thing I really don't like is the top half. If I cut off the top of the car with my browser at the top of the door it actually looks pretty freakin' sweet. I love the fender haunches, both front and rear. The back end even looks good. I'm a HUGE fan of integrating tailpipes into the bumper (have been since friends were tastefully doing it with their Fox Body Stangs). Its got what looks like a somewhat long wheelbase and nice width. The stance is right. The more I stare at it, the more I really like it. It'd be an awesome convertible. Even the roof isn't awful. I like the super raked rear glass, but I think its the C-pillar that is bothering me- too broad. Honestly, I bet this car is closer to production than they're letting on. There isn't anything that screams "crazy, outlandish difficult to replicate in mass production" in the design. I'd hit it.

Could someone photo shop a different color such as black, blue, or red?

[WDRacing]

When Kia beats you to the punch... you have to re-evaluate your position.

The problem is, Nissan is perfectly happy with their position. They don't see the need to evaluate anything. I'm tired of hearing Nissan execs say, "keep an eye on this spot" only to find my eyes glazing over while I stare at nothing but broken promises.

The Nissan I love died in 1998.

[Jesda]

The next Z car will be a 5-passenger crossover with a CVT.

[sx moneypit]

The next Z car will be a 5-passenger crossover with a CVT.

[krash]

So I guess I'm the only one excited about the IDx? I think it looks freaking sweet aside from the weird C-pillar thing. Obviously not having a manual option will kill it for me, but nothing is really confirmed there IIRC.

Also, I doubt a 312hp rwd coupe is going to fit in the "cheap" category. I'm guessing it will start in the low 30s. 312hp for under 29k would completely dominate the market.

[AZhitman]

Well-done, Kia.

Guess what? Most of us don't even CARE what it looks like anymore, because there just aren't that many options.

It's almost embarrassing, continually having to try and predict where the next 'kick to the junk' is coming from.

[Bubba1]

So I guess I'm the only one excited about the IDx? I think it looks freaking sweet aside from the weird C-pillar thing. Obviously not having a manual option will kill it for me, but nothing is really confirmed there IIRC.

I think for many of us it's cautious optimism. Unfortunately it is a distinct possibility that the IDx could end up FWD/CVT when it goes into production. And if that's what happens, Nissan will have put the "stink" in distinct.

[MinisterofDOOM]

4 wheel double wishbone

You've got my attention.

[krash]

So I guess I'm the only one excited about the IDx? I think it looks freaking sweet aside from the weird C-pillar thing. Obviously not having a manual option will kill it for me, but nothing is really confirmed there IIRC.

I think for many of us it's cautious optimism. Unfortunately it is a distinct possibility that the IDx could end up FWD/CVT when it goes into production. And if that's what happens, Nissan will have put the "stink" in distinct.

If they for some reason go FWD/CVT, I'll have lost all hope and just live in the 90s when it comes to Nissan.

God the 90s were so freaking awesome for japanese cars.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

God the 90s were so freaking awesome for japanese cars.

Which is why the next 10 or so years is going to be so awesome, because we will be able to start legally importing all the cool cars! GTRs, Silvias, Evos, STIs, Type Rs, etc etc etc.

[float_6969]

I like it. I think it's pretty good looking, and I'd buy it as it sets... in a different color. But I'm still holding out for the IDx. If Nissan does it right, I'll sell the S14 and the CA18 and the wife's Miata and go out and buy one. If it's FWD and doesn't offer a manual, I'm out, and will hang on to the S14

[Rogue One]

If they for some reason go FWD/CVT, I'll have lost all hope and just live in the 90s when it comes to Nissan.

God the 90s were so freaking awesome for japanese cars.

"Nissan imagines IDx Freeflow with a 1.2-1.5 gas engine and a CVT." http://jalopnik.com/the-nissan-idx-nism ... 1468159303

[PapaSmurf2k3]

"Nissan imagines IDx Freeflow with a 1.2-1.5 gas engine and a CVT."

Yup, and to prove they are serious, the Nismo version gets a 1.6 and a CVT with 6 simulated gears.

JUST WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED!!!

[krash]

Aren't they specifically talking about the freeflow though? The Nismo is supposed to be fun and sporty. If they straight up dont offer a manual trans with it, that car will SERIOUSLY tank, and then they'll say "see, we were right there is no market for a car like this"

[PapaSmurf2k3]

http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/ ... to-reality

Freeflow- "The digital native cohort's quest for authenticity can also be interpreted as a demand for economy and efficiency in their everyday car. For this kind of vehicle, the requisite high level of fuel economy and driving performance could come from a powertrain with a 1.2-liter or 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)."

Nismo- "To meet the high expectations for a powertrain equal to the task of propelling such a formidable car, one proposal from Nissan's engineers is the combination of a high-performance, eco-friendly 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, together with a sporty CVT with 6-speed manual shift mode and synchronized rev control. The result is no less than an appealing mix of racing heritage with the finest of modern knowhow."

[float_6969]

I was just thinking this earlier today. The IDx may be Nissan's "self fulfilling prophecy", they'll build a car none of use want, and will then feel vindicated when it doesn't sell.

[AZhitman]

This is maddening. I'm trying so hard to get excited about the IDx - I think it's a great-looking concept. But dammit, no one - NO ONE - wants a God-forsaken CVT. I heard this same blather about the Maxima, and it's getting old.

A "a formidable car" does NOT have a 1.6-liter turbo engine and a CVT. That's not "formidable." That's an APPLIANCE.

"Formidable" means: very powerful or strong : deserving serious attention and respect. The GT-R is "formidable." To imply that anything with a 1.6-l and a CVT meets that definition is to lose sight of the very meaning of automotive performance.

Every interview I read from Andy Palmer makes me wonder if he's trolling us, or if he honestly believes what he's saying. Mr. Palmer, with all due respect, if you're reading this, the contradictions and "company line" are taking a toll on overall credibility. I don't know what the suits are telling you, but the buzz in the enthusiast community is that we're being sneered at - we're even starting to hear it from inside the company.

I understand the knee-jerk reaction to criticism is defensiveness - but understand this: WE WANT Nissan to succeed - check that - to dominate.

I also realize I'm probably ensuring Nissan never reaches out to us again... ...but I'm not going to sit here and applaud the decision to sit back and let other companies OWN the affordable sports car market. My integrity and credibility is worth more than that.

[themadscientist]

Kia, at least you are listening. I refuse to buy a Korean car, though, sorry.

Nissan, you are not listening. I refuse to buy YOUR Japanese car.

I will make a bold prediction. Mazda will bring back a rotary car before Nissan brings a real competitor of the BRZ/86 to market.

[Bubba1]

Kia, at least you are listening. I refuse to buy a Korean car, though, sorry.

Nissan, you are not listening. I refuse to buy YOUR Japanese car.

I will make a bold prediction. Mazda will bring back a rotary car before Nissan brings a real competitor of the BRZ/86 to market.

I also predict if Nissan goes with a CVT in this car and tries to label it sporty, like they tried to do and failed miserably with the CVT only Maxima, the IDx will bomb and be translated as "insultingly Dull Xcrement".

[2_Liter_Turbo]

If they are so hell bent on NOT giving us a proper manual gearbox, then AT LEAST give us a dual clutch slushbox like that of the GTR. CVT is about as manly as a pink glittery chihuahua purse.

[WDRacing]

Kia, at least you are listening. I refuse to buy a Korean car, though, sorry.

Nissan, you are not listening. I refuse to buy YOUR Japanese car.

I will make a bold prediction. Mazda will bring back a rotary car before Nissan brings a real competitor of the BRZ/86 to market.

A modern day 3 rotor would sell like hotcakes.

[OriginalWheelman]

Well... Look what Nissan announced today...

http://jalopnik.com/nissan-confirms-the ... 1501793053

Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer told media there was no confirmation of which of the two concept models would hit production.

"Don't say that we won't do both, but we will definitely do one of them," he said.

He went on to hint that the IDx might have a manual transmission, or at the very least, paddle shifters.

If I don't get the clutch pedal, sorry, not interested. As is, if it's the 1.6 turbo Juke engine, it will probably still be unappealing.

[hannibal]

I wonder if that Kia is a clone of the next gen Genesis coupe...

[Kompresshun]

I wonder if that Kia is a clone of the next gen Genesis coupe...

That's exactly what it's based on actually. They stated that in a couple of the earlier articles from the show.

[Bubba1]

Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer told media there was no confirmation of which of the two concept models would hit production.

"Don't say that we won't do both, but we will definitely do one of them," he said.

He went on to hint that the IDx might have a manual transmission, or at the very least, paddle shifters.

.

Not happy with his statement as I suspect if Andy was bluntly truthful and said he has no intention of offering the US market a true manual, the IDx would be DOA.