Nissan’s controversial Gripz concept has finally made its auto show debut, and contrary to popular belief the sporty crossover doesn’t herald a replacement for Nissan’s 370Z. Instead, Nissan is using the Gripz to gauge interest in the potential of an expanded Z car family, one that would include a crossover in addition to a coupe and convertible.
Nissan Gripz exterior is extremely aggressive The front part looks extremely aggressive with boomerang-shaped headlights, a black matte hood, and a V-motion grille. The hood is similar to the Datsun 240Z sports car that was popular in the 70s. On both sides of the grille, rectangular lamps are placed and are equipped with both low and high beams. The Nissan Gripz Hybrid concept may illustrate the next stage for the carmaker’s sporty crossover lineup. This high-stanced concept looks a little like the big brother to the Juke – a model Nissan. The Nissan Gripz Concept is seen as a design statement rather than a replacement for an existing model, although it does feature cues from Nissan's new `emotional geometry' design language. The crossover concept incorporates four key design elements first seen in Europe on the Nissan Sway, one of the stars of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Nissan Gripz Release Date
ALSO SEE: Porsche Mission E Is A Mid-Size Electric Sedan With 310-Mile Range, 15-Minute Charging: Live Photos And Video
The concept is also thought to hint at styling themes for Nissan’s next-generation crossovers, one of which is a new Juke. Nissan recently confirmed a new Juke and said it would ride on Renault Nissan’s CMF-B modular platform.
The automaker says the Gripz’s design takes inspiration from both the original Datsun 240Z as well as the world of cycling, with the dual sources of inspiration meant to signify the vehicle’s dual personality: a vehicle that provides sporty thrills and adventure on the weekend yet remains a practical and efficient means of transport for the daily commute.
Nissan Grips
Furthermore, the Gripz isn’t meant to be a pure sports car or a crossover but rather a combination of the two. To understand Nissan’s thinking, we need to once again look at the 240Z. In the 1970s, the 240Z was re-engineered using expertise gathered from Nissan’s 4x4 range to handle rough terrain. These off-road racers came with a raised ride height, toughened suspension and a distinctive matte-black hood and trunk.
Nissan Gripz Price
The Gripz 'pays homage to one of Nissan's first 'crossovers'—the iconic Safari Rally-winning Nissan 240Z,' says the company. By way of apology, Nissan insists that 'sports cars didn't have to be. Infused with an exciting and adventurous feel, thanks to its radical design and advanced powertrain concept - the Nissan Gripz Concept is Nissan's next move.
CHECK OUT: Bugatti Previews Veyron Successor With Vision GT Concept: Live Photos & Video
Interestingly, the powertrain choice for the Gripz doesn’t look towards the past, but rather the future. It’s a hybrid setup similar to the one in Nissan’s ZEOD RC experimental racer. The internal combustion component is a small gasoline unit and the electronic hardware is lifted straight out of the Leaf.
“What influence this concept’s design has on the next crossover generation from Nissan remains to be seen,” Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura said in a statement. “We are keen to gauge public reaction when it appears at the Frankfurt show.”
Nissan Gripz 2020
For more from the Frankfurt Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.