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Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, South America, Design/Style


Less than a week ago, Nissan teased us with what it called a "high character" concept to be unveiled in São Paulo, Brazil this weekend. We were skeptical, suggesting the concept might be less than sporty considering the show's traditional emphasis on inexpensive workaday iron.

Well, look who's surprised! The Nissan Extrem concept is indeed a "high character" concept and, as the Japanese automaker says, "a radical concept car aimed squarely at young (and young-at-heart) car enthusiasts keen to make a statement."

"We call it Baby Beast," says Robert Bauer, senior design manager for the project at Nissan Design America. We see it as an urban rally car, a tough little street fighter that can handle the urban jungle with agility and confidence."

Wraparound glass and a "see-through" A-pillar reminiscent of Volvo's Safety Car Concept (circa 2001) are interesting features that could enhance safety, while overlapping body panels "create a feeling of layered armored toughness."

Such a vehicle could definitely compete with the similarly styled Veloster from Hyundai. But with its higher ground clearance and possible all-wheel-drive, the Extreme could offer a light-use off-road alternative. If anything, the Extrem is arguably most similar to Nissan's own Juke, albeit with fewer doors.

The Extrem concept is built on Nissan's V-platform, which is also used on its March supermini, albeit with larger dimensions. The Extrem is larger in every exterior dimension except wheelbase, as it retains the March's 96.4-inch track.

According to Nissan, power "would come" from the company's 1.6-liter, direct injection, turbocharged engine - an engine also seen in the Juke.

The company's press release (available below) cautions us not to expect the Extrem to make it into production any time soon, though.Continue reading Nissan showing Extrem new crossover in São Paulo
Nissan showing Extrem new crossover in São Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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