The cool IDx concept siblings unveiled by Nissan at the Toyko Motor Show this week are the opposite end of the spectrum from the radical BladeGlider they shared podium space with. The BladeGlider breaks numerous rules of conventional automotive design with its delta-wing shape and electric powertrain, while the IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO have been designed as simple, four-passenger coupes.
Interestingly, Nissan took a clean-sheet approach with the IDx cars, working with young enthusiasts to create a “simple and clean” coupe with tasteful design and comfortable functionality. The car deliberately avoids Nissan styling quirks and hallmarks, and forges a completely new styling direction–though it’s hard to imagine that the twenty-five-and-under consumers who helped Nissan create the IDx Freeflow weren’t at least a little bit influenced by the 1975 Toyota Celica, to which the cars bear a striking resemblance.
1974 Toyota Celica. Separated at birth? Photo courtesy of http://www.ebaymotorsblog.com/celestial-celica-appears-heavenly/
That’s not necessarily a bad thing; the accidentally retro IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO draw influence from a corner of automotive history that hasn’t yet been done to death, and the result is a handsome compact coupe that would look quite good on the road. Narrow A-pillars create a floating roof panel, while a heavier C-pillar provides some visual bulk, hinting at performance capability. The IDx NISMO’s door stripes are reminiscent of classic racing Nissans, and the car also features a wider stance and side-exit exhaust pipes. Spoilers and lightweight racing wheels combine with a stripped-down interior to provide a purposeful-track ready look.
The IDx Freeflow is more relaxed, and has the look of a stylish day-to-day car. Quad-look headlamp units and warm light-brown paint with white upper surfaces result in a retro-modern style.
Nissan says that both styling exercises could be powered by its 1.4 and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines, depending on application. There are no plans to build either of the IDx cars, but whether that’s because Nissan doesn’t have space for them in the lineup, or because it doesn’t want to build a retro Toyota Celica is anybody’s guess.
