It is relatively common for some brands to carry out projects in collaboration with universities, vocational training centers or apprenticeship centers. In the case of Nissan, they have their own university in Kyoto, called Nissan Automobile Technical College (NATC). Its objective is to train the next generation of technicians and engineers, who will develop their career in the brand. And NATC students have demonstrated what they have learned by creating a interesting prototype for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon in 2023.
In the Tokyo Salon the students have decided to create a new vehicle called Nissan Fairlady X. This name is very appropriate for a crossover inspired by the Nissan Z, traditionally called the Nissan Fairlady – especially in Japan. The Nissan Fairlady X is really a second generation Nissan Murano, which has been given a lot of new parts to really look like the older brother of a Nissan Z. Del Z equips its front and rear optics, its rear spoiler and even its grille, in addition to its steering wheel.
The front is somewhat more “bulbous” than necessary, but in my opinion, the rear is very successful.
The grille of a Nissan GT-R was modified to adapt the sports grill to the large size of the crossover. The front and rear wheel arches have been widened and inside Rays rims have been shod with high-performance Michelin tires. The final result is commendable and shows how far a team of motivated students can go. The car will be exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon along with another project, based on a 1960s Nissan Fairlady Roadster.
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Photos of the Nissan Z