When Lexus took about 10 years to build the highly controversial LFA supercar, there was a mixed bag of criticism. Some folks came out and gave the Japanese luxury brand a standing ovation for innovation. Others came in strong and said that it was an awful idea and an overpriced, underperforming coupe.
Personally, I thought it was a brilliant car.
Now, here's where Nissan comes in. This week the company released an image — we can't tell if it's a real photo or simply a computer-generated image — that depicts one futuristic looking automobile. While it's very clearly sporting GT-R-inspired cues — check out the clamshell roof, C-Pillar and venting behind the rear fender — that doesn't mean it's a GT-R.
I am thinking there's only two realistic possibilities here:
1) It's a video game car. This, for whatever reason, has been all the rage in the past 12 months. Automakers are huddling in rooms conceptualizing cars for gamers that will never want to buy a car. Typical smart thinking at the manufacturers.
2) It's a mid-engine, high-performance coupe concept. Given that it will be made real on Monday, June 16, it's a weird time to come out guns blazing with a concept car. It's not like there's a BIG auto show to put it up on a stage. Thing is, the design cues have been seen in other Nissans its brought to shows or has put into production. So, it is pretty "real." This has me thinking Nissan is going to build a proper mid-engined supercar to give the middle finger to EVERYONE that's downed the GT-R.
Considering the clever wording in its short statement, I am thinking this is a video game car. That's actually sad, because it would be really cool to see Nissan take aim on the others and take them out with a mid-engined supercar.
**Check out the AutoSpies.com-enhanced cover image, below!
Nissan's statement follows:
"On Monday, June 16, we will reveal the next chapter in our Nissan story to an audience that has always shared our passion for performance."