Nissan envisions a sports car line-up that starts at the high end with the Nissan GT-R supercar, then the current 350Z, then a sports car for first-time car buyers with a US$20,000 price target. Sound familiar?

This front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Mazda MX-5/Pontiac Solstice fighter's wheelbase matches the bigger Zed's, but it is 41cm shorter overall and weighs only 1,089kg. Where the Urge differs from the Mazda and Pontiac is its 3+1 seating configuration. The concept has a six-speed sequential gearbox, but Nissan is only committing to a "quick, high-revving engine" for the drivetrain. If it is made, it won't be on the road before 2008.

John LeBlanc - 16 Jan 2006