© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
New SUV Class
Nissan provided a look into its future of with the introduction of the Gripz concept here at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Gripz not only foretells styling language for the next-generation of Nissan crossovers, it represents a new class of SUV.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Sports Crossover
The automaker says Gripz can be used for day-to-day tasks, while at the same time providing a fun-to-drive ride when the need (or want) arises. Gripz functions as a sports crossover, combining crossover utility with the performance of a sports car.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hot Styling
The crossover concept’s burnt orange color nicely offsets exposed carbon fiber elements as well as a matte-black hood. Headlights house embedded forward-facing cameras that can record your drive, similar to a dash cam. Video can be live streamed to the Internet.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Cycle Inspired
Gripz wears 22-inch wheels inspired by racing bicycles — lightweight yet strong, shod with comparatively thin high-pressure tires created by Bridgestone. Red and white graphics on the sidewalls get replicated on the vehicle’s steering wheel.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Novel Doors
The standout feature on this concept — and not likely to ever make it to production — are the doors. Front doors swing out and up, while rear doors are small and half-hinged. With no B-pillar the roof appears to float, and there is easy access to front or rear seats.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Radical Inspiration
Inspiring the performance and utility of Gripz is what Nissan refers to as its first crossover — a 1970s Nissan 240Z that had raised ride height, upgraded suspension and four-wheel drive to take on Safari Rally. Nissan says that specially-prepared 240Z proved that a sports car can still have impressive performance without being low to the ground.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hybrid Powertrain
In addition to the Gripz changing the way one might thing about a sports car or crossover, this sporty concept features an advanced hybrid powertrain. A small fuel-efficient gasoline engine provides power to the same electric motor found in Nissan’s popular Leaf electric car.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
No Production Plans
Considering Nissan’s experience with crossovers, sports cars and electric vehicles, a car like the Gripz concept doesn’t seem farfetched. That said, Nissan has not announced any plans to put Gripz or any car like it into production, so we may have to wait for our electric high-performance compact crossover.
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
Nissan Gripz
I am in love with this vehicle. Hopefully one day I will be driving one myself!