Nissan Jikoo
on't be fooled by the futuristic look - Nissan has stepped back in
time for this radical new roadster, which wowed the crowds with its shock
debut at last week's Tokyo Motor Show.
The machine is named Jikoo and the firm says it celebrates 70 years of
company history by mixing traditional Japanese design with cutting-edge
technology. But as these first pictures of the newcomer - which is based on
a bespoke chassis made of polished wood - show, there is more than a touch
of British sports car manufacturer Morgan in its appearance as well.
The Jikoo features two front chairs and an occasional jump seat, which
folds out at the rear. The high nose and short wheelbase owe their
proportions to the 1935 Datsun Roadster. To give it an edge against rivals
such as the Ford Streetka and Peugeot 206 CC, the car also features a
leather interior and cut-glass headlamps. The steering wheel is clad in
buffalo horn lacquered to look like tortoise shell.
Dashboard instruments have been arranged in a fan-shaped binnacle and
include laser lights to chart road and engine speed and an advanced
navigation system. While the Jikoo might sound far-fetched, there's a
serious message behind it. Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is keen to resurrect the
Datsun brand and sources suggest this concept is the first step towards that
goal
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