New Nissan Gripz concept to morph into crossover

Nissan's Gripz concept from the Frankfurt motor show will eventually make production...

New Nissan Gripz concept to morph into crossover

One of the stars of the recent Frankfurt motor show, Nissan's Gripz concept, will eventually reach production badged as a crossover from the brand's Z range.

The concept has been described as "a radical new type of sports car" by Nissan bosses and is intended to help expand the current Z line-up into more 'everyday' cars than the current 370Z.

The Gripz' dimensions make it slightly shorter and wider than a Nissan Juke, with a longer wheelbase. It sits on 22in alloy wheels.

Inside, the concept car's cabin bears little relation to that of any production version and features artificial leather trim and seating for four people.

Power for the concept comes from Nissan's PureDrive Hybrid system, which features a petrol engine acting as a range extender to keep its batteries charged, while electric motors drive all four wheels. In production form, the Gripz is expected to be available with both front and four-wheel drive. Power would come from a tubocharged petrol engine.

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