These Uncommon and Experimental Nissan Vehicles Pushed Boundaries, However Few Folks Keep in mind Them

Nissan won’t all the time be the boldest model on the showroom ground—a few of its mainstream fashions play it secure, and updates can lag behind the competitors. However every so often, Nissan faucets into one thing wild, bizarre, and splendidly artistic.

Beneath the wise sedans and on a regular basis crossovers lies a shocking legacy of experimentation. From retro-styled Pike vehicles and homologation specials to futuristic EV ideas and Le Mans prototypes, Nissan has a enjoyable streak that shines brightest when it breaks the foundations.

These uncommon, formidable machines didn’t all the time make headlines or make it to manufacturing, however they showcase a facet of Nissan we’d like to see extra typically: fearless, forward-thinking, and filled with character.

Methodology

Nissan has by no means been a model to play it secure. Past legends just like the GT-R and Z, its historical past is full of uncommon, formidable, and generally downright eccentric creations. Some have been road-legal racing variations, others have been cutting-edge experiments, and some have been just too daring for mass manufacturing. Nevertheless, every of those machines proves that Nissan has all the time pushed boundaries.

This record spotlights a few of Nissan’s rarest and most unconventional fashions, chosen based mostly on their restricted manufacturing, historic significance, and influence on the model’s legacy. From wild tuner collaborations to groundbreaking ideas, these vehicles might not have stuffed showrooms, however they embody Nissan’s fearless strategy to innovation.

R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R

Let’s kick issues off with the Nismo 400R—arguably the final word evolution of the R33 GT-R and a holy grail amongst Skyline fanatics. Constructed as a tribute to Nissan’s Le Mans efforts within the late Nineties, the 400R pushed the boundaries of a street-legal GT-R. It featured race-inspired aerodynamics, cutting-edge tech, and a drivetrain engineered for all-out efficiency.

Nissan initially deliberate to construct 100 items, however simply 44 have been accomplished, making it one of many rarest GT-Rs ever produced. Beneath the hood sat the RB-X GT2, a closely upgraded model of the RB26, developed by REINIK and good for 400 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. Greater than only a collector’s merchandise, the 400R is a press release of what occurs when Nissan lets its motorsport DNA run wild.

Nissan R390

Within the late Nineties, Nissan needed to get again to racing on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so it developed the R390. This LMGT1 automobile would debut on the French endurance race in 1997. Nevertheless, to construct it, Nissan needed to produce a road-going model.

This led to the only R390, which had the identical 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged VRH35L V8 beneath the hood because the GT1 racer. Energy output remained at 550 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The one instance of the road-going R390 remains to be beneath Nissan possession; nevertheless, Erik Comas transformed an R390 GT1 to highway use.

Nissan AZEAL

Unveiled on the 2005 North American Worldwide Auto Present, the Nissan AZEAL was a compact idea coupe aimed squarely at youthful drivers. The mission? Mix sporty design with sufficient tech and angle to make it stand out in a crowded market.

To that finish, Nissan packed the AZEAL with then-trendy gadgetry like an built-in cellular phone and MP3 participant, wrapped in sharp, aggressive styling. Whereas it by no means reached manufacturing, its affect lived on—a few of its design DNA made its means into the 2007 Nissan Sentra. The AZEAL might have been all present and no go, but it surely confirmed Nissan was a minimum of fascinated with a enjoyable future.

Nissan Nuvu

One in all Nissan’s most bizzarre cocnept vehicles is the Nuvu. The little microcar is an all-electric metropolis automobile that Nissan took the covers off on the 2008 Paris Motor Present. The car may attain 75 mph and journey as much as 80 miles on one cost regardless of its dimension.

Nevertheless, the idea wasn’t a whole miss. A few of its applied sciences finally made their means into the Nissan Leaf. Whereas the NCS itself by no means noticed manufacturing, its concentrate on practicality and modern inside design helped form Nissan’s strategy to future fashions. Typically, even essentially the most unconventional concepts function a stepping stone for one thing groundbreaking.

Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R V Spec II Nur

One of many different iconic Nissan Skyline variations is the R34 GT-R V Spec II Nur. This distinctive model of the GT-R packed a 2.6-liter RB26 beneath the hood with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.

Just like the 400R and R32 HKS Zero-R, the Nur GT-R is uncommon. Nissan produced simply 1,000 items of sports activities vehicles. This may additionally show to be the ultimate manufacturing model of the R34 and, thus, the swansong of the Skyline GT-R till the brand new R35 GT-R appeared.

Nissan Delta Wing

When the DeltaWing debuted on the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, it turned heads instantly. Its ultra-narrow entrance monitor, light-weight chassis, and radical aerodynamics made it look extra like a spaceship than a race automobile. However whereas the hype was enormous, the outcomes by no means fairly adopted. Out of 29 races, the DeltaWing by no means claimed a single win, although it briefly led the 2016 Daytona 24 Hours earlier than retiring.

Nonetheless, the DeltaWing wasn’t about trophies. It boldly reimagined what a race automobile could possibly be, prioritizing effectivity and minimal drag over brute energy. Even with no victory, it stays one among trendy motorsport’s most daring—and divisive—experiments.

Nissan Path Runner

The thought of remodeling a traditional or efficiency automobile into an off-roader isn’t new—manufacturers like Porsche and Lamborghini have executed it just lately. Nevertheless, Nissan has additionally taken a shot at this idea, experimenting with rugged, lifted variations of its personal efficiency vehicles.

In 1997, Nissan developed the Path Runner idea. This was an early effort by the Japanese producer to create a hybrid crossover SUV and coupe. Beneath the hood was a 1.85-liter engine with 185 hp, however regardless of the promise, the Path Runner didn’t enter manufacturing.

1989 Nissan Chapeau Idea

Even by idea automobile requirements, the Nissan Chapeau was delightfully odd. From the skin, it seemed quirky and futuristic. On the within, it bought even weirder—the cabin was tall sufficient to face in, and sure, Nissan threw a telephone in there for good measure.

Not a lot is understood concerning the Chapeau past its reveal in 1989. It was powered by a modest 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, however technical particulars have been by no means the purpose. The Chapeau was extra of a design experiment than a manufacturing preview. It by no means noticed the sunshine of day once more, and its destiny stays a thriller.

Some imagine it was scrapped; others hope it’s sitting in a warehouse someplace, ready to bizarre us out another time.

Nissan Idea 20-23

Nissan unveiled this wild idea automobile in late 2023, and as anticipated, it stays simply that—an idea. Whereas it turned heads with its daring design and futuristic options, Nissan has no plans to convey it into manufacturing.

That may be a disgrace, nevertheless, as an electrical three-door scorching hatchback could be very interesting. Particularly when it appears pretty much as good as this, we all know how good Nissan has been within the electrical car race. The idea has an enormous rear wing, a entrance splitter, and imposing wheel arches to create a extremely dramatic EV.

Nissan Figaro

At first look, you’d be very simply forgiven for considering that the Figaro got here from the Nineteen Fifties or Nineteen Sixties. Nevertheless, this little Nissan debuted within the early Nineties, and its appears have been impressed by the unique March/Micra design.

The Japanese producer solely produced the Figaro in 1991, and simply 20,073 items left the Oppama Plant. Regardless of being bought completely in Japan, a number of Nissan Figaros discovered their means abroad, with the UK being one of the vital notable markets for these charming retro-styled vehicles. Beneath the hood, the Figaro packed a 987cc MA10ET turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering simply sufficient energy to match its enjoyable, city-friendly character.

Nissan Townpod

Nissan does have a factor for EV idea vehicles. On the 2010 Paris Motor Present, the producer took the covers off the very uncommon Nissan Townpod. Because the title suggests, the Townpod is for city and inner-city use.

The Nissan Townpod idea was designed to be the final word mix of versatility and futuristic type. Its most eye-catching function? Opposing-opening doorways that made getting out and in a breeze—excellent for city drivers needing fast entry. Beneath its modern exterior, it shared the identical electrical powertrain because the early Nissan Leaf, signaling a forward-thinking, eco-friendly strategy to mobility. However, like many formidable ideas, the Townpod by no means reached manufacturing. As an alternative, it stays an enchanting glimpse into what may have been—a forgotten experiment in sensible, electrical innovation.

Nissan R87E Group C Sports activities Automotive

For a lot of, the height of racing at Le Mans got here in the course of the fabled FIA Group C period from 1982 to 1993. Nissan was a part of that period, particularly with the dramatic R87E.

The automobile would compete within the Fuji 500km race in 1987, forward of its large debut on the Le Mans 24 Hours. Nevertheless, reliability points in the end doomed the R87E. Regardless of its potential, not a single instance completed a race, because the twin-turbocharged VEJ30 V8 engine proved to be its Achilles’ heel. Mechanical failures stored it from making an enduring influence on the monitor, however its struggles weren’t in useless. The teachings discovered from the R87E’s shortcomings paved the best way for the extra reliable Nissan R88C, which might go on to enhance the model’s endurance racing efforts.

Nissan R88C

The R88C was Nissan’s response to the reliability points that plagued its predecessor, the R87E. Debuting within the 1988 All-Japan Sports activities Prototype Championship, it confirmed promise early on, securing a Third-place end at Fuji and incomes extra podiums all through the season.

Powered by the improved VRH30T 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the R88C was way more reliable than the R87E. Nevertheless, regardless of its 950-horsepower output, it nonetheless struggled with outright efficiency. On the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nissan entered two vehicles: one managed to complete in fifteenth place, whereas the opposite retired because of engine failure. Although not a dominant pressure, the R88C represented an essential step in Nissan’s endurance racing evolution.

Nissan Judo

On the 1987 Tokyo Motor Present, Nissan went all in with its show. One of many vehicles it confirmed off was the Judo, a mix of a sports activities automobile and an SUV with an off-road chassis much like the Jeep Wrangler.

The Nissan Judo was something however peculiar. Dubbed an “all-terrain car with cargo area,” it mixed rugged functionality with futuristic design. Its most jaw-dropping function? A retractable hardtop, not like every other—quite than folding away, the roof slid again and perched above the pickup-style mattress, making a daring and unconventional look. Regardless of its modern engineering and simple cool issue, the Judo remained a one-off idea, by no means making it to manufacturing. Immediately, it stands as one among Nissan’s most obscure but fascinating design experiments.

Nissan Skyline Silhouette GTS

The Silhouette GTS is a uncommon model of the Skyline that isn’t a GT-R. This explicit sedan got here from Nissan’s short-lived Particular Automobiles Division for the Australian market.

The Nissan Silhouette GTS wasn’t designed to compete with European supercars—as an alternative, its true rival was the Holden Commodore VL. Each vehicles featured a single-cam 3.0-liter inline-six, however the Silhouette GTS was a extra budget-friendly, stripped-down model of its Japanese-market counterpart.

To maintain prices down and simplify manufacturing, Nissan swapped out the impartial rear suspension for a conventional reside axle, altering its dealing with dynamics however making it extra sturdy and reasonably priced. The end result was a novel mix of efficiency and practicality, proving that Nissan may ship a succesful sports activities sedan with out breaking the financial institution.

Nissan Be-1

The Figaro isn’t the one retro-style automobile Nissan has created. Within the late Eighties, Nissan launched the Be-1, a small, two-door notchback sedan bought completely in Japan on the producer’s Nissan Cherry shops.

The stunning-looking hatchback was extremely uncommon, with Nissan producing simply 10,000 examples. The Be-1 fell into the “Pike Vehicles” vary because of its manufacturing on the Pike Manufacturing unit, just like the Figaro, the Pao, and the S-Cargo. In 2011, design critic Phil Patton known as the Pike vehicles “the peak of postmodernism.”

Nissan Pao

The Nissan Pao was one other Pike Automotive created by Nissan within the Eighties and Nineties. Just like the Be-1, it was a three-door retro-styled hatchback solely out there at Nissan Cherry shops.

Nissan produced extra Paos than Be1s, with 31,352 whole leaving the Pike Manufacturing unit. Nevertheless, there have been over 51,000 purposes for the Pao, and Nissan bought out of them in simply three months. Powering the Pao was a small, 1.0-liter MA10S inline-four engine, and the automobile was very a lot the Japanese equal of the Fiat 500.

Nissan S-Cargo

The fourth of the Pike Vehicles was the Nissan S-Cargo. This retro-styled van was very totally different from the opposite three, and once more, it was solely out there from the Nissan Cherry Shops.

The Citroen 2CV Fourgonnette supply van impressed Nissan’s design. The Japanese producer even impressed the 2CV’s inside, recreating the Citroen-style single-spoke steering wheel. The minivan’s title was a double entendre. S-Cargo stood for small cargo, which appeared like escargot, the French phrase for snail, which was additionally a nickname for the 2CV.

Nissan Rasheen Forza

Nissan would create some uncommon vehicles within the Nineties, and the Rasheen was no exception to that rule. The Rasheen was a small, compact SUV, debuting in 1994 and remaining in manufacturing till 2000.

Early variations of the Nissan Rasheen got here with a modest 1.5-liter engine, however Nissan wasn’t content material to depart it at that. Eager to inject some sportiness into the quirky little SUV, they launched the Rasheen Forza—a extra highly effective variant that includes the two.0-liter SR20DE engine. With this improve, output jumped to 143 horsepower, giving the Rasheen a livelier character whereas sustaining its rugged appeal.

Although nonetheless an oddball in Nissan’s lineup, the Rasheen Forza stands as proof that even sensible crossovers can get a efficiency enhance.

Nissan Idea 2020 Imaginative and prescient Gran Turismo

The Idea 2020 Imaginative and prescient Gran Turismo was Nissan’s daring contribution to the digital world of Gran Turismo Sport, the 2016 installment of the legendary PlayStation racing franchise. As a part of the sport’s custom, main producers designed futuristic idea vehicles completely for the digital monitor, and Nissan’s entry was one of many wildest.

With excessive aerodynamics, sharp traces, and an aggressive stance, the Idea 2020 seemed like one thing straight out of a sci-fi film. Although it remained a digital creation, Nissan did construct a full-scale mannequin, giving followers a glimpse of what a next-generation GT-R may seem like. Whereas it by no means made it to manufacturing, it showcased Nissan’s forward-thinking strategy to efficiency and design.

Nissan gave its younger designers free rein to create the Idea 2020. The designers then handed the automobile over to Nissan Design Europe, who added to the unique thought and put the ultimate ending touches on it earlier than it entered the PlayStation recreation.

Nissan Serenity Idea

The Serenity Idea was Nissan’s try and create a sports activities sedan and MPV combination. The final word goal was to create a “next-generation multipurpose saloon.” Nissan launched the modern idea in 2003.

Nissan aimed to seize the tranquility of nature in its general aesthetic. This affect is most evident within the home windows, that are styled to resemble a conventional folding fan, creating a novel and stylish visible impact. The entrance finish of the Serenity takes inspiration from Kabuki facial make-up, with daring traces and dramatic shapes that give it a putting presence. Whereas purely an idea, the Serenity showcased Nissan’s capacity to mix cultural artistry with futuristic automotive design.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

One in all Nissan’s rarest—and most head-scratching—creations got here within the type of the Murano CrossCabriolet. Launched within the early 2010s, it answered a query virtually nobody was asking: what if a midsize SUV was additionally a convertible?

The end result was… sophisticated. The Murano’s modern crossover form didn’t precisely shine with the roof chopped off, and the structural reinforcements ballooned its curb weight to over two tons. Proportions have been awkward, practicality took successful, and critiques have been combined at finest.

And but, in true Nissan vogue, it discovered an viewers. The CrossCabriolet has since gained a cult following for its sheer audacity, and used examples now float across the market because the oddball convertible you possibly can’t assist however discover.

For Each GT-R, There’s a Chapeau

Everybody is aware of the Z and GT-R, however Nissan’s story is full of curveballs that by no means made it to the showroom ground. From retro Pike vehicles to race-bred prototypes and convertible SUVs, Nissan has by no means shied away from coloring outdoors the traces. Love them or not, these uncommon rides present simply how far Nissan will go in pursuit of one thing memorable—even when it’s a snail-shaped cargo van.