Nissan Azeal
Ego suitably massaged by the roaring success of the 350Z sportscar, it looks like Nissan has further beauties up the sleeves of its Japanese gi. The Azeal coupe concept was shown at the Detroit Show, and it is just too tantalising a prospect not to make it into production.
Under the corporate nose lies a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. No output figures have been released for this engine as yet, but given that the Azeal concept makes do with front-wheel drive, we would expect not much more than 250bhp in this application. It is linked to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox and the inclusion of a limited slip differential signifies that the Azeal is just as driver-focused as the 350Z.
We see the Azeal slotting in below the 350Z, although it is likely to be given a Z number to capitalise on the halo effect of its big brother. Nissan has managed to squeeze four seats into the pert coupe body, and the interior of the concept is a cracker. The cool eight square pattern of the front grille is echoed in the "Wasabi Chartreuse" trimmed sports seats and in the air vents of the funky and thoroughly original dashboard.
Given the size of the Azeal, we assume that it is built on the platform of the forthcoming Almera replacement, even though the concept was actually designed in the States at Nissan's design studios. Externally, it features chunky five-spoke 19-inch wheels and a roof made mostly of glass. There is an active spoiler at the top of the rear window, which houses a full-width LED brake light. There is not much about the concept we don't like. It looks production ready.