Nissan adds famous ‘C’ for show
The UK designed, engineered and built Micra C+C coupe and convertible will be gaining a third C from the name of one of the UK’s most famous families in a joint project between Nissan’s Paddington based Design Centre and top British designer, Mr Sebastian Conran. The URGE concept which so wowed the crowds at January’s Detroit Auto Show will be making its first visit to the UK, arguably the home of the sports car. The Murano GT-C is an expression of what could prove to be the ultimate all weather, high speed express. What’s more, it uses British engineering know how. Then there’s the race winning Nismo Z, as radical a racing car as Nissan has yet produced. And finally the unique Micra C+C customised by British celebrity and all round glamour puss, Jenny Frost. The Micra C+C is as British as a car gets these days. It was designed at Nissan’s European Design Centre in London, it was engineered at the company’s European Technical Centre in Bedfordshire, and is being produced at the UK’s biggest car plant, Nissan Motor Manufacturing in Sunderland. For the British International Motor Show, Nissan has teamed up with the best in British design talent, Sebastian Conran, to produce a very special version of this small car with a dual personality. Called the C+C+Conran, it is a concept for now. But if the public approves, then a limited production run could be made. More details will be released at the show.
Somewhere between the real and virtual worlds lives a bold new sports car concept – the Nissan URGE. Bare, exposed, agile and caged in safety and technology, URGE is unique, affordable and easily understood. Both driver’s car and gamer’s fantasy, URGE takes design to the edge through its motorcycle-inspired look and spun aluminum structure that runs through the exposed engine bay, racing-inspired cockpit and overhead.
The feeling of "minimalism to the maximum" extends to the narrowly winged wheels and tyres, motorbike-style taillights, cutout door panels and the spare, deconstructed interior with frame-and-mesh seats, palm-sized gearknob and visible passenger-side airbag.
And, in the ultimate homage to the state-of-the-video-arts freedom and excitement, URGE is powered not only by a quick, high-revving, engine but, when at rest, by a video game system – complete with a fold-down display (from the rearview mirror) and the use of the vehicle’s steering wheel and pedals as the game controls.
For the Murano GT-C, standing for GT Concept, Nissan GB has taken its shapely crossover 4x4 and made it even more dramatic inside and out. Exterior brightwork has been given a new darker hue and all lights have been tinted to coordinate with the Kuro Black paintwork. The Murano’s standard 18" alloy wheels have been changed for a new 22", five-spoke design. And a raised roof spoiler finishes the purposeful look. Just as striking is the GT-C’s interior which has been retrimmed using British craftsmanship and a classic colour palette but with a modern slant.
The GT-C’s drivetrain modifications are equally exciting. Under the close supervision of Nissan’s Bedfordshire based European Technical Centre, the Murano’s 234PS 3.5-litre V6 engine with seamless CVT transmission has been turbocharged to literally boost power to around 350PS. The suspension has also been modified to give the Murano a tauter feel while retaining Nissan’s electronic ALL-MODE 4x4 system. Road testing will begin after the GT-C’s public appearance at the Motor Show. But expect continents to shrink under its power, whatever the weather.
Sony PlayStation GT4 gamesters will be fully aware of the 2004 Xanavi sponsored Japanese Super GT race series version which was won by a Nismo tuned Z. Now, for the first time in Europe, they will be able to see the car in action as it is being transported directly from Japan especially for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. There the 2004 championship winning GT500 350Z will be piloted by champion race driver Richard Lyons – also transported from Japan. Nissan is hoping the car survives or there will be a sizeable gap on its Motor Show stand.
Nissan has teamed up with Breakthrough Breast Cancer to mark the tenth anniversary of the charity’s flagship campaign, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, and designed a one-off Micra C+C in glittering gold to mark the occasion.
The 1.6-litre Sport model has been customised by former Atomic Kitten star Jenny Frost. The 16-inch graphite alloy wheels have been replaced by 17-inch rims and the usual sports seats have been trimmed with luscious purple leather with gold stitching to complement the unique exterior paint job.
Jenny also indulged her passion for music and film and replaced the standard six speaker CD radio with an entertainment unit by Alpine Electronics, which not only plays CDs, DVDs and MP3s, but also has the added advantage of a built in satellite navigation system worth over £5000. That’s all in addition to the Auto Open Roof™ system, which gives you open top motoring in just 22 seconds at the touch of a button.
And, just in time for the summer, Jenny has included a picnic hamper and a fridge in the boot, perfect for festivals and lazy days in the park. But, knowing the British weather, Jenny has also included an umbrella in the car, just in case. Even if it does rain, the feeling of open air motoring can still be enjoyed thanks to the unique-in-class C-View® glass roof. Jenny’s final touch is her signature in the same gold stitching embroidered into the floor mats.
To win the car, visit Nissan’s stand at the British International Motor Show. Just follow the crowds.
