Development work to bring the Nissan IDx and Nissan Bladeglider sports cars to production is underway, but both still require a clear business case for them to be built, according to company boss Andy Palmer.
The Nissan IDx, first seen at last year's Tokyo motor show, is described by Palmer as the "anti-sports car", and must appeal to young buyers whose aspirations are different from those wanting a more traditional experience.
"It must offer raw, simple rear-wheel-drive fun, yet be cheap to buy, insure and repair," said Palmer. "That package is hard to define, especially around the powertrain, and that's where we're working now."
Palmer describes the Bladeglider as sitting at the opposite end of the sports car spectrum to the IDx. Inspired by the Deltawing racer, the electrically driven car aims to deliver what Palmer calls a "guilt-free, edgy, quick and sophisticated" driving experience.
Two prototypes have been built so far, and are being developed at Nissan's Arizona test facility.
"The way they handle almost defies physics – they are sensational," said Palmer. "As it stands I expect it to do the job, but it still needs to demonstrate its fiscal viability."
In between these cars, Palmer stressed the Nissan GT-R and Nissan 370Z will continue in similar formats. "Nissan wouldn't be Nissan without them," he said. "They'll evolve but they still be part of what we do."
Read more: Dramatic Nissan BladeGlider concept returns (August 2016)
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