Nissan Extrem Compact SUV Concept Revealed

Compact SUVs are truly on the roll, many automakers have already shown their concepts and many are still showing. At the 2012 Sao Paulo International Motors Show, Brazil, where the German auto giant, Volkswagen showcased, the Taigun Compact SUV concept, on the other hand the Japanese Auto maker, Nissan as well showcased the Nissan Extrem Compact SUV, that fascinated everyone towards it because of its sporty, elegant and futuristic design.

EXTREM has been created especially for Brazil. It has been designed for and built in the country and has its world debut at the 27th Sao Paulo International Motor Show (24 October – 4 November). "Brazil is a country of great natural beauty and it has a passionate, rich culture. But this is not always reflected in the cars on its streets, especially the more affordable locally produced vehicles which tend to be conservative in design, colour and specification," said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.

"EXTREM, with a dynamic, high-character design, is far from conservative. It was created to appeal to the country's growing band of city-based young professionals who are passionate about design and want to make a personal statement. The lightweight two-door 2+2, has a dynamic stance, fresh surfacing, and a clear rugged ability to tackle the urban jungle everyday," he added.

Designed by Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego, California, in collaboration with Brazilian designers and produced in Brazil, the concept previews a new breed of car. By blending versatility and toughness with the agility of a compact 2+2, EXTREM is a new genre of urban compact sports car.

Its unveiling at the Sao Paulo Motor Show underscores Nissan's commitment to Brazil. The country is one of the largest new car markets in the world and one in which Nissan enjoys significant sales growth. The company claimed almost two per cent of the 2011 market, doubling its 2010 sales, and aims to account for five per cent of new car sales in Brazil by 2016.

Nissan's investment in Brazil includes an all-new manufacturing facility in Resende in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is scheduled to start production in the first half of 2014. When operating at its full potential, the plant will produce 200,000 units annually. Although strictly a concept car with no immediate plans for production, elements of EXTREM's styling offers a glimpse into future Nissan products, for Brazil and beyond.

"We have created EXTREM to show how serious we are about Brazil. EXTREM is provocative, energetic and engaging and it reflects the passion, innovation and excitement we put into all our cars," said Christian Meunier, President of Nissan Brazil.

EXTREM's dimensions are:

Wheelbase: 2450mm

Height: 1530mm

Length: 3850mm

Width: 1765mm

EXTREM's power would be provided by Nissan's advanced direct injection and turbocharged (DIG-T) 1.6-litre gasoline engine which shares its technology concept with the powertrain in the innovative Nissan DeltaWing Le Mans race car. EXTREM could also be offered with a choice of front or four-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring for enhanced handling capabilities."EXTREM suggests that exotic and exciting design need not just be reserved for expensive cars. It shows that innovative, sophisticated design can be made in a clever, attainable way. EXTREM is one of our answers to this possibility and it opens an exciting new chapter in our design relationship with Brazil," said Nakamura.