Nissan promised a crossover concept that was going to shock the world at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Now that the Japanese automaker has pulled the covers off of the Gripz Concept, consider that “shock-and-awe” strategy a resounding success. The Gripz Concept takes its inspiration from racing bicycles and the Nissan 240Z rally car, the same car that won the iconic Safari Rally back in the 1970s. The finished product is a concept that showcases the possibility of a future Z-inspired crossover, albeit in a very radical manner.
The sports car silhouette and the raised ride height of the Gripz are two of its more prominent features. These two characteristics of the concept underscore the belief that the old 240Zs didn’t have to be low to the ground to be fun to drive. If that’s Nissan’s goal for the Gripz, then it might be onto something here. But the concept is more complicated than that, because depending on your taste for unconventional design, the Gripz Concept will draw heavy reactions from people who either love it or hate it. Some people appreciate Nissan’s boldness while others scoff at the mere suggestion of a Z crossover that could dilute the Z family’s sporting legacy.
To Nissan’s credit, it has exhibited a penchant for taking risks that nobody thought would pan out. That’s what happened with the Juke. Not a lot of people thought it would amount to anything. Now, it’s arguably one of Nissan’s more popular models. It’s still a little early to say if the Gripz will follow that path, but based on the reaction it has received, Nissan could have another winner.
Updated 09/29/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.
Continue reading to find out more about the Nissan Gripz Concept.
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