Nissan Saurus

Nissan Saurus
Overview
Manufacturer Nissan Motors
Production N/A
Model years 1987
Body and chassis
Body style Roadster[1]
Powertrain
Engine 2.0L with turbocharger[1]
Dimensions
Length 3.3 metres (11 ft)[1]
Chronology
Successor Nissan Saurus Jr.

The Nissan Saurus was a concept car designed by Nissan Motors and unveiled at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show.[2][3][4] It was a roadster featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine,[1] with bulging fenders and a design reminiscent of the Lotus Seven.

Nissan marketed the Saurus as part of a pair along with the Jura minivan concept, introduced as a practical complement to the roadster. This approach was very radical for the Japanese market where space for two automobiles was unrealistic for most, so it was safely assumed the Saurus concept was never meant to see production.

Impact

The Saurus concept made its way into production in a modified form by Nissan's Nismo, Nissan's motor sports division. The Saurus Cup race series debuted 1989 using the Nissan Saurus Jr., a race car version of the Saurus. The series featured single seater sheet metal tub race cars with fiberglass molded bodies replicating the Saurus concept. The car was also used for Nissan Racing School. The successor to the Saurus race car, the Nissan Saurus Jr., is still used for advanced racing classes today.

The twin-charged engine of the Saurus made its way into production in 1989 through the March/Micra Super Turbo.

The Nissan Urge has been compared to the Saurus.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Noch sind nicht alle serienreif". Historisches Archiv (in German). Hamburger Abendblatt. 04.11.1987. Retrieved 2009-05-09. Der Nissan Saurus ist ein offener Zweisitzer. Die flache, schlanke Karosserie mit breit ausgestellten Kotflügeln ist 3,30 Meter lang. Der Mittelmotor-Zweisitzer (Zwei-Liter-Motor mit Turbolader) hat eine sportllche Innenausstattung. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. 1 2 "In the distant past, Nissan has done a couple of similar stark, Lotus-style concepts (the Saurus from the 1987 Tokyo Show and Duad, from Tokyo 1991, for those with long memories)..." Preview: 2006 Nissan Urge December 28, 2005 Channel 4
  3. ↑ "Nissan has also introduced a prototype roadster named Saurus. 'Dinosaurs have charm,' Nissan reasoned. The Japanese market, obsessed with cute, soft images..." [Japan tosses in a `Lettuce' car] January 27, 1989 Chicago Sun-Times (and Miami Herald January 27, 1989 - 13E BUSINESS )
  4. ↑ "Japanese market's tastes make car names a different animal" "For example, Nissan Motors' racy sports car, sold in the United States under the ..." "One example is Nissan's prototype roadster called Saurus, which the ..." Feb 5, 1989 Chicago Tribune


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