Few would ever entertain the idea of mixing the DNA of the sleek and sporty Nissan Fairlady Z with the crossover antics of the Nissan Murano. Seriously, what’s the point? But a team of students from NATC Japan did it, anyway.
Thus was the Fairlady X born, a design study that manages to combine the Fairlady Z front grille and headlights with the taller body and bulky rear end of the SUV. Since the base car is a second-gen Murano, the rear window is actually slanted at a convincing enough angle to leave it as is. A carefully chosen hood cover and widened wheel arches also contribute to a sporty overall impression.
Of course, the end result still looks monstrous and nothing like the Fairlady Z unless you look from certain angles, squinting. We are not aware of any engine modifications, and the interior is still a work in progress. The things on the to-do list include installing a new steering wheel, some seats and an automatic transmission. Stripping the cabin clean to minimize weight is also a consideration.
The result will be showcased at the Tokyo and Osaka auto salons at the beginning of the next year.