2005 Nissan Foria

The Foria is a compact, premium, two-plus-two, rear-wheel-drive concept coupe that Nissan is actively considering for the United States and European markets.

It's an elegant, classy car with a high-quality, aluminum- and leather-lined interior and a pair of Mazda RX-8-style rear suicide doors. The design team has given it a long nose (but a short front overhang) and a very pert, curvaceous rear end.

A production Foria might be powered by Nissan's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V-6 engine, but the company is not divulging any powertrain details. The Foria is equipped, though, with a paddle-shift transmission and four-wheel active steering. Think of it as a modern, upscale, designer version of the Nissan Silvia (240SX). Or, put another way, it's the kind of car Lancia would like to build, and in fact it bears a striking resemblance to the Lancia Fulvia concept car from the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. Since Fiat doesn't have the money to build a modern-day Lancia Fulvia, Nissan ought to do it instead.

Компактное (4350х1695х1370 мм) заднеприводное концепт-купе с посадочной формулой 2+2 – классика чистой воды, от центральной «нервюры» переднего бампера до обреза выхлопной трубы. Короткие свесы, длинный капот, компактный салон с креслами цвета слоновой кости в окружении толстой, мягкой кожи, джерси и настоящего, холодного металла – пиршество вкуса! АКП с переключателями на руле и монитор «навигатора» – дань современности – вписаны в общий стиль. Из механических изысков – управляемые колеса обеих осей. Купил бы, не раздумывая.