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In 1985, Nissan unveiled a bold vision of the future at the Frankfurt Autoshow—the MID4 concept car. Designed as a direct challenge to European supercars from marques like Porsche and Ferrari, the MID4 was a high-tech, mid-engined machine that never reached production but left a lasting impact on Nissan's engineering legacy.
Conceived in the spring of 1984 under the leadership of Shinichiro Sakurai, development of the MID4 progressed with remarkable speed. By March 1985, the team had completed four prototypes, showcasing a dedication to innovation and performance.
At its core, the MID4 featured a mid-mounted, transversely positioned 3.0-liter V6 DOHC engine producing 230 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque. It utilized both four-wheel drive (4WD) and four-wheel steering (4WS), emphasizing advanced handling and traction. With a weight of just 1230 kg, and compact dimensions—4150 mm in length, 1770 mm in width, and a height of 1200 mm—the MID4 was engineered for agility and speed.
Though it never made it to production, the MID4 set the stage for further refinement, leading to the MID4 II concept, which debuted at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show. The technologies pioneered in the MID4 would later find their way into Nissan's production vehicles, leaving the MID4 as a fascinating chapter in the brand’s history of innovation.
