Nissan Saurus
Encyclopedia
The Nissan Saurus was a concept car
designed by Nissan Motors
and unveiled at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show
. It was a roadster
featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged
engine, 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.
, 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.
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
designed by Nissan Motors
Nissan Motors
, usually shortened to Nissan , is a multinational automaker headquartered in Japan. It was a core member of the Nissan Group, but has become more independent after its restructuring under Carlos Ghosn ....
and unveiled at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show
Tokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
. It was a roadster
Roadster
A roadster is a two-seat open car with emphasis on sporty handling and without a fixed roof or side weather protection. Strictly speaking a roadster with wind-up windows is a convertible but as true roadsters are no longer made the distinction is now irrelevant...
featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
engine, with bulging fenders and a design reminiscent of the Lotus Seven
Lotus Seven
The Lotus Seven is a small, simple, lightweight two-seater open-top sports car produced by Lotus Cars between 1957 and 1972....
.
Nissan marketed the Saurus as part of a pair along with the Jura minivan
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
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 NismoNismo
Nismo is the motorsports and performance division of Nissan Motor Company. Formed in 1984 as a result of a merger of two motorsport departments, Nismo cars have participated in JSPC, Formula Nippon, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona...
, Nissan's motor sports division. The Saurus Cup race series debuted 1989 using the Nissan Saurus Jr.
Nissan Saurus Jr.
The Nissan Saurus Jr. was first sold in 1991. It is a race car version of the Nissan Saurus.The Saurus Jr. was designed by Nissan solely for the one-make series known as the Saurus Jr. Cup, which was held at the Tsukuba circuit...
, a race car version of the Saurus. The series featured single seater sheet metal
Sheet metal
Sheet metal is simply metal formed into thin and flat pieces. It is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking, and can be cut and bent into a variety of different shapes. Countless everyday objects are constructed of the material...
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
Nissan March
The Nissan Micra, known in Latin America and in most of Asia as the Nissan and in North America as the Nissan Versa , is a supermini produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 1982.-Micra K10:...
Super Turbo.
The Nissan Urge
Nissan URGE
The Nissan URGE is a concept car that debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Referred to as a "design exercise," many of the car's design elements were influenced by an internet survey aimed towards young automotive and video game enthusiasts. The design incorporates unique...
has been compared to the Saurus.