Can't stretch to a Z? The AZEAL Coupe Concept hints that a smaller, cheaper yet still sporty alternative is on the way from Nissan. It's the first concept car from Nissan's new design studios in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and it's aimed at a younger audience than the 350Z/Fairlady. Featuring a glass-panelled roof, active rear aerofoil spoiler, 19-inch wheels and metallic interior trim, it nonetheless should live up to its dynamic looks with decent performance: the show car is fitted with Nissan's turbocharged 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission with limited-slip differential.

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Finishing touches include roof rails - which give it a rugged, outdoorsy edge as well - prism-style fog lights, a full width spoiler-mounted brake light, dual exhausts, integrated rear diffuser and 'liquid titanium' metallic paint. The cabin has a 2+2 layout, including a split-folding rear seat and ski hatch - it actually looks a lot more practical than the larger Z - and ventilated, powered front seats, under-seat storage compartments, electronic parking brake, "mood lighting", starter button ignition and active mirror system. We reckon this one's a likely production prospect, which should go down well in Europe as well as in the US. Reaction to this show car will probably decide whether it gets the go-ahead - yes please, Nissan, we say.