A Leftlane reader photographed a Nissan Cube in Commerce, Michigan, possibly undergoing some form of testing. Earlier this year, Nissan confirmed the Cube would arrive in America some time next year. The U.S.-bound Cube is expected to be the next-generation model, which makes the appearance of this current-generation car confusing.
It’s possible Nissan simply brought the car to the United States to gauge consumer and dealer reaction. Presumably, the next Cube won’t stray too far from the design language of today’s model, so even the current car could be useful for promotional purposes.
The current Cube is certainly no performer, and the next version won’t be either. The compact city car is propelled by a 1.4-liter I4 producing 90 horsepower. At 2500 lbs, the sprint to 60 mph takes 14 seconds. Fuel economy is an estimated 26 mpg in the city, and, if you dare, 40 mpg on the highway. Top speed is 85 mph.
(Thanks to Leftlane reader Nate Smist for the tip!)
04/07, 9:40 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Over a Scion, any day. That upcoming little Kia is looking good, though.
04/07, 9:50 AM
posted by:
400horseSS
Looks like something the “Noid” would drive.
04/07, 10:47 AM
posted by:
shaver
85 mph isnt going to cut it in US.
04/07, 11:08 AM
posted by:
legr8est
Who the hell would buy a car that’s not even symmetrical?
04/07, 11:13 AM
posted by:
Syrax
shaver, strap a ‘busa in it!!
04/07, 11:21 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
85 cuts it in a city car. The Japanese are going to outsmart Smart.
04/07, 11:22 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The biggest drawback in buying a ‘city’ car if you are Joe Public and not a business is the time will come when you’re likely to attempt a road trip than involves highways, hills and corners. The term ‘moving chicane’ comes to mind. As much fun as unmercifully flogging an underpowered vehicle can be, I’m pretty sure your fellow motorists won’t be quite so appreciative.
04/07, 11:43 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
Give it the 1.8L from the Versa, and problem solved. They may want to revise the suspension too; the body-roll in the 2nd pic is almost cartoonish. This will make the ultimate ice cream truck!
04/07, 12:00 PM
posted by:
hockeygod1331
It was likely an automotive journalist driving, not Nissan
http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6242013/car-ramblings-reviews/editors-notebook-2008-nissan-cube-jdm-day-2/index.html
04/07, 12:00 PM
posted by:
purdue
looks like it was about ready to tip over. Suzuki?
04/07, 12:31 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
global: Outfit it with a bumper kit and hydraulics, then it’s the ultimate ice cream truck
04/07, 12:46 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
now are we talking about the ice cream truck from Twisted Metal? then that would be cool as hell
04/07, 12:48 PM
posted by:
Vroom
By the way it’s leaning, looks like whoever is driving is using all 90hp in haulin’ ass to get away from the photographer.
04/07, 7:18 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Hahah the Noid omg gotta love the 80s thats hilarious 400.
04/07, 9:31 PM
posted by:
gilby7
The Noid comment is genius! Flash from the past, and a damn good one.
04/07, 10:13 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
Thanks
04/08, 12:41 AM
posted by:
bigp
the geo metro only as 70hp with an sorry ass 3 speed the car will be fine.
04/08, 6:48 AM
posted by:
carbonsigma
Hahaha have fun with that in the US.
04/08, 10:28 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
bigp: I new a girl who drove from alaska to DC in a Geo Metro.
04/08, 11:05 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Haha my grandmother had a Geo Metro, she was a traveling nurse, and with they way she drove her friends used to call her “the flying nurse”…. I guess like “the flying nun” Anyways… What the hell was a Cube doing all the way out in Commerce?