It"s called the Nissan...

It"s called the Nissan Urge, and is billed as a radical design project which could open up new avenues for the Japanese firm if it went into production. The lightweight, motorcycle-inspired machine would slot into the compact sports car sector alongside models such as the Lotus Elise and Vauxhall VX220. The roadster has a small, high-revving engine sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission.

The Urge is finished with brushed aluminium alloys and coloured aluminium body panels. Inside, there is a sporty cockpit incorporating a Microsoft Xbox 360 games console.

Created by Nissan Design America in California, the show car will help top brass gauge public opinion - as yet, there"s no word on whether the project will go forward into serious consideration for production.