1989 Nissan IF: The Forgotten Mid-Engined Gem - AllCarIndex
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In the late 1980s, Nissan was on a roll with innovative and daring concept cars. One of these hidden gems was the 1989 Nissan IF, a mid-engined sportscar that packed a punch despite its diminutive size.
This concept car was the brainchild of Saneatsu Hashimoto from the body design department at the Nissan Research Center in Atsugi. After winning the New Concept Car Contest in 1987, the IF concept was brought to life with a dedicated team of 140 employees from the Nissan Technical Center.
The main focus of the Nissan IF was to create a sportscar with exceptional handling. To achieve this, the car featured a mid-mounted 930cc 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Nissan Micra. With 110 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque, the IF promised a thrilling driving experience.
On the technical side, the IF boasted an aluminum floor and frame structure, keeping weight to a minimum at just 710 kg. The suspension setup included double wishbones at the front and a multi-link construction at the rear, ensuring precise handling and agility on the road.
Despite its impressive specs and sleek design, the Nissan IF never made it to production. While some sources mistakenly claim that the car was showcased at the 1988 Tokyo Motor Show, in reality, it was only displayed to a select group of business insiders in May 1989.
Today, the Nissan IF stands as a testament to what could have been, a small coupe that still looks good decades later. With its mid-engined layout, turbocharged engine, and striking design, the IF remains a forgotten gem in Nissan's history, a glimpse into the brand's daring spirit and innovative mindset of the late 1980s.
