Nissan's Cube at LA show

[JPaul]

Nissan Brings Japanese Minicars to the U.S. | Autopia from Wired.com

Whatever you call it, it's pretty freakin' roomy. There's room for five people inside that little box, which is just 13 feet long and not quite 5.5 feet wide. Interior appointments include a CD stereo with XM radio that blares through six speakers powered by a big honkin' Rockford-Fosgate amp and, of course, a jack for your iPod. That asymmetrical rear and side window not only looks cool, it increases visibility.
Power comes from a 1.80-liter four-banger that puts out 122 horsepower through the front wheels. There's a six-speed transmission or, if you're too lazy to shift, a continuously variable automatic transmission that Nissan says allows the Cube to get more than 30 mpg on the highway. (Exact figures haven't been released yet.)

[Dunerunner]

Holy Scion Batman!! Can't an auto manufacturer find an original design concept? Wraparound glass looks expensive, too. On a positive, a 6 speed variable drive automatic and boasting over 30 mpg with 122HP is impressive.

[rfernatt]

I like Nissans and this Cube has some pretty cool stuff, but I will have to rechristen it the Nissan Poochy Butt or Draggin' Behind! It sort of looks like those high-speed trains in Europe that have a 'front' on both ends so they don't have to turn around.

Seriously, I wonder if the electric 4WD system I've read about on the Japanese model will actually make production here? It sounded like a good idea - small electric motor kicks in to drive the rear wheels on demand in slippery conditions which eliminates the need for more expensive and heavy drive train components which are rarely used.

[forestacademy]

Looks like it would make a nice "Big" Car for my drive way.

[Jordon]

That thing has flop written all over it. There will be a few takers on it and a few kids that will "mod" it, but it won't last long. The first time anyone dings the rear you will be out taillight, bumper, tailgat and more glass than the sears tower.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by Jordon

That thing has flop written all over it...

AMEN !

[2micro4u]

I like the Cube design alot. It looks futuristic

[p1nball]

Originally Posted by chieftmc

AMEN !

Where do I put the BREAD in!!!

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by chieftmc

AMEN !

DITTO!!!

[Bum-bling-B]

Originally Posted by Jordon

That thing has flop written all over it. There will be a few takers on it and a few kids that will "mod" it, but it won't last long. The first time anyone dings the rear you will be out taillight, bumper, tailgat and more glass than the sears tower.

I seem to hear similar things from the Smart haters too.

Reminds me of the ones I hear everyday...like......"if you get in wreck you're sure to die a quick death"

I think I'd give it a chance. If it really makes it here I'm going to look at it and drive one around before I say anything bad about it.