Uncovering Nissan’s high-tech, but forgotten MID4 II supercar

Nissan’s MID4 II might be a concept car resigned to the history books as yet another design study, but this one is important to Nissan and Nismo. And, come to that, us. We all know and love the R32 Skyline GT-R and the 300ZX (Z32), yet their existence was made possible by this mid-engined, two-door supercar. Ironically, while the models this supercar wannabe spawned rose to greatness, the MID4 II was unceremoniously shelved.

Unveiled in 1985, the Toyota MR2-looking original gained its name due to the mid-ship engine layout and all-wheel drive. Sending grunt to all four of the truly ’80s-spec wheels is a naturally aspirated VG30DE bent six (which would later go on to power Aus-delivered 300ZXs). However, by 1987 Nissan had overhauled the concept mechanically and design wise, unveiling the MID4 II at the Tokyo Motor Show that year.

What it showcased was a more eye-catching supercar silhouette cloaking serious mechanicals while the tail-lights unmistakeably give inspiration to the S14 Silvia. The gentleman’s agreement 206kW ceiling was ignored, with the 3.0-litre VG30DETT pumping out 242kW and 382Nm. It was sent to all four wheels with 235/55 ZR16 tyres up front and 255/50 ZR16 at the back. Ventilated discs were tasked with arresting the pace, and with a kerb weight of 1400kg and a power-to-weight ratio of 173kW/tonne, it was no slouch.

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Underpinning the MID4 II is double wishbone front suspension and multi-links at the rear. Additionally, the back axle also provided steering via Nissan’s HICAS system, which would later feature heavily in Godzilla, otherwise known as the R32 Skyline GT-R. It would also be fitted overseas to the twin-turbo 300ZX. How dynamically effective the supercar concept was also proved open to question. Rumours persisted that the parallel-developed Z32 300ZX was even better to drive but significantly cheaper. The writing was on the wall.

It took Nissan another two years after the MID-4 II’s unveiling to complete the development and calibration processes it pioneered, at which point the Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain (ATTESA) all-wheel drive system was brought to market in the all-conquering R32 GT-R.

Ultimately, the true measure of the MID4 II’s legacy is its offspring. While it failed to launch, the cars to benefit from its engineering ingenuity would go on to become performance icons.

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NISSAN MID4 II SPECIFICATIONS