The NSX is a legend. When one is spotted to this day it’s an event. Back in the late 90s I dated a girl whose parents had an NSX and liked me enough to let me have free rein with the car. My ex was a doll, but I miss that car way more lol.
@@masrali4696 Ive never driven one but I did sit in a targa model and the back of my head was resting uncomfortably on the roof rail. I'm super tall but it did feel like that to me as well. Kinda felt a bit like my friends Ferrari 348 targa as far as position. The design inside reminded me a lot of my 300zx but in that car you sit much lower and tucked into the interior. In that car my hair only brushed the roof. Probably like 4 inches less headroom in the NSX.
Never knew this car existed. Very nice. You can see many styling cues from this went into the refresh 300z with pop up lights, and 2nd gen 240 SX tail light style. Too bad we didn't get it.
Just be glad we lived through it.......I owned a 200sx Turbo, DA integra B18 with a baby TD05 , CB7 accord with the H22 swap...........those were the days.
I just started working at my local Ford dealer in 1997 when the photos of this dropped (I was only 20 and learning to sell cars, which wasn't a thing back then). I SO WANTED Ford to release the Indigo. Would have been so cool. I was there when we got the 2005 Ford GT. THAT was a fun time.
For me it was the 2002 Dodge Razor and the 2007 Dodge Demon, even though I usually avoid Mopar when I buy vehicles. I just liked the styling and the idea of getting another American roadster out there.
@@LawrenceTimme None of the footage is stolen. It is all under "fair use" and credit was given to each video clip used during the period it was displayed. Then credit was also given again at the end of the video. You should try video production. It's an extremely tedious process that takes months to complete. I work a day job 10 hours per day, exercise daily then in my short spare time dedicate it to creating videos like this. I do all my own research, note taking, then forming it into a script. Then organizing the script into an entertaining and understandable format. Then doing the voice overs. Then doing the on screen scenes... That in itself takes weeks. Then the part you mentioned. Which I say again you should try for yourself because it's waaaaaaay harder and time consuming than you clearly understand. Anyway, when using someone else's video clip it doesn't simply appear in front of you - No, you have to search for it. Then when you find it, it's only a short few seconds clip of visuals that you want. So then you have to edit and cut that little video piece into the main script. You have to do this literally hundreds of times. Does that sound like stealing and simply copying and pasting? No. Because it's not. Even legally speaking it's not stealing because for one - fair use. And second because of all the splicing and editing it's deemed an original piece. Stealing is a crime yet this isn't illegal. Do you understand why now? Also as another note - It's not required for me to give credit to the original creators of the video clip I pulled from. Not required. Yet I did it twice throughout and at the end of this video. Which believe it or not added several more hours of work into producing my video. Something you'd understand if you tried it yourself.
I do remember this car, it was back when everyone was experimenting with AWD, 4WS and active suspensions. Some of it even made it into production cars.
This has been my favorite car forever. Just took a trip to tokyo and saw it at the nissan museum. Not gonna lie my eyes teared up when i saw it. Its not really concept-y at all in person. Theres nothing on the car that looks unfinished or unrefined.
It looks like some of the styling made it to the 240sx. I think the world of car prototypes has to be one of the more interesting parts of the motoring industry mainly because of the "what if" factor. SEAT had a prototype that looked a lot like what would become the Bugatti Veyron, Cadillac had the Sixteen, Isuzu had a mid engine prototype back in the late 80s they did together with Lotus that looked amazing for the time. Lots of "what if" possibilities.
I am so happy that youtube analytics showed me this video. Never knew that those two amazing cars existed at least as prototypes . You deserves a lot more subscribers 🙏🙏🙏. Great content 👏
I'm 53 and was a motorhead by age 13 when I built my first mustang i remember seeing this car in a magazine. Thanks for sharing the great video. It reminded me of another car i fell in love with at first sight i think it was called cizeta moroder
Would have been a weapon really. Basics like exhaust, bigger intercooler and then just add another 5-7 psi boost as we did to all the early Japanese stuff in Australia and there’s an easy 30-40 hp more.
I loved reading about these concept cars and seeing the development of Nissan through the 80’s-90’s. It’s like they took their ideas and ambitions from this concept, split them into the Z32 and R32 to prioritize development and implementation. And if you think about it, the technology came back together into one car with the R35 GTR, with the supercar level AWD and TT V6 combo.
@@da_garage383 Thanks for making this. I want a mid 4. Not a mid 4 -2. I like the mid 4-1 Its way too bad they didn't make it. ...closest thing is a toyota supra gen 3... and Nissan 300 zx. 1990- 1996
Wow! I consider myself a pretty well versed and seasoned car enthusiast, but this one completely slipped by me! Had no idea about the Mid-4. Awesome video, you have a new sub in me!
Im old enough to be one of the early import enthusiasts back in the late 80s, early 90s and recall this in one of the car mags of the day. Long story short, this wouldn't have displaced the NSX, given the sporting dynamics of the original car...which is ONE of the reasons why the new NSX was panned by many enthusiasts. Though it's a mid-engine layout (a la NSX), being a heavy(ish) girl with a twin turbo powerplant mated to an advanced AWD system (w/ AWS) makes me think it would have been more of a challenger to the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. $.02
Never knew I needed a video where Fernando Alonso tells me about a almost forgotten Japanese supercar from the 80/90's that never got made. Awesome video, definitely subbing.
I grew up as a teen in the 80s, believe me, the adrenalin was so rapidly rushing in your veins when seeing JDM cars like RX7 Savanna, Mitsubishi Starion, Nissan/Datsun 240z, MR2, and Prelude too... Magnum PI's 308GT was my Ferrari fav model and James Bond Esprit... Whooaaaaa the 70s up to the 90s....cars you can only dreams of
To me, this car sounds like it may have ended up similarly to the BMW M1, or, more appropriately maybe, the Mitsubishi 3000gt VR4? The former being a capable and ambitious mid-engine car that may have outpriced itself and undersold - but is now a prized and rare car for collectors and enthusiasts. The latter being a car that was arguably too advanced for its own good, jumping the gun and being notorious for issues related to its electronics despite being a very good car when it did run. It could have become a healthy rival of the NSX on tracks and car meets, but I think that one of the defining traits of the NSX - simplicity for pure performance, experience, and utility, would separate the two. Weirdly, very similar yet very different cars.
Incredibly well done video. I just wanted to check how many millions of subs you have and found out that you are criminally underrated. Keep up the amazing work
A buddy of mine and I drove from NW Arkansas to a car show in Tulsa back in high school and were stoked to be them pull the Ford GT90 concept out of the car hauler in the parking lot outside the venue. We walked around that car for a good half-hour. Good memory.
I remember the Mid-4. It was supposed to be where the current GT-R is now: an AWD sports car above the Z. The Mid-4 II I believe could have been the mid-engined Infiniti M45 sports car that was promised by 1994. It would have given Infiniti a true flagship car.
Thank you for making this video! I remember seeing the Mid4 2 in a magazine back in the day and fell in love with it. I could just never remember anything more about it than it was a Nissan that looked Lotus like on the rare occasion I thought of it during the 2000's and up. I tried searching but aside from Nissan sports car I didn't know what to search for.
When I was a kid I always dream of starting a car company that brings unbuilt concept cars to production. The origin for this were - The Alfa Romeo Scighera ,Ford GT90 , and the TVR Speed 12 (thank you Grand turismo 3 and NFS III HP)
Ironically, you spoke that the HICAS system ended up in the modern GTRs... then showed in-car footage from an Australian Grp A racecar - all of which had the HICAS removed.
Never heard of this car, but it would have been legendary had it been produced. It would have been good if Nissan produced it even at a high price and even if they lost money on it, as the PR would have been well worth it.
Super cool video! As someone who is a pretty big car enthusiast, particularly JDM stuff, I’m surprised and slightly embarrassed that I had never heard of the Mid4. Thanks for enlightening me!
Great video. I can't help but think this car NOT making it to market is what made Godzilla not be Godzuki.... Yes the tech would have genetically filtered down to the GT-R, but that would have made the GT-R "son of".... The NSX would be less iconic, but a hero nevertheless, probably based on cost, but would also be an "also ran" behind the Mid4-2.
For me the coolest car that never was was the Volkswagen W12. Saw the all the boxes were checked and it never was to be. Rad channel btw. Well edited and informative videos.
I have heard of this car before because iam quite a Nissan GURU lol :) but Nissan back in the old days had a lot of interesting ideas that never happened. I think it was a lot to do with the failing market back in the late 90's but its crazy because there were a lot of great vehicles that Nissan made in the 90's. The Nissan GTIR was another vehicle that people don't know much about either or cars like the Z 432 or the Fairlady Z 200ZR!
I dont think Honda would have changed their formula around their NSX, but had Nissan launched the Mid-4 II, Toyota, MaZDa and Mitsubishi would have had to run back to the chalkboard.
Very nice! Enjoyed this video a lot and really would have liked to see what would have happened had the Mid4 been mass produced. It was a nice looking car :)
Naah. Nissan already did that with their record setting, history making, championship trophy collecting GT-R. Other cars including the NSX could only dream of such feats.
I distinctly remember all the height surrounding the original Mid4 and I always waited for it to be released to the public. I read every magazine article that featured the mid4 and even whatever snippets I could find anywhere else. I knew I would probably never afford one, but I always wanted to see the car in person. Sadly, I never got my wish.
Another awesome video buddy. Loved the Sega flashback. Personally I think they rounded the body too much on both the one and the two. For me it didn't have that got to have it grabbed to them. They reminded me of the awd Dodge stealth. I'm still a first gen NSX fan even though I can't fit in the darn things. Thank you for another enjoyable informational video. Prost
Thank you! At first I wasn't the biggest fan of the II either for its rounded styling but after working on this video for over a month and looking at it regularly, it's grown on me. I've come to appreciate it's 90's Japanese sports car look.
It is awesome, but the 3000GT isn't mid-engine, and it's nearly 1,000 lbs heavier than the NSX. Meanwhile, you had the MR2, which was mid-engine and light, but didn't have the power or the AWD. This video is correct. If the Mid4 had launched, it would have outsold the NSX. Only 400 lbs heavier, but with the power of the 300ZX TT, the AWD of the GT-R, and the mid-engine layout of the NSX. Winning formula.
@@cyberspectre8675 You know,,,, they could make sportscars to order. Meaning, if you order one, it gets then produced. This could still be, a business model today. I want mid 4-1. First gen.
It's hard for me to accept that I didn't know this even existed, but thanks for bringing it to my attention. One more that I know.i wonder if someday I will know them all?
Gran Turismo on PS1. Lots of nice cars. I was surprised 10 years later that a lot of those cars were quite renowned. NSX and GTO Twin Turbo were my favorites.
Cool video. Had Nissan produced the MID 4/4 II, it would have been hideously expensive, pitting it more squarely in competition with existing supercars, which traded as much on pedigree as performance. In this scenario, it wouldn’t have been disruptive as Honda’s NSX ultimately was, severely undercutting the cost of contemporary exotics with little sacrifice in performance, while offering daily driveability and Honda reliability. Conceptually with the MID4/4 II, Nissan was concerned with maximizing an existing paradigm while Honda was busy creating a new one with the NSX.
I remember the Road & Track issue on this car back then. I was selling Nissans at a high volume dealership in 1990. I know at that time, Nissan was kicking around the idea of a cheaper fixed roof Z32. I never thought they had any intention of making the Mid4..... They saw the writing on the wall with all of those cars pricing themselves out of existence.
I'd love to understand why most factory wheels are just HIDEOUS. It's like a person wearing a Versace suit and Converse snickers. I remember the inextricable ugliness of factory BMW wheels compared to AC Schnitzer, Alpina, BBS or even Rotiform wheels. There were exceptions, mostly Italian sportscars and a few British ones (shamelessly copying Italian blueprints, like some Jaguar models). It might be the remaining budget of any project, so they hire a 5-year-old kid and give him brown paper and a box of cheap crayons.
Thank you brother for this cool video, I learned a lot, I subscribed half way through. keep them great vids comin' Edit : with tons of hella respect for the mighty NSX, it's design seems to be inspired by MID4 II.
Thank you! I plan to keep the videos coming. Also, I love the NSX. This video was in no part a bash on the NSX. Rather I used the Honda as an intriguing way to engage the audience in competition and comparison between these cars.
Such a shame, the front of the second gen mid-4 looks better then any other car that got produced 😍 Oh and it would have been faster then the 300zx tt and the r32 in both handling and acceleration due the mid engine layout which is not explained enough in this video I did enjoy watching this vid, so thanks for making this vid about the gorgeous nissan mid4
@@monoracer_ Then they prolly could've gone with a 2.0 4-cylinder turbo like the Toyota MR2. It wouldn't perform at the same level, but at least it would be hella cheaper to buy and fix.
The Mid 4/2 has a little of the Ford Probe design going for it. I really wish Nissan had put it into limited production at the very least. Thank you so much for a cool glimpse into what might have been.
Given the power to weight ratio, that 0-60 time sounds like a good close ballpark. This is also a vehicle I didn't know about, like others down below, so TY for the awesome history lesson, and... did anyone else think this thing was an elongated MR2 GT at first glance??
Very interesting, and also hadn't heard of this project. While way ahead of its time technologically, and a relatively sleek design, it doesn't quite have the exotic presence of its competition. They would've cost a fortune and probably been difficult to sell, but undoubtedly would be highly sought-after JDM legends today. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you! I'm always looking for suggestions so I'll definitely look into that. Ohhh. I just realized what car that is... Yes, I was actually looking into making a video on that one!
🎉🎉🎉 fantastic information. Definitely a quiet underrated car from Nissan. I believe this is what is what prompt the new NSX super handling all-wheel-drive today.😮😮😮
I remember seeing this in a car magazine my eldest brother had when I was a baby and I could never remember what it was named but I remember thinking it was a 240SX concept for years and you finally cleared everything up with this video. I still like the Mid4 II to this day. Carlos Ghosne is hiding out in another country for money laundering and whatnot so Nissan should really consider making a Mid4 III and selling it in a very niche market like Gordon Murry...It would be a good chance to actually make history again with all the new technological advancements..idk just a thought
Nice, thank you for the video. Didn't know that prototype existed. The front end reminds me of the 3000gt\FTo fronts and the rear, a squished 240, in my opinion for the mk2 of this car.
Great video! I knew of the existence of those MID4 concepts, but wasn't aware of their full story. But as amazing as they were and as sad as it is they never made it onto the market, in the end I don't think it would have had that big of an impact on history. I think there are two aspects that set the NSX apart from its Japanese contemporaries. First, instead of of being some high tech electronic marvel, it was much more of a traditional sports car, just perfected. No 4WD, no 4WS, no advanced electronics. Just good old engineering taken to the next level. Much more a sports car in the vein of a Ferrari or Porsche, just done better. I remember from back then those Japanese high end cars just weren't taken that seriously, at least here in Europe. Except for the NSX. Even when it sold very poorly, it was at least respected, and it sure had it's impact on those European sports cars. And the second bit is heritage. Honda always was a step above the other Japanese brands. It is the only brand with a founder that is known by most car enthousiasts, and is often regarded the Japanese Enzo Ferrari. Soichiro Honda als very much was an engineer first, and a business man second. There was also the success in racing, either in F1 with their own car in the 60s and as an engine supplier in the 80s, and also lets not forget about motor racing. And there was undeniably the Senna factor. Regardless how much influence he actually had, one of the greatest legends in F1 history was closely linked to the car. Nissan managed to create their own heritage with the (Skyline) GT-R, but I feel the MID4 without any of that would have mostly been forgotten by now.
If Nissan had really been able to keep the car at 3000 lbs it would have been pretty up there with the best, but with AWD I really doubt it had weighted less than 3500 lbs.
Great Video!!! Had to subscribe after this. I think this car would have been a good start but glad it went the way it did as skylines are still my favorite Nissans!
This video is awesome thanks man, keep it up 👍🔥 I subscribed, and I noticed that you have a lot of other awesome videos but with low views and I think the problem is the thumbnail, work on that and believe me you will get ton of views.
Thank you! Yes, I agree. The thumbnail is the hook. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what would be a catchy thumbnail while also being related to the video. But yes, you're 100% right.
Thanks for a great doco . I own a Nissan 300ZXTT and love all Nissan Datsun products! But hadn’t heard about this one before. Wow a mid engine ZX awesome 😂
I was lucky enough to see the MID4-II close up at the Nissan Heritage Collection in Kanagawa. Very interesting car. Would have loved to have seen them on the road.
I just subscribed based on presentation. This is amateur, but... It's like the old saying "dress for the job you want". You have done amazing editing, scripting, narrative and there's been a good amount of effort put it. Let's hope it doesn't lose its way.
I was going to say the Mid4 2 looks quite a bit better than the Mid4 1, more Italian / Ferrari...but then you showed the Mid4 1 from the high rear three-quarter view at 3:25 and...it looks stunning!. So much Ferrari 308 / 328 from that angle. Oh my, they're both beauties. From the front, and front three-quarter, there's a lot of 80s Lotus Espirit on the Mid4 1, but from the high rear three-quarter, there's soo much Ferrari / Italian styling.
6:52 so far, sounds like a proper show car... despite the design never hitting production, it held tech that did. 9:28.. splitting those developments between the 300zx and GTR, allowed cost saving via parts sharing. The price point of the Mid4.2 wouldve been higher than the nsx, unless there was a 3rd redesign, that allowed for increased parts sharing/cost reduction. Those prototypes so heavily influenced the 1989- 2000 (1996USm) Z32 300zx, that it was a borderline supercar of the era in its own right(especially when equipped to with the twin turbo) cost amongst other reasons, they are rare and underappreciated. Now in response to your questions asked- Italy could've used the additional competition. I wouldve had that poster on my car wall in 89 if I new about it
It would be successful right now if Nissan made it today with the 400 HP from the new Z. Great video BTW. new sub here, your channel just popped up out of nowhere.
If there was someone out there that had the money, and a designer/ engineer who could take this footage along with the specs the car would have made , then found a person who could find the main components. Engine, power train, 4 wheel steering system and then start from pictures to actual sketch’s , dimensions, then made a clay scale model to make the body and then look at the interior photos, if I’m not mistaken when they showed the 2nd version I’m pretty sure that it had the Z32 300ZX dash and seats but if someone with the money to do it and then just call it something else I’m pretty sure that they would get pretty close to what could’ve been. I mean I’ve seen far more done with cars that started out with someone’s thought and vision with nothing to base it off of with other concept cars! So why not this one? I’m just curious if there was any one that would even try. Shoot if I had the $ to burn I’d give it a shot, why not? Anyway just my thoughts! Take care and great video!,, Chris Klatter
Thanks for the like , I appreciate that you think that what I said is something that could be done if there was money & time to do it! I think it would be an awesome opportunity to create something that was someone’s dream! TTYL 👋 Chris K
I've been waiting to see a video about this car. I'm sure there are others, but this one was recommended to me. It feels like Honda/Nissan were copying each other's homework, and Honda passed the test with the work. Part of what makes the Ferrari 288 GTO standout to me will always be how it manages to be curvy and wedged at the same time, and the Mid4-II seems to capture a bit of that.
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The NSX is a legend. When one is spotted to this day it’s an event. Back in the late 90s I dated a girl whose parents had an NSX and liked me enough to let me have free rein with the car. My ex was a doll, but I miss that car way more lol.
I'm gonna say it, the nsx was way over rated. Yes I had one (black, manual)
@@masrali4696 I dated a girl in the late 90s whose parents had one and they loved me so I got to drive it quite a bit
@@masrali4696 really? Everything I’ve read and watched on them have said they were amazing driving vehicles, fast, and reliable. What didn’t you like?
@@christophersmatla1932 driving position is horrible, it feels like you're sat on the car instead of in it.
@@masrali4696 Ive never driven one but I did sit in a targa model and the back of my head was resting uncomfortably on the roof rail.
I'm super tall but it did feel like that to me as well. Kinda felt a bit like my friends Ferrari 348 targa as far as position.
The design inside reminded me a lot of my 300zx but in that car you sit much lower and tucked into the interior. In that car my hair only brushed the roof. Probably like 4 inches less headroom in the NSX.
Never knew this car existed. Very nice. You can see many styling cues from this went into the refresh 300z with pop up lights, and 2nd gen 240 SX tail light style. Too bad we didn't get it.
Same here, man... childhood of 90s JDM and was still ignorant of it!
Don’t forget it’s also similar to the Nissan NX-2000
As for the 4wheels steering
Can we get the old Nissan back?
Wouldn’t that be nice. Unfortunately, it’s been laid to rest alongside the old Mitsubishi, and I don’t think either is poised for a renaissance.
@@fuzzytalzI’m a mechanic and an eclipse cross pulled in. I almost cried. “Look how they massacred my boy…”
old japanese cars in general..
every single one of them looked better than a modern GTR or supra.
Just be glad we lived through it.......I owned a 200sx Turbo, DA integra B18 with a baby TD05 , CB7 accord with the H22 swap...........those were the days.
2 others beat me to basically saying it could be worse, you could be a Mitsubishi fan like me, and I feel like that says a lot, lmao.
The car prototype that I always wanted was the Ford Indigo
I remember being very excited about the Buick Wildcat and the Dodge M4S Interceptor (the Wraith car) in the 80s
I just started working at my local Ford dealer in 1997 when the photos of this dropped (I was only 20 and learning to sell cars, which wasn't a thing back then). I SO WANTED Ford to release the Indigo. Would have been so cool. I was there when we got the 2005 Ford GT. THAT was a fun time.
For me it was the 2002 Dodge Razor and the 2007 Dodge Demon, even though I usually avoid Mopar when I buy vehicles. I just liked the styling and the idea of getting another American roadster out there.
Genuinely thought this was done by a channel with at least a 100k subs! I was shocked at seeing your subscribers keep it up!
Thank you! That's what I'm trying to achieve 😊
This is proof that subs do not equal quality....and lack of subs doesn't not necessarily mean lack of quality...well done my man
@@da_garage383you've just gained another sub! Great video and content 👌
How? It's just a bunch a stolen footage from other channels spliced together.
@@LawrenceTimme None of the footage is stolen. It is all under "fair use" and credit was given to each video clip used during the period it was displayed. Then credit was also given again at the end of the video. You should try video production. It's an extremely tedious process that takes months to complete. I work a day job 10 hours per day, exercise daily then in my short spare time dedicate it to creating videos like this. I do all my own research, note taking, then forming it into a script. Then organizing the script into an entertaining and understandable format. Then doing the voice overs. Then doing the on screen scenes... That in itself takes weeks. Then the part you mentioned. Which I say again you should try for yourself because it's waaaaaaay harder and time consuming than you clearly understand. Anyway, when using someone else's video clip it doesn't simply appear in front of you - No, you have to search for it. Then when you find it, it's only a short few seconds clip of visuals that you want. So then you have to edit and cut that little video piece into the main script. You have to do this literally hundreds of times. Does that sound like stealing and simply copying and pasting? No. Because it's not. Even legally speaking it's not stealing because for one - fair use. And second because of all the splicing and editing it's deemed an original piece. Stealing is a crime yet this isn't illegal. Do you understand why now?
Also as another note - It's not required for me to give credit to the original creators of the video clip I pulled from. Not required. Yet I did it twice throughout and at the end of this video. Which believe it or not added several more hours of work into producing my video. Something you'd understand if you tried it yourself.
Awesome video. I had no idea this car even existed. Thanks for bringing it to light.
it was a mid engine 300zx basically
Yeah, good call. @@kernoleary1394
I do remember this car, it was back when everyone was experimenting with AWD, 4WS and active suspensions. Some of it even made it into production cars.
Thoroughly enjoyable vid on a prototype I knew very little about. Well done, and cheers. First-time viewer and new subscriber. 👌
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
@@da_garage383 YW!
This has been my favorite car forever. Just took a trip to tokyo and saw it at the nissan museum. Not gonna lie my eyes teared up when i saw it. Its not really concept-y at all in person. Theres nothing on the car that looks unfinished or unrefined.
That's awesome! I'd love to see it in person.
It looks like some of the styling made it to the 240sx. I think the world of car prototypes has to be one of the more interesting parts of the motoring industry mainly because of the "what if" factor. SEAT had a prototype that looked a lot like what would become the Bugatti Veyron, Cadillac had the Sixteen, Isuzu had a mid engine prototype back in the late 80s they did together with Lotus that looked amazing for the time. Lots of "what if" possibilities.
Just made a comment on the similarities to the final 240SX. Specially at the rear end
Look at the 1987-1989 300zx rear end
@@hesayad1055 s14 looks more like it than the Z31 to me.
I am so happy that youtube analytics showed me this video. Never knew that those two amazing cars existed at least as prototypes . You deserves a lot more subscribers 🙏🙏🙏. Great content 👏
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊
@da_garage383 Once again, amazing content 👌, keep going 👍👍👍
I'm 53 and was a motorhead by age 13 when I built my first mustang i remember seeing this car in a magazine. Thanks for sharing the great video. It reminded me of another car i fell in love with at first sight i think it was called cizeta moroder
Would have been a weapon really. Basics like exhaust, bigger intercooler and then just add another 5-7 psi boost as we did to all the early Japanese stuff in Australia and there’s an easy 30-40 hp more.
I loved reading about these concept cars and seeing the development of Nissan through the 80’s-90’s. It’s like they took their ideas and ambitions from this concept, split them into the Z32 and R32 to prioritize development and implementation. And if you think about it, the technology came back together into one car with the R35 GTR, with the supercar level AWD and TT V6 combo.
I recall seeing this car at the Detroit Auto Show during its press run. I all but forgot it until your video. Thanks for bringing it back!
Very cool. I'd love to have seen it back then!
@@da_garage383
Thanks for making this. I want a mid 4. Not a mid 4 -2. I like the mid 4-1
Its way too bad they didn't make it. ...closest thing is a toyota supra gen 3... and Nissan 300 zx. 1990- 1996
Wow! I consider myself a pretty well versed and seasoned car enthusiast, but this one completely slipped by me! Had no idea about the Mid-4. Awesome video, you have a new sub in me!
Im old enough to be one of the early import enthusiasts back in the late 80s, early 90s and recall this in one of the car mags of the day. Long story short, this wouldn't have displaced the NSX, given the sporting dynamics of the original car...which is ONE of the reasons why the new NSX was panned by many enthusiasts. Though it's a mid-engine layout (a la NSX), being a heavy(ish) girl with a twin turbo powerplant mated to an advanced AWD system (w/ AWS) makes me think it would have been more of a challenger to the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. $.02
As a car nut, I can't believe I've never come across your videos before.
Brilliant work.
Thanks from the UK.
Now subscribed. :)
My small channel has a lot of growing to do! Thank you and welcome to the DA Garage family 😊
Never knew I needed a video where Fernando Alonso tells me about a almost forgotten Japanese supercar from the 80/90's that never got made. Awesome video, definitely subbing.
You enjoyed making this video. I enjoyed watching this video. Keep it up! I'd love to see more videos like this!
Great, I'm glad to hear that! My goal is to make videos that are enjoyable to watch.
I grew up as a teen in the 80s, believe me, the adrenalin was so rapidly rushing in your veins when seeing JDM cars like RX7 Savanna, Mitsubishi Starion, Nissan/Datsun 240z, MR2, and Prelude too... Magnum PI's 308GT was my Ferrari fav model and James Bond Esprit... Whooaaaaa the 70s up to the 90s....cars you can only dreams of
To me, this car sounds like it may have ended up similarly to the BMW M1, or, more appropriately maybe, the Mitsubishi 3000gt VR4?
The former being a capable and ambitious mid-engine car that may have outpriced itself and undersold - but is now a prized and rare car for collectors and enthusiasts. The latter being a car that was arguably too advanced for its own good, jumping the gun and being notorious for issues related to its electronics despite being a very good car when it did run.
It could have become a healthy rival of the NSX on tracks and car meets, but I think that one of the defining traits of the NSX - simplicity for pure performance, experience, and utility, would separate the two. Weirdly, very similar yet very different cars.
Incredibly well done video. I just wanted to check how many millions of subs you have and found out that you are criminally underrated. Keep up the amazing work
Thank you! I plan to continue improving and creating more and comments like this really help.
A buddy of mine and I drove from NW Arkansas to a car show in Tulsa back in high school and were stoked to be them pull the Ford GT90 concept out of the car hauler in the parking lot outside the venue. We walked around that car for a good half-hour. Good memory.
I remember the Mid-4. It was supposed to be where the current GT-R is now: an AWD sports car above the Z. The Mid-4 II I believe could have been the mid-engined Infiniti M45 sports car that was promised by 1994. It would have given Infiniti a true flagship car.
Thank you for making this video! I remember seeing the Mid4 2 in a magazine back in the day and fell in love with it. I could just never remember anything more about it than it was a Nissan that looked Lotus like on the rare occasion I thought of it during the 2000's and up. I tried searching but aside from Nissan sports car I didn't know what to search for.
Well I'm glad you found my video! Thank you 😊
WHY THE HELL DIDNT THEY MAKE THESE? im kinda upset about this tbh
Didn't know that Fernando Alonso had a yt channel
Nice channel! Keep them coming!
When I was a kid I always dream of starting a car company that brings unbuilt concept cars to production.
The origin for this were - The Alfa Romeo Scighera ,Ford GT90 , and the TVR Speed 12 (thank you Grand turismo 3 and NFS III HP)
Ironically, you spoke that the HICAS system ended up in the modern GTRs... then showed in-car footage from an Australian Grp A racecar - all of which had the HICAS removed.
Never heard of this car, but it would have been legendary had it been produced. It would have been good if Nissan produced it even at a high price and even if they lost money on it, as the PR would have been well worth it.
Is that, is that, FERNANDO ALONSO? 😂
Super cool video! As someone who is a pretty big car enthusiast, particularly JDM stuff, I’m surprised and slightly embarrassed that I had never heard of the Mid4. Thanks for enlightening me!
I've never even heard of these cars. Thank you for showing what could have been. I'd love to have them.
Great video. I can't help but think this car NOT making it to market is what made Godzilla not be Godzuki.... Yes the tech would have genetically filtered down to the GT-R, but that would have made the GT-R "son of"....
The NSX would be less iconic, but a hero nevertheless, probably based on cost, but would also be an "also ran" behind the Mid4-2.
The Nissan MID4 & MID4 II?! WHAT?! I didn't see this coming, even when I was a kid!
Why does he look like Fernando Alonso's ginger twin ?
For me the coolest car that never was was the Volkswagen W12. Saw the all the boxes were checked and it never was to be. Rad channel btw. Well edited and informative videos.
Hey, thanks. Wish we could have seen this one in production.
I have heard of this car before because iam quite a Nissan GURU lol :) but Nissan back in the old days had a lot of interesting ideas that never happened. I think it was a lot to do with the failing market back in the late 90's but its crazy because there were a lot of great vehicles that Nissan made in the 90's. The Nissan GTIR was another vehicle that people don't know much about either or cars like the Z 432 or the Fairlady Z 200ZR!
I dont think Honda would have changed their formula around their NSX, but had Nissan launched the Mid-4 II, Toyota, MaZDa and Mitsubishi would have had to run back to the chalkboard.
Very nice! Enjoyed this video a lot and really would have liked to see what would have happened had the Mid4 been mass produced. It was a nice looking car :)
Some of my favourite concept cars are the Isuzu 4200R, Mitsubishi HSR-II, and the Dome Zero.
Wow! Excellent video, as usual! That was so interesting. I am curious...What ever happened to the few cars that actually were built?
I believe the few that they made are all show/museum pieces now.
@@da_garage383
Probably in an official
Nissan museum
Awesome research and info
If you would do the live parts just in front of a mic to keep the same audio quality the entire video, I’d give this a 10/10. Solid content brother!
Naah. Nissan already did that with their record setting, history making, championship trophy collecting GT-R. Other cars including the NSX could only dream of such feats.
So why didn't they just go ahead and mass-produce this car? Why does Nissan have to scrap every car that was DECENT??? 🙄
Oh and also...Excellent content and information. Coo-dos to the handsome and very intelligent creator.
Thank you! ☺
I distinctly remember all the height surrounding the original Mid4 and I always waited for it to be released to the public. I read every magazine article that featured the mid4 and even whatever snippets I could find anywhere else. I knew I would probably never afford one, but I always wanted to see the car in person. Sadly, I never got my wish.
Earned my subscription 🙌
So sick. Definitely see some style cues from the Mid 4 II, implemented on the 300zx
Congrats!! Your channel has successfully made it into RUclips's motorsports/automotive algorithm!!
Another awesome video buddy.
Loved the Sega flashback.
Personally I think they rounded the body too much on both the one and the two. For me it didn't have that got to have it grabbed to them. They reminded me of the awd Dodge stealth. I'm still a first gen NSX fan even though I can't fit in the darn things.
Thank you for another enjoyable informational video.
Prost
Thank you! At first I wasn't the biggest fan of the II either for its rounded styling but after working on this video for over a month and looking at it regularly, it's grown on me. I've come to appreciate it's 90's Japanese sports car look.
Whoever designed those rims I hope was fired immediately . So ugly
LOL, that's what we kept saying!
Haha! Agreed 👍
This video was very well done, but the way.
This car is very similar to the Mitsubishi 3000 gt, which had all of these features, it even looks just like this
It is awesome, but the 3000GT isn't mid-engine, and it's nearly 1,000 lbs heavier than the NSX. Meanwhile, you had the MR2, which was mid-engine and light, but didn't have the power or the AWD. This video is correct. If the Mid4 had launched, it would have outsold the NSX. Only 400 lbs heavier, but with the power of the 300ZX TT, the AWD of the GT-R, and the mid-engine layout of the NSX. Winning formula.
@@cyberspectre8675shut up and take my money!
400lbs is a lot and not at all worth it in a car with plenty of its weight on the rear wheels IMO. @@cyberspectre8675
@@cyberspectre8675
You know,,,, they could make sportscars to order. Meaning, if you order one, it gets then produced. This could still be, a business model today. I want mid 4-1. First gen.
There's a limited release of the 3000GT MR, variable center differential, higher output engine and an all wheel stearing delete.❤
It's hard for me to accept that I didn't know this even existed, but thanks for bringing it to my attention. One more that I know.i wonder if someday I will know them all?
Ah, bring me back to that age of automotive excess . I long for a mid-engine coupe ...but for the masses .
Gran Turismo on PS1. Lots of nice cars. I was surprised 10 years later that a lot of those cars were quite renowned. NSX and GTO Twin Turbo were my favorites.
The 1980’s Buick Wildcat concept car is still my favorite of all time with that all glass top. So cool or should I say totally awesome!
Totally rad!! Yes, I agree. Such a wild concept for the time and still looks interesting today.
Cool video. Had Nissan produced the MID 4/4 II, it would have been hideously expensive, pitting it more squarely in competition with existing supercars, which traded as much on pedigree as performance. In this scenario, it wouldn’t have been disruptive as Honda’s NSX ultimately was, severely undercutting the cost of contemporary exotics with little sacrifice in performance, while offering daily driveability and Honda reliability. Conceptually with the MID4/4 II, Nissan was concerned with maximizing an existing paradigm while Honda was busy creating a new one with the NSX.
I remember the Road & Track issue on this car back then.
I was selling Nissans at a high volume dealership in 1990.
I know at that time, Nissan was kicking around the idea of a cheaper fixed roof Z32.
I never thought they had any intention of making the Mid4..... They saw the writing on the wall with all of those cars
pricing themselves out of existence.
U just earned ur self a follower
I had a Mid4 II model kit I built when I was a kid, such a cool design.
Very cool. I had no idea the Mid4 existed. It's interesting thst the NSX front end actually looks kind of similar.
I'd love to understand why most factory wheels are just HIDEOUS. It's like a person wearing a Versace suit and Converse snickers.
I remember the inextricable ugliness of factory BMW wheels compared to AC Schnitzer, Alpina, BBS or even Rotiform wheels. There were exceptions, mostly Italian sportscars and a few British ones (shamelessly copying Italian blueprints, like some Jaguar models).
It might be the remaining budget of any project, so they hire a 5-year-old kid and give him brown paper and a box of cheap crayons.
Thank you brother for this cool video, I learned a lot, I subscribed half way through. keep them great vids comin'
Edit : with tons of hella respect for the mighty NSX, it's design seems to be inspired by MID4 II.
Thank you! I plan to keep the videos coming. Also, I love the NSX. This video was in no part a bash on the NSX. Rather I used the Honda as an intriguing way to engage the audience in competition and comparison between these cars.
Such a shame, the front of the second gen mid-4 looks better then any other car that got produced 😍
Oh and it would have been faster then the 300zx tt and the r32 in both handling and acceleration due the mid engine layout which is not explained enough in this video
I did enjoy watching this vid, so thanks for making this vid about the gorgeous nissan mid4
So why didn't they just go ahead and mass-produce this car? Why does Nissan have to scrap every car that was DECENT??? 🙄
@@OtomoTenzi it was too expensive to make and maintain with the mid engine layout
@@monoracer_ Then they prolly could've gone with a 2.0 4-cylinder turbo like the Toyota MR2. It wouldn't perform at the same level, but at least it would be hella cheaper to buy and fix.
@@OtomoTenzi yes, it would still have the 4ws and 4wd which makes it superior towards the mr2
The Mid 4/2 has a little of the Ford Probe design going for it. I really wish Nissan had put it into limited production at the very least. Thank you so much for a cool glimpse into what might have been.
Given the power to weight ratio, that 0-60 time sounds like a good close ballpark. This is also a vehicle I didn't know about, like others down below, so TY for the awesome history lesson, and... did anyone else think this thing was an elongated MR2 GT at first glance??
Very interesting, and also hadn't heard of this project. While way ahead of its time technologically, and a relatively sleek design, it doesn't quite have the exotic presence of its competition. They would've cost a fortune and probably been difficult to sell, but undoubtedly would be highly sought-after JDM legends today. Thanks for the great video!
Oh man this was refreshing to watch! This channel is gonna blow up for sure.
Would love to see more concept car vids, maybe the ME412 😅
Thank you! I'm always looking for suggestions so I'll definitely look into that.
Ohhh. I just realized what car that is... Yes, I was actually looking into making a video on that one!
🎉🎉🎉 fantastic information. Definitely a quiet underrated car from Nissan. I believe this is what is what prompt the new NSX super handling all-wheel-drive today.😮😮😮
Would love for this car to existed had no idea Nissan was working on a mid engine car. Would had love to have purchased one if I could afford one.❤❤❤
I remember seeing this in a car magazine my eldest brother had when I was a baby and I could never remember what it was named but I remember thinking it was a 240SX concept for years and you finally cleared everything up with this video. I still like the Mid4 II to this day. Carlos Ghosne is hiding out in another country for money laundering and whatnot so Nissan should really consider making a Mid4 III and selling it in a very niche market like Gordon Murry...It would be a good chance to actually make history again with all the new technological advancements..idk just a thought
that red NSX in the intro is one of the sexiest cars I have ever seen
Nice, thank you for the video. Didn't know that prototype existed. The front end reminds me of the 3000gt\FTo fronts and the rear, a squished 240, in my opinion for the mk2 of this car.
I loved the first Mid4. You know what car I wish had been put into production? The Peugeot Quasar.
Subscribed quicker than this car could do 0-60 😝 Great content and well put together video! Keep em coming!
Haha! Thank you! 😊 I have more on the way!
Good clip And presentation. Keep making these informative auto reels
Great video! I knew of the existence of those MID4 concepts, but wasn't aware of their full story. But as amazing as they were and as sad as it is they never made it onto the market, in the end I don't think it would have had that big of an impact on history.
I think there are two aspects that set the NSX apart from its Japanese contemporaries. First, instead of of being some high tech electronic marvel, it was much more of a traditional sports car, just perfected. No 4WD, no 4WS, no advanced electronics. Just good old engineering taken to the next level. Much more a sports car in the vein of a Ferrari or Porsche, just done better. I remember from back then those Japanese high end cars just weren't taken that seriously, at least here in Europe. Except for the NSX. Even when it sold very poorly, it was at least respected, and it sure had it's impact on those European sports cars.
And the second bit is heritage. Honda always was a step above the other Japanese brands. It is the only brand with a founder that is known by most car enthousiasts, and is often regarded the Japanese Enzo Ferrari. Soichiro Honda als very much was an engineer first, and a business man second. There was also the success in racing, either in F1 with their own car in the 60s and as an engine supplier in the 80s, and also lets not forget about motor racing. And there was undeniably the Senna factor. Regardless how much influence he actually had, one of the greatest legends in F1 history was closely linked to the car.
Nissan managed to create their own heritage with the (Skyline) GT-R, but I feel the MID4 without any of that would have mostly been forgotten by now.
Therapist: Calm down, American Fernando Alonso doesn't exist
American Fernando Alonso:
If Nissan had really been able to keep the car at 3000 lbs it would have been pretty up there with the best, but with AWD I really doubt it had weighted less than 3500 lbs.
Great Video!!! Had to subscribe after this. I think this car would have been a good start but glad it went the way it did as skylines are still my favorite Nissans!
Nice video bruv! I never knew this car existed until today.
This video is awesome thanks man, keep it up 👍🔥 I subscribed, and I noticed that you have a lot of other awesome videos but with low views and I think the problem is the thumbnail, work on that and believe me you will get ton of views.
Thank you! Yes, I agree. The thumbnail is the hook. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what would be a catchy thumbnail while also being related to the video. But yes, you're 100% right.
Thanks for a great doco . I own a Nissan 300ZXTT and love all Nissan Datsun products!
But hadn’t heard about this one before.
Wow a mid engine ZX awesome 😂
What an absolute awesome video. Dude, this is isanely well made….. i cannot believe you dont have 1 mill+. Here ill help with 1. Great info
Thank you! I always appreciate people like you. It's what keeps me going, knowing there's people out there that enjoy my videos.
I was lucky enough to see the MID4-II close up at the Nissan Heritage Collection in Kanagawa. Very interesting car. Would have loved to have seen them on the road.
The Nissan Mid4 looks more like the Ferrari 512BB.
I just subscribed based on presentation. This is amateur, but... It's like the old saying "dress for the job you want". You have done amazing editing, scripting, narrative and there's been a good amount of effort put it. Let's hope it doesn't lose its way.
I was going to say the Mid4 2 looks quite a bit better than the Mid4 1, more Italian / Ferrari...but then you showed the Mid4 1 from the high rear three-quarter view at 3:25 and...it looks stunning!. So much Ferrari 308 / 328 from that angle. Oh my, they're both beauties. From the front, and front three-quarter, there's a lot of 80s Lotus Espirit on the Mid4 1, but from the high rear three-quarter, there's soo much Ferrari / Italian styling.
This was fascinating and really well put together. You've earned my sub for sure
Thank you! I'm glad you found it interesting 😊
Never knew this I love that front end. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Your voice reminds me of Seinfeld. Also I've never heard of this car so thanks for the knowledge!
6:52 so far, sounds like a proper show car... despite the design never hitting production, it held tech that did.
9:28.. splitting those developments between the 300zx and GTR, allowed cost saving via parts sharing.
The price point of the Mid4.2 wouldve been higher than the nsx, unless there was a 3rd redesign, that allowed for increased parts sharing/cost reduction.
Those prototypes so heavily influenced the 1989- 2000 (1996USm) Z32 300zx, that it was a borderline supercar of the era in its own right(especially when equipped to with the twin turbo) cost amongst other reasons, they are rare and underappreciated.
Now in response to your questions asked- Italy could've used the additional competition. I wouldve had that poster on my car wall in 89 if I new about it
It would be successful right now if Nissan made it today with the 400 HP from the new Z. Great video BTW. new sub here, your channel just popped up out of nowhere.
If there was someone out there that had the money, and a designer/ engineer who could take this footage along with the specs the car would have made , then found a person who could find the main components. Engine, power train, 4 wheel steering system and then start from pictures to actual sketch’s , dimensions, then made a clay scale model to make the body and then look at the interior photos, if I’m not mistaken when they showed the 2nd version I’m pretty sure that it had the Z32 300ZX dash and seats but if someone with the money to do it and then just call it something else I’m pretty sure that they would get pretty close to what could’ve been. I mean I’ve seen far more done with cars that started out with someone’s thought and vision with nothing to base it off of with other concept cars! So why not this one? I’m just curious if there was any one that would even try. Shoot if I had the $ to burn I’d give it a shot, why not? Anyway just my thoughts! Take care and great video!,,
Chris Klatter
Thanks for the like , I appreciate that you think that what I said is something that could be done if there was money & time to do it! I think it would be an awesome opportunity to create something that was someone’s dream! TTYL 👋
Chris K
That red Nissan look like the BMW M1 and the MR2 1st gen had a baby. But now I see where the 1st MR2 came from
I've been waiting to see a video about this car. I'm sure there are others, but this one was recommended to me.
It feels like Honda/Nissan were copying each other's homework, and Honda passed the test with the work.
Part of what makes the Ferrari 288 GTO standout to me will always be how it manages to be curvy and wedged at the same time, and the Mid4-II seems to capture a bit of that.