Nissan's FR-S-fighting coupe to debut next year?

The production version of the iDX will lose the heritage-laced styling.

The on-again, off-again production version of the retro-styled Nissan iDX Freeflow concept (pictured) has reportedly been given the definitive green light.

Set to bow at next year's edition of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show, the production version of the iDX Freeflow will be billed as a heir to the rear-wheel drive 200SX coupe. It will partially occupy the void created by the next Z, which will reportedly not be offered as a coupe.

The iDX's heritage-laced styling will be toned down for production. The coupe is expected to borrow design cues like a V-shaped radiator grille and boomerang-shaped headlights from the Sports Sedan Concept that Nissan showed in Detroit last year, meaning it will look much more futuristic than originally expected.

Interestingly, entry-level models will be powered by a supercharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine while more expensive variants will benefit from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-banger rated at approximately 197 horsepower. Buyers will be asked to choose whether they want power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual unit.

A NISMO-tuned model with a more powerful engine and a long list of aerodynamic add-ons will be introduced about six months after the standard coupe makes its debut.

If the rumor proves true, additional information about Nissan's yet-unnamed rear-wheel drive coupe will emerge over the coming months. When launched, the two-door will fight head-to-head against the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ twins.

Photos by Ben Hsu.