Photo credit: Valentin Komkov
Valentin Komkov, a Prague-based CG artist, has crafted a vision that’s hard to ignore. His Nissan 500SX concept, a modern reimagining of the beloved 180SX (known as the 240SX in the US), blends retro charm with a futuristic edge. This digital coupe isn’t just a nostalgic nod—it’s a bold statement about what a Japanese performance car could be in 2025. While it exists only in pixels, the 500SX demands attention, stirring a longing for a sports car Nissan might never build but absolutely should.
Komkov’s design draws heavily from the 180SX’s iconic silhouette, preserving elements like pop-up headlights and the wraparound rear glass that defined the S13 generation. Yet, this isn’t a mere copy. Sculpted fenders and a sleeker profile give it a muscular, modern stance. A slim, full-width LED tail bar and a ducktail spoiler add just enough flair to feel contemporary without losing the car’s roots. Finished in a copper hue reminiscent of Nissan’s Ariya Sunrise Copper Pearl, the 500SX looks ready to steal the spotlight at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
- TOY CAR MODEL KIT– Boys and girls ages 9 and up create thrilling movie action by building one of the most iconic cars in movie history with the LEGO Technic Fast and Furious Toyota Supra MK4 set (42204)
- FAST AND FURIOUS CAR – Fans will be delighted by the LEGO Toyota Supra sports car toy, which is packed with realistic details and authentic movie references, including 2 NOS bottles in the car's trunk
- ACTION-PACKED FEATURES– Builders assemble the 6-cylinder engine, steering, opening hood and removable Targa top roof, then recreate favorite Fast and Furious movie scenes
Underneath its digital skin lies a surprising choice: a Toyota Supra A80-sourced inline-six engine. Komkov sidesteps Nissan’s own twin-turbo V6 from the Z, opting instead for a powertrain that’s sure to spark debate among purists. This decision feels deliberate, a nod to the endless modifiability of the original 180SX, a car beloved by tuners and drifters alike. By choosing a rival’s engine, Komkov leans into the rebellious spirit of JDM culture, where creativity trumps brand loyalty.
Nissan’s current lineup, constrained by financial woes, makes a car like this a distant fantasy. The company’s recent $5 billion loss signals a focus on survival, not bold risks. Yet, Komkov’s creation reminds us why the 180SX and its Silvia sibling still hold a cult following. These were cars built for enthusiasts, endlessly customizable and unapologetically fun. The 500SX channels that same energy, with diamond-cut alloys and quad tailpipes that scream performance.
What makes this concept so compelling is its refusal to play it safe. While Nissan’s former product chief Ivan Espinosa once teased a smaller, electrified sports car for younger buyers, the 500SX goes bigger, bolder. Its intricate bodywork and high-spec powertrain don’t aim for mass appeal—they demand admiration. Komkov, a self-proclaimed fan of the 180SX’s “timeless silhouette,” has created something that feels personal yet universal, a car that speaks to anyone who’s ever dreamed of carving mountain roads in a Japanese coupe.
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