Nissan working on Mazda MX-5 rival

AutoExpress’ usual anonymous sources are claiming that Nissan is working on baby brother to the 370Z that would compete with the Mazda MX-5. The new small-car will be a drop-top, rear-wheel-drive two-seater with aggressive, sleek looks and outstanding performance.

Sources say that styling for the car will be influenced by the new Nissan 370Z and the Nissan Urge concept that made its debut at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show.

Power is expected to come from a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produces 200-hp allowing for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph. Even with top-notch performance, the Nissan Mazda MX-5 rival will average a fuel-economy of around 35 mpg (29 mpg U.S.)

Insiders say that the car could hit showrooms by 2011.

Source: AutoExpress