The very early stage. Packaging, and making the proportions.

We start with “package.” What is the size of the car? What is the size of the engine and the tires? One side looks for the functional aims, and another looks like the emotional ones. Then we merge the two.

At any kind of company, it should be similar. Functionality and efficiency are very important. For design and engineering, you have to have an optimum balance for the two sides. You have to work together, and sometimes fight, but that makes the car stronger.

I am not sure Kei cars would do well in America. For the American environment, they might be too small, and the power isn’t enough. You have people driving 80 miles per hour here! Even with a turbo engine, you need more size and more power in the U.S.

I have a GT-R, and also a Q50. And a Cube, my wife drives that.

Design-wise, I did not. It’s so special, developed by race car engineers.

Of course I have my favorite designs, but I tend not to answer that question! If I stick to my past designs, I cannot create the next generation.

In reality, even with electric cars, the vehicle is still generating heat. You need air intakes to cool it, always. However, I think the grille is sort of a symbol of a brand. In the 1970s, I remember we were trying to eliminate the grille from some of these cars (with air intakes or wedge design.) It’s never been…

I think aerodynamics is quite dictating, when it comes to design. It does make it somewhat difficult. But when you make an aerodynamic design, you have several options on. Some people think it just means round or streamlined, but look at the GT-R. It’s very aerodynamic, and it’s not like that.

Inside of our design team we have a strategy group, and we’re always having that discussion. We’re always thinking how to evolve the design.

I think we have a very strong racing history. Our heritage of iconic vehicles, they’re all associated with racing—even the ones with Safari livery. I don’t think any other mainstream company (that we compete with directly) have that kind of history. And the designs reflect that. Why not? That’s the heart and blood of…

At Nissan we have some brand identity with with the “v-motion” grille. Now it’s much more obvious, less subtle than it was. I think it’s important for it to be obvious as a Nissan, when there are so many brands out there now.

We are not interested in bringing back the old heritage designs, but I always say, we are more inspired by heritage designs. It could be the 510, or the GT-R, or the 240Z. We have many great vehicles in our past.

Well, IDX is a somewhat specific design. It’s sort of us respecting our heritage vehicles, not just the 510 but several of the Nissan cars of the time. We have been discussing why that period was so attractive. It’s more of an homage than anything else.