Officials at the struggling Japanese automaker would not say whether it plans to make the next-generation Z car, but original versions of the car have remained popular with its fans, and the concept car drew crowds at the Detroit show.

"This is not an experiment in nostalgia," Jerry Hirshberg, president of Nissan's US design studio near San Diego told reporters at the show's media preview. "It's a fresh riff on a great little tune."

The public can see the Z concept car starting Saturday.

Hirshberg emphasised, however, that the concept design is a fresh approach with a nod to the past only. He said it would likely sell for less than $25,000.

Nissan officials would not say on which platform the car would be built, saying that decision had not been made. It would take 12 to 18 months to bring the car tomarket.

The automaker is gauging public reaction to the car before proceeding, but analysts expect the automaker to make it.

Hirshberg said the company's vehicle designers looked to the original 240Z for inspiration. He said the auto industry was coming late to the retro craze, following the film, furniture and architecture industries.

The rear-wheel-drive concept Sports car includes a 200- horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.

The original 240Z was introduced in 1969, featuring a 150- horsepower engine. It sold for $3,526. It was imported into the United States until 1996.