Although the MID4 appeared to most as a concept car, it was influential working and evolving test bed for Nissan. The first car, shown at the 1985 Frankfort Motor Show combined styling cues from the Ferrari Testarossa and the Lotus Esprit with Nissan’s own. In pearl white, the look was not as attractive or aggressive as its influences and managed to look almost reserved, in much the same way the Honda NSX of a few years later. Another prototype was built-in red, looking more like a direct competitor to Ferrari.
The MID4 was an all-out sports car, but used a DOHC version of the single camed V6 engine found in the Fairlady/300ZX. The 3.0 litre engine placed just behind the passenger compartment produced 245 hp. An all-wheel drive system, developed by a European company, had a 33/67 rear wheel bias, giving the MID4 all the benefits of rear wheel performance plus the added traction and control that comes with all wheels spinning. In addition to all wheels getting power, they also steered thanks to HICAS, the first use of four-wheel steering in a Nissan. The suspension was ride adjustable, fully independent double wishbone up front with a four link strut system in back. The disc breaks at each wheel was augmented by ABS.
