The Nissan MID4 and MID4-II were mid-engine, all-wheel-drive concept cars from the 1980s that were developed to rival European supercars but never reached mass production due to high costs.

Their advanced technologies, however, were integrated into iconic production models like the Nissan 300ZX (Z32) and the R32 Skyline GT-R.

Nissan MID4 (1985)

Unveiled at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first MID4 was an experimental car combining a mid-engine layout with a four-wheel-drive system. 

• Engine: It featured a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter VG30DE V6 engine with dual overhead camshafts, producing around 230-245 hp. The engine was mounted transversely.
• Drivetrain: The innovative full-time 4WD system, a predecessor to the later ATTESA system, sent 33% of power to the front wheels and 67% to the rear.
• Technology: It was the first car to feature Nissan's HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) four-wheel steering system, which improved stability and handling.
• Design: It had a sharp, wedge-shaped body made of fiberglass with pop-up headlights and side air intakes, in a style comparable to contemporary European sports cars like the Ferrari 308/328. 

Nissan MID4-II (1987)

The MID4-II, which debuted at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, was a more refined, virtually production-ready evolution of the original, with several significant upgrades. 

• Engine: The engine was upgraded to the twin-turbocharged and intercooled 3.0-liter VG30DETT V6, which produced a potent 330 hp (330 PS) and 285 lb-ft of torque.
• Drivetrain: Due to the increased power and transmission requirements, the engine orientation was changed to a longitudinal mounting. It retained the AWD and HICAS four-wheel steering systems, which were further improved.
• Suspension: It featured a sophisticated suspension setup with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.
• Design: The bodywork was completely restyled, adopting a smoother, more rounded, and elegant design that some noted resembled the later Honda NSX. It was slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor.
• Outcome: Despite being close to production, the project was canceled due to the prohibitively high production costs and the onset of the Japanese economic downturn.