With both the Z and GT-R in generations that have lasted a decade or so with no hints about their futures. So, whenever a top Nissan executive whispers a phrase about either model, enthusiasts take notice. The most recent utterance comes from Chief Planning Officer, Philippe Klein, who told Top Gear that the company is pondering the next step for both the Z and GT-R.
In a recent interview with Top Gear, Klein says that while performance cars are “under the gun of regulations,” that the company doesn’t want to let go of these cars so easily. “The emotion is still there, for us and for our customers,” Klein said. He also reassured enthusiasts: “You should keep the faith, because we do!”
Klein then hinted that Nissan is considering an electrified option for both vehicles. “I don’t know how much experience you have with EVs, but they are very fun to drive,” he told Top Gear, alluding to the accelerative abilities and low center of gravity inherent in electric cars.
“The driving experience is very high on our priority list,” Klein reassured, adding that the challenge is how to maintain that experience while conforming to regulations is a challenge.
If any company has the ability to do it, though, it’s Nissan, who, in their alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi comprises one of the largest car companies in the world. If carmakers like Honda, BMW, and Mazda can do it, so can Nissan. The ability is there, but there must be the will to match.
When Top Gear asked about whether Nissan would consider partnering up with another automaker like Toyota did with the Supra, Klein replied, “I cannot answer this – what I can say is whatever we do, we have to carry our brand very strongly, otherwise it makes no sense.”
And…..that’s that. Another end to the Z like in the 90s.
Was switching to a turbo from natural aspiration an end to the Z? How about from an inline six to a V6? If anything, this is just the next evolution in making it quicker, cleaner, and find new ways to keep the joy of driving around for the future.
I can see this a possible option but not the only one… and yes I get that an electric Z car and GTR would likely be quite a bit faster than its internal combustion alternative… but there are still range issues, not to mention battery cost and the lack of battery recycling, I still believe that for most sports car buyers there is the notion that a sports car is generally powered by something that burns fuel and has a pretty decent horsepower to weight ratio, that they might enjoy taking on a road trip of some distance… just my opinion…
Electric is very tantalizing in the fact you have 100% torque from the start, only need a single speed transmission, and as seen with Ludicrous Mode, 0-60 in like 2-odd seconds?
Embrace the future, folks, or stick with old tech and get left behind.
And how many of those passes can you do before the juice runs out? Just a few. Forget those ranges they quote if you intend on doing those passes. And when it runs out, it’s a giant paper weight. No thanks.
This isn’t any different from the fact that running my favorite touge from end to end in my BRZ tS will will burn 1/8th a tank of fuel if I drive it sedately, and half a tank if I drive it hard.
As range continues to increase like its been doing, it will become less of a concern.
Except, it takes so long to charge batteries, and if the weather’s cold, it saps more energy. I take it you guys have never had one or lived with one. I wonder how many EV repeaters there are.
But, what numerical designation would you give the “new” Z if it had no cubic cc displacement? ZERO-Z?
E-Z. ;=)
Nice
Z Drift-spec model: ZELECTRIC SLIDE
Electric GTR: MECHAGODZILLA
If this gets me closer to the George Jetson car I was promised in 1967 the I am all for it but sadly I do love the old stuff.
I tell you this with great remorse, sir.
George Jetson has died. He died in the future, but alas…he is now dead.
“I cannot answer this – what I can say is whatever we do, we have to carry our brand very strongly, otherwise it makes no sense.”
GOOGLE TRANSLATE RESULT (Corporationese): If WE can water it down enough to make as much money as possible whilst satisfying our stockholders, focus-groups, brand and finance managers…WE will do it.
As much as I like the smells and sounds of an L engine, part of me hopes there has been some ragtag team in an undisclosed location secretly refining the ESFLOW for the past 5 years.
(insert pic of Michael Jackson eating popcorn here) (just sitting back and reading about how the end of the world is coming because of, gasp an electric car.. )..
F!@$!