Both of Nissan’s signature sports cars – the GT-R and 370Z – are now over a ten years old.
Nissan has decades of heritage built up in their Z cars and GT-R line. And yet, both cars have more or less been holding steady for the better part of a decade. We’ve been wondering when the company will replace both models, and Top Gear recently confirmed new versions are still coming. Unsurprisingly, one of the company’s marketing managers nodded to the next-generation Nissan GT-R and 370Z being electrified.
He’s not wrong. Most manufacturers have turned to electrification, even in their performance models. Instead of focusing purely on efficiency however, the instant shove electric motors provide can also aid performance. That’s particularly true when it comes to filling in gaps where the internal combustion engine is less efficient, like when a car’s launching off the line.
Inspired by Formula E
Nissan is working with Renault, Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz, as well as adapting lessons learned from Formula E into their future road-going cars. Technologies developed as part of the partnership will likely make its way into future vehicles in all those brands in the next few years.
While Diemaz is speaking about Nissan’s future in the European market, it wouldn’t be surprising for future models in the U.S. to sport hybrid powertrains either. The exact timeline remains a mystery, as to when both cars will be replaced. “It’s a work in progress! Not everything is confirmed in terms of dates,” he told Top Gear. Although, there’s still a ray of hope: “Sports cars are part of who we are, so one way or another they have to be there.”
370Z Celebrates 50 years of Z cars
While we wait for a new GT-R and 370Z, the latter is celebrating 50 years in 2019. From the original 240Z to today’s model, there have been six generations of Nissan’s iconic sports car. To celebrate, the company debuted a Heritage Edition for the 2019 model year.
The question remains as to whether a new 370Z will come sooner rather than later, especially with the upcoming Toyota Supra breathing down its neck. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!
