One of the most popular and recognized Japanese sports cars ever is Nissan’s Z car, and from what we’ve uncovered about the next-generation Z, Nissan is fully aware that this species must evolve if it intends to stay on top of the competition. Part of that evolution may include hybrid power as automakers are caught in the green wave of environmental responsibility that has become a priority.
Though nothing definite has been decided about the next Z, Nissan is experimenting with a number of different power options as you read this. Naturally, one approach on the table is a hybrid powertrain. If the next Z goes that way, it will most likely come in the form of the system currently in the Infiniti M Hybrid, which couples a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine (known as the VQ35DE) with an electric motor. In the M Hybrid, the setup produces 360 bhp and about 450 lb.-ft. of torque, more than enough punch for a midpriced sports car. In the next-generation Z, fuel economy should be in the neighborhood of 30 mpg. There are rumors of a test mule of the Z with the M Hybrid’s powertrain running around the U.S.
Another option that Nissan is strongly considering is a diesel engine. With Nissan’s recently announced cooperation with Daimler, it has the option of putting one of Mercedes-Benz’s BlueTEC engines under the hood. The most likely candidate would be the 3.0-liter turbodiesel that’s currently in the Mercedes-Benz GL, or something a little bigger. There’s also the chance that Nissan will offer the next-generation Z, which should hit dealerships in 2013, with a number of powertrain choices that include hybrid, diesel and gasoline-only versions. There’s no word on what the car would cost just yet, but expect the price to increase slightly, especially if the Japanese yen stays at its current level, and the car continues to be built in Japan.
2004 SG Model A PearlBlackObsidian (RIP) 2008 SG Model D BlueRallyWorld
"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." -Barney Stinson
"Nothing shuts my pie-hole but pie." -Shawn Spencer
GaToR wrote:The diesel will never happen, despite the potential for pure awesomeness.
Someone has to break the mold, maybe it will be them.... ya, even writing that I know it's not true
Looks very Austin Martin'ish... Not that that is a bad thing
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
When every diesel brought to the US since 2000 has been a flaming success... I don't see where the makers are getting their info about it's unpopularity.
Maybe I should start a facebook petition like Audi did with the TT RS that resulted in it coming to the US... Lol.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
