Nissan’s Electrified Future: Will the GT-R and Z Get Plugged In?
Gearheads can breathe a sigh of relief! Nissan squashed rumors of the GT-R and Z’s demise at the 2024 New York Auto Show. Senior Vice President Ponz Pandikuthira assured popular publication Motor Authority that these icons will be reinvented, though it might take some time. Now that Nissan has effectively shut down those discontinuation rumors it’s safe to say these sporty nameplates will roar on for another generation.
A Future Nissan GT-R Inspired by Formula E
The legendary R35 Nissan GT-R is nearing retirement after a glorious 16-year run. Nissan has confirmed its production will cease soon, with a special edition duo marking the end of an era. Nissan isn’t willing to throw away the GT-R’s well-known performance in the pursuit of electric vehicles. Company leader Pandikuthira emphasized the car’s heritage: designed, developed, and proven on the race track. A genuine GT-R, he claims, wouldn’t live up to its name if it could only handle one scorching lap around the Nürburgring before needing to be plugged in and brought down to temperature. Electrifying the GT-R hinges on overcoming this obstacle – ensuring it can still deliver continuous, track-worthy performance.
“The next generation of the GT-R has to be an authentic GT-R,” Pandikuthira added.
Nissan’s tech wizards are holding off on electrifying the GT-R until battery technology can meet the car’s demanding performance requirements. Though the next generation’s engine is still up in the air, Ponz Pandikuthira confirmed that Formula E serves as a laboratory for future GT-R development. He recognizes that current EV batteries are bulky, a major drawback for a high-performance vehicle. On a positive note, Pandikuthira emphasizes Nissan’s recent triumph in Formula E, where they designed and built the winning car for McLaren – a strong indicator of their electric racing prowess. Additionally, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida previously announced that the next GT-R will be built on a brand new platform, hinting at substantial improvements.
Throwback or Trailblazer? The Nissan Z’s Next Chapter
The fresh-off-the-factory current-gen Nissan Z (launched in 2021) is still enjoying its time in the limelight. Nissan exec Pandikuthira assures enthusiasts this current Z has a lengthy road ahead, with its engine meeting emission standards for its entire lifecycle. Only after that will Nissan set its sights on a new iteration.
Interestingly, the current Z’s existence was a bit of a surprise, emerging from a clandestine “under-the-radar” project. Nissan’s design boss, Alfonso Albaisa, ponders the Z’s design history. He recognizes the 350Z’s (2003) daring move away from tradition and the 370Z’s (2009) extension of that forward-thinking style. The current Nissan Z, however, takes a trip down memory lane, drawing inspiration from the legendary 240Z and Z32 300ZX.
Looking forward, Albaisa lays out a clear path for the next-generation Nissan Z. It will either be a complete reimagining of the 240Z, or a dramatic departure from the norm, adopting a completely new, progressive design. There will be no compromises, promises Albaisa. This intriguing statement leaves fans wondering – will the next Z echo its heritage or hurtle towards an unknown future?
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