(Posted on Oct 24, 2018 at 01:20PM by Michelle Bogle)
According to an article out of the UK by Top Gear magazine, Nissan is looking to put electric powertrains in the next-generation GT-R and the next edition 370Z. In an interview with Nissan marketing executive, Jean-Pierre Diernaz, the automaker wants 40% of its European sales to consist of electric vehicles by 2022.Â
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“I don’t see electrification and sports cars as technologies that are conflicting,†Diernaz is quoted as saying in the article. “Maybe it’s the other way around – sports cars can benefit lots from electrification. At the end of the day, a motor and battery are much easier to move from one platform to another, from one sub-segment to another, than a full internal combustion set-up.â€
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At this time, little more is known about the two models and whether electrification will make its way to the United States. In the article, Diernaz did assure Nissan sports car fans that the GT-R and 370Z will keep their essential characteristics, no matter what powertrains ultimately drive them. Some speculators have also suggested that Nissan is working on a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz on a successor to the current 370Z, which could see the availability of a hybrid powertrain in addition to 2.0-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines.
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What are your thoughts on the possibility of an electrified GT-R or 370Z? We’d love to know your opinion! Call or visit us at Kirkland Nissan in Seattle, Washington, where our inventories are stocked with current model year options for your test driving enjoyment.