One of the most popular and recognized Japanese sports cars ever is Nissan’s Z car. Here's a look at the next-generation Z.
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 . One powertrain on the table is a hybrid. 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 powertrain option for the Nissan Z is the 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