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Nissan 400Z Won’t Go Hybrid at Launch

According to new information regarding the upcoming Nissan 400Z, there won’t be a hybrid version coming any time soon. Apparently the design of the powertrain simply won’t fit anything other than the twin-turbo V6 found in the Infiniti Q50.

The new model, which will replace the 370Z in the Company’s sports car lineup, surely won’t disappoint when it comes to peppy performance. In fact, that’s the reason alluded to by Nissan’s VP of global product strategy, Ivan Espinosa, for keeping the 400Z gas-guzzling.

“What I can tell you is I still see space for two different things. The technology of [electric cars] is very well advanced, but it’s not at the level you can deliver the performance expected in a sports car.”

Nissan just unveiled their Ariya crossover, which isn’t a sports car but shows a move towards higher performance EVs than the Leaf. It may be a few years before their e-4orce technology can be combined with more power dense batteries in the Z lineup.

 

The electric and hybrid versions of other sports cars usually comes at a premium price. No doubt anything would be possible if Nissan were willing to compromise, but the weight and financial burden would surely get in the way of their dream for the Z. At least, for the next couple of years.

For now we’ll be getting a face lift and body swap. No doubt the 400Z will be a great little car, exactly what most fans of the Z want.

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