Speculations abound regarding the imminent arrival of the latest iterations of Nissan’s iconic GT-R and Z series. However, the key inquiries revolve around their release timelines and the defining characteristics of each. The Nissan GT-R, an automotive stalwart tracing its roots back to the reveal of the R35 concept in 2001, has undergone periodic facelifts over its 24-year lifespan, with the latest refresh marking its 16th model year.
Yet, the inevitable transition looms as Nissan contemplates retiring or rejuvenating its flagship sports car. Recent reports, quoting insights from two Nissan executives, shed light on the anticipated successor to the GT-R. In a recent interview with Motor Authority, Pons Pandikuthira, Chief Planning Officer of Nissan North America, disclosed that the powertrain specifications for the next GT-R remain undecided.
While the possibility of a conventional gas-powered model persists, the emergence of an all-electric variant, akin to the Hyper Force concept, appears increasingly likely.
Pandikuthira highlighted Nissan’s Formula E endeavors as evidence of the company’s capability to engineer a track-ready sports car.
Echoing these sentiments, Senior Vice President Alfonso Albaisa affirmed that the forthcoming GT-R would accommodate four seats, catering to both daily commuting needs and high-performance track driving experiences. This aligns with the characteristics exhibited by the Hyper Force concept, featuring the hallmark quad tail lights and a bespoke badge reminiscent of the existing GT-R emblem.
Albaisa also confirmed the development of a new Z model, albeit with a protracted timeline. According to him, the recently introduced Z generation is slated for an extended lifecycle. This announcement comes as a surprise given the model’s considerable shared lineage with its predecessor, the 370Z, which debuted in 2008. Nevertheless, Albaisa expressed confidence in the Z’s continued relevance, hinting at a future divergence from the retro Z trend or a reinterpretation of the classic 240Z to usher in a new era of sports car design.
