Nissan is firmly pivoting towards an electric future, signaling a clear departure from investing in new combustion engines. Francois Bailly, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan’s AMIEO region, emphasized the company’s commitment to electric vehicles (EVs) in a recent interview with Drive magazine. He bluntly stated, “Our future is EV,” indicating that Nissan is not allocating resources towards new internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. Instead, the company sees its e-Power hybrid systems as a transitional solution, likely to sustain existing engines for several more years.
Despite the shift, the fate of iconic models like the GT-R remains uncertain. Reports speculate on various powertrain options, from hybrid to all-electric, with Bailly’s remarks leaving both possibilities open. Given the longevity of the current GT-R generation, it wouldn’t be surprising if Nissan integrates electrification to enhance performance while meeting emission standards.
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Nissan’s embrace of electrification extends to its performance division, Nismo, as seen in the Ariya Nismo’s introduction. Bailly expressed openness to further Nismo-branded EVs, reflecting Nissan’s ambition to expand its electric performance lineup. While details on future GT-R and Z models are scarce, Nissan assures enthusiasts that new iterations are indeed in the works.
Nissan’s strategy diverges from its Japanese counterparts like Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda, who opt for collaborative efforts in developing new combustion engines with a focus on carbon-neutral solutions. Nissan, however, appears confident in its existing technology, leveraging electrification to sustain its engines until EVs dominate the market. Despite concerns over the slowing uptake rate of EVs, Bailly emphasizes that Nissan’s powertrain approach will adapt to the unique demands of each market.
