Hybrid Nissan 370Z rumored to be in the works

[notlove]

The Tesla Roadster proved that electricity and sport can mix well, but so far there's been little traction for hybrids in the performance space. Lexus, and soon Mercedes Benz, use the systems as power-adders for their larger sedans, but sports cars have been markedly devoid of hybrid assist. That could all change according to the latest rumors surrounding the Nissan 370Z.Talk is emerging from Japan that the newly updated Z-car could sport a high-performance plug-in hybrid system as early as 2011. The same system will likely premier in the Infiniti M range, later moving to the Z. If the hybrid Z does hit the market by 2011, it would be the first hybrid sports car, barring some intervening upstart.

The same 3.7L VQ-series engine that powers the car now would be the main source of motivation, but would reportedly be supplemented by a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor using a two-clutch system, though the transmission will almost certainly be automatic-only.

With the high-capacity lithium battery pack and plug-in capability, the car is expected to hit 35mpg in combined use, a definite improvement from the mid-20mpg range at the hands - and feet - of most users.

[spitalul2bad]

So?... an even heavier Z ?

[gregfarz78]

Stupid idea the people buying a Z car don't really care much about gas mileage or they wouldn't be buying one in the first place. It could be interesting to see an electric Z car like the tesla but I'm sure it would be cost prohibitive and no one would buy it

[Mr. Z33]

This has got to be the dumbest idea that I have ever heard of! If people are woried about gas mileage or being "green" than they do not even need to be considering a Z. They should be looking into something like a dumb smart car or prius.

[USMC_Schaefer]

Yeah this is a really dumb idea. If they wanted to build a hybrid sports car they would really have to create a different platform due to many reasons and limitations of the Z. First is space, the Z cars are always very cramped for space so it would be difficult to fit the motor and more so the battery pack which is easily the biggest part of the system. Second is weight, electric motors use alot of energy and it just gets worse with weight and the Z's definitely have a problem in that department and thats not even taking into account the probable 500+ lbs weight increase from the extra equipment.

Well this isn't going to happen so i'll stop talking about it haha. It could happen with the Infiniti models though, its about time Nissan jumped on the hybrid bandwagon. I would rather see something full electric though, like a full electric lightweight 240sx...I'd buy it.

[noobdrftr]

if you want to save gas and get better gas mileage get a Prius...sports cars shouldnt ever be hybrids it ruins the fun and like everyone is saying it adds a lot more weight to a car that is already heavy as it is

[1stoptuner]

This is as stupid as adding the fake turbo whistles to our exhaust.

[rmezz13]

I thought the new GT-R was the first hybrid?.... Wait... Ohhh battery power hybrid i was thinking half man driven, half computer. Sorry bout that. I was going to say tho, with the new S-Mode or w/e that rev match is, the Z is heading in the same direction as the Skyline.

[snwbrdr435]

This has got to be the dumbest idea that I have ever heard of! If people are woried about gas mileage or being "green" than they do not even need to be considering a Z. They should be looking into something like a dumb smart car or prius.

FYI smart cars and prius' dont get that great gas mileage for what they are. Smart cars are designed to be used in europe in the tiny city streets there not in america on open roads. The corrolla gets better mpg then a prius i believe. Anyone else read about the infiniti essence prototype that was debut at one of the auto shows?

[Citrus]

^^+1

The Infiniti Essence concept is a hybrid... with nearly 600hp. I think its an interesting idea.

http://www.rsportscars.com/inf...eneva/

[rmezz13]

nearly 600 hp but aren't these batteries super heavy? Whats the car without the battery and the 434 hp motor do against the one with the battery and the 592 hp? I would expect the one with more power to take the checkered flag on this but the weight has got to be a huge difference here. Anyone know the weight on the new essence?

[_b.jaye_]

i cant really see a hybrid z happening, but you never know, i guess.

as batteries get lighter/higher capacity/less expensive, im sure hybrids will begin to phase out. im not the conspiricy type, but i tend to wonder if that sort of developement isnt held back to some degree...

if you think about it, eliminating combustion engines from a whole class of passenger vehicals (say, small & mid-sized) eliminates the need for the hundreds of precision parts that go into an IC engine (not to mention all the trained technicians & such) & would probably do some considerable damage to the economy & job market. why not package one in and call it something fancy... sure its dead weight, but we're still selling motors.

and believe me, im im not saying im for this scenario... im currently employed on the wrong side of my opinion... end rant

[Citrus]

nearly 600 hp but aren't these batteries super heavy? Whats the car without the battery and the 434 hp motor do against the one with the battery and the 592 hp? I would expect the one with more power to take the checkered flag on this but the weight has got to be a huge difference here. Anyone know the weight on the new essence?

You have to keep in mind, the Essence is a) a concept car & b) a luxury sports car. If Nissan did build it and decided to enter it into any serious form of racing, you can bet the hybrid motor would be coming out along with all the interior and other heavy parts. Seeing as Nissan already has a flagship race car, I don't see a need for the Essence to ever hit a track outside of a baseline test.

One benefit of an electric motor is the power is instantaneous and the torque curve is a flat line. There is no ramp up time to reach peak power like a IC motor. If you have a 150hp electric motor, as soon as you apply full current, its making 150hp for as long as that current holds. This could certainly improve launch times, but the reality is the electric motor in the Essence is there to flaunt Nissan's "Green" image and engineering desire to create a sporty eco-friendly vehicle.

Its a modest way for a corporate CEO or a celebrity to show the press they are likewise "thinking green." Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all have experience with building hybrid commuters & SUV's and are now testing the waters with the next level, the sports car.

BTW, both Lamborghini and Ferrari have hybrid cars in the works too...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/....html

http://jalopnik.com/397975/fer...e-mad