Nissan Z isn’t dead, but the future is murky
If the passion is still there...
Philippe Klein, Nissan chief planning officer, used the Detroit motor show to tell Automotive News much publicised rumours of the Z's impending death were premature
Klein was then asked about the sports car's future, and said "we're working on it and it's very present, but I have no indication to give you."
The chief planning officer acknowledged the market for vehicles like the Z was shrinking, but stated "we still believe there is a place for the Z and we want to keep it alive, and that's what we're working on".
According to Klein, the increasing popularity of crossovers means consumers no longer prioritise "speed, acceleration and cornering".
He also said regulations requiring safer vehicles necessitated more powerful engines, bigger brakes and other features that run counter to building an affordable lightweight sports car.
The current incarnation of the Z, the 370Z, was launched in 2009, and has been refreshed and updated a few times.
At the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, the company unveiled the Gripz concept (above), a vehicle inspired by the 240Z rally car.