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Rumormill: Nissan's new RWD sports coupe could be hybrid-powered
We've been obsessively following the developments surrounding Nissan's rumored re-entry into the compact, RWD market, and up until now, it's been assumed that a small-displacement engine would be mounted up front, possibly fitted with a turbocharger. But according to a report by Drive.com.au, Nissan is actively considering a hybrid drivetrain to power its Silvia replacement.
The Aussie automotive news outlet spoke with Junichi Endo, Nissan's senior vice president of global marketing, who said that the automaker is trying to strike a balance between "fuel economy and driving pleasure," and that a hybrid-powered sports car has a "50-50" shot at production. However, the fate of such a vehicle hinges on the hybrid sports coupe's marketability.
While the idea certainly isn't original – Toyota is considering a gasoline-electric hybrid sports car inspired by the FT-HS concept and Honda has confirmed that the hybrid CR-Z is on its way – the move by Nissan would be a significant departure for an automaker that's kept hybrids and hybrid development at arms length, save the Altima hybrid. Additionally, Nissan maintains that if such a vehicle gains the affection of consumers, an all-electric sports car is the next logical step.
[Source: Drive.com.au]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John R 1:10PM (5/16/2008)
I think it might be money and time better spent developing a direct injection turbo 4.
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tankd0g 1:13PM (5/16/2008)
No properly sorted marketing campaign can do without "hybrid" in the headline these days.
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Leon 1:14PM (5/16/2008)
Fail
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Shawn 1:22PM (5/16/2008)
I just want a small RWD Nissan coupe! Come on Nissan, my 94 Sentra is gonna need replacement soon!
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Guenther 1:53PM (5/16/2008)
All I ask is numbers like the Civic SI, but RWD. I'll even concede 120lbs for the extra drive train. I just love the concept of a obedient little 4 cylinder that can miser around all day, but will rev to the moon if you really cane it.
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Big Jim Slade 2:38PM (5/16/2008)
"Numbers" like the Civic SI? No torque, no thanks.
I'll take usable power range over a struggling economy engine any day. No need to buzz around and beat on your engine just to pass a Camry.
Nissan knows better...
pmiddle5 2:58PM (5/16/2008)
^^^ if it is hybrid you can count on no lack of torque. I think he meant more so low 15's in the 1/4 mile, similar weight(2800-3200lbs), and good handling(measured by skidpad)
Red 3:12PM (5/16/2008)
@ Big Jim Slade
The 06 Si makes roughly 85% of its maximum torque (134lb @ the wheels, rated at 139lb ft at the crank) from 2000RPM to redline. The Mazdaspeed3 (245lb ft @ the wheels, rated at 280lb ft @ the crank) puts down 20%.
Try research next time.
Anyway, put me down for a turbo 4 for the Nissan. :)
Bungle 3:12AM (5/17/2008)
@Red:
You are retarded.
Learn to read a dyno chart before you try to insult someone. Torque is the BLUE line.
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/features/6710886/0610_c+2007_mazdaspeed_3+dyno_chart.jpg
The Mazdaspeed 3 makes about 125 lb-ft at 2000 RPM, more than the Civic at that engine speed. By 3000 RPM, it's nearly peaked at 235 lb-ft.
And what the hell kind of argument is it that, anyway - who cares if the Civic makes 85% of 134 measly ft-lbs? The point is, torque in the Civic is pitifully low, regardless of what engine speed you're at.
Try research next time.
Guenther 12:53PM (5/19/2008)
If I may... by "numbers" I was referring to
A- something the size and weight of a Civic coupe.
B- about 200hp in the base variant.
C- mileage in the low to mid 30's- anything less, I might as well buy a used Z.
D- starting price around 21 grand. again- if it costs as much as the Z did 5 years ago, its pointless.
Beyond that, just solid predictable handling and predictable torque delivery.
spdracerut 2:08PM (5/16/2008)
I really don't care what powers it as long as it has good power, the car is light weight, and handles well.
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4agze 2:09PM (5/16/2008)
we dont ask much we just need a small RWD car thats it
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Rob 2:15PM (5/16/2008)
I would rather see no hybrid in the name of weight savings. Maybe they should spend time putting the hybrid in the sentra and versa, you know for people that care a little more about mpg than the buyers of sporty cars.
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rouse42 2:24PM (5/16/2008)
how about a high strung turbo 4 with about 60-70hp of electric assist and about 300ft lbs of tq at 0-1500rpm
this thing could really get off the line.
the prius electric motor is rated at 67hp at 1200-1540rpm and 295 ft lbs at 0-1200rpm!
bring it on nissan.
who nows what Hondas CRZ has in store.
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stefan 2:26PM (5/16/2008)
This rumor is crap, best car has said that the new silvia wil have a 1.8 turbo with nissan's new turbo technology with around 220/250BHP. A hybrid power train is to expencive and heavy and the silvia fan's wouldn't buy it.
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Glenn 3:01PM (5/16/2008)
Is best car a reputable news source? I thought it was a car rag that made most of its stories up.
pmiddle5 3:00PM (5/16/2008)
I would. Why not? Better gas mileage and the beginning of the hybrid performance industry
pmiddle5 3:00PM (5/16/2008)
aftermarket***
cc 3:15PM (5/16/2008)
Glenn is absolutely right... half of Best Car's stuff is pure speculative fiction.
Greg 5:10PM (5/16/2008)
@pmiddle5
I'm not sure what you mean by if it is a hybrid, it has no torque. Hybrids actually could be a solution to a 4-cylinder with no torque. Electric motors put down great torque numbers as soon as you rev, since they make all of their torque immediately.