Nissan Develops Entry-Level Sports Car

Nissan’s Sporting Gaps: Affordable Options Needed

Nissan has plans to enter the segment of diminutive sports autos that is presently owned by the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86; nevertheless, they could opt for doing so with an electric racer, as reported by Top Gear.

That’s the kind of lineup we envision,” he said.Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Global Product Strategy and Product Planning, informed the publication that the company wants to recreate its performance car lineup of the ’80s and ’90s. “We have always had the GT-R, the Nissan Z, and a lower-level sports car such as the Pulsar,” he stated. “That is the type of lineup we are targeting.”

Though many would love to see a modern Pulsar GTi-R, Nissan does not have plans to go in that direction. According to Nissan’s chief planning officer, Philippe Klein, “I’m not sure about a hot hatch, but maybe a smaller electric sports car you could think of. Something smaller, a bit more affordable. Definitely.”

A high-end electric sport coupe may not be altogether palatable for purists; however, Espinosa reveals that it could prove quite attractive to younger clientele who would otherwise look elsewhere for their next automotive purchase. Nissan has already pre-teased us all with the bursts of nostalgic charm which featured in the forms of the IDx and IDx Nismo concepts, yet these never materialized from concept to physical realization. Perhaps a smaller, more affordable vehicle boasting an elegant aesthetic combined with substantial performance potential could be just the tonic Nissan needs at this juncture, especially as they embrace the electricity revolution with extraordinary enthusiasm.

“I think car manufacturers – in general – have neglected the enthusiasm for cars,” remarked Espinosa. “It varies depending on the region, but there’s a clear trend of young people being less and less interested in cars,” he continued. Regrettably, there is a great deal of accuracy in Espinosa’s words. Everywhere in the world – particularly in Europe – younger customers are less inclined to own a car due to affordability, the availability of efficient public transport, or environmental considerations.

“But a well-priced electric sports car could reignite the passion of some customers,” he stated. “This is one of the things that can bring the spark back,” he added.

Espinosa has expressed a desire for the new sports car to be “exciting and engaging to drive”, but also has an eye on the features that will draw in younger buyers. This isn’t just limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but a digital space that the driver can use to connect with their friends and the wider Nissan sports car community.

“As we move into the future, my product planner dream is to maintain a trifecta of sportscar offerings: a top-of-the-line GT-R with its Nismo variant, a Z with its Nismo variant, and an entry-level car with its Nismo variant as well. This would be an ideal sportscar offering.”

It may be that popular, reasonably-priced sports cars, for example the Nissan SX series will make a comeback. We take joy in knowing that Nissan are committed to producing fun and rousing vehicles, no matter what moniker they choose for it in the end.