If you are regularly entertained by manufacturers’ configurators, you will undoubtedly notice that “passionate” models are no longer very relevant. SUVs now occupy the majority of manufacturers’ catalogs, and it is difficult for a sports car enthusiast to find a new car that meets their criteria.
And even among some manufacturers, we’re beginning to wonder if the passion for the car has fallen a little by the wayside. So, in particular, thinks Ivan Espinoza, number two in the product strategy department of Nissan, who told our colleagues at Top Gear: “I think car manufacturers – in general – have forgotten about the passion for cars. It depends on the country, but we see younger customers becoming less attracted to cars. »
No interest due to uninteresting cars?
And for him, it is not the youth who are losing interest in cars, it is the producers who have nothing more to offer that cause passions. But obviously Nissan would have a plan to fix this.
When asked if Nissan could create a new compact car like the old Pulsar, he told Top Gear: “I’m not sure it’s a compact car, but maybe you can think of a small electric sports car. Something smaller, a little more affordable. No doubt. »
He notes that Nissan has always had a three-tier sports car offering, and that’s where he wants to move towards. “Depending on the period, we’ve always had the GT-R, we’ve always had the Z, and we’ve always had an entry-level car – either a compact car like the Pulsar GT or something along those lines. price and performance level. We lack this today. »
When will sporty Nissans return to Europe?
In France, remember this Nissan currently offers absolutely nothing in terms of sports cars. The most powerful model is the Nissan Ariya electric SUV in a 400-horsepower version. Indeed, the Nissan 400Z is not offered in Europe for the obvious reasons of anti-pollution standards, while the GT-R has disappeared from the catalogue, also for approval reasons and because it is starting to seriously show the weight of its years.
“It would be ideal to keep these three elements in our sports car offering. The top-of-the-range GT-R with Nismo variant, the Z with Nismo variant and the entry-level car also with Nismo variant. You need something that is more of an entry point for the younger buyer – the 20+ car-obsessed customer. »
Read also:
Nissan: full-scale autonomous driving in London
Nissan SUVs will become 100% electric after 2025
Nissan Qashqai II: what are the most common problems?
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.