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Hybrid Nissan 370Z rumored to be in the works

Kenneth Hall

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2 2,079 views May 5, 2009

2009 nissan 370z 003

The hybrid system would be of the high-performance plug-in type

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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.
Via: 370Z

2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 nissan 370z 003

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Comments (2)

NoNameDenton Posted: 5/5/2009 12:37pm PDT

How exciting, a hybrid sports car

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By jvc ecouteurs Posted: 12/23/2009 11:33pm PST

why? lets take a light SPORTS CAR that gets decent mpg and weigh it down with a battery pack and all of the other hybrid hardware just to squeeze some more mpg out of it...seems silly to me, gas milage is kind of irrelivant in a car that you're going to be hammering the throttle in all the time

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