Nissan is considering the possibility of launching an affordable electric sports car, mainly targeted at the 20-something age group. A decade ago, Nissan unveiled the IDx at the Tokyo Motor Show as an entry-level sports car prototype, along with a Nismo version. However, to date, there has been no sign of a production version. Nonetheless, there is a growing hope that a model below the Z could be released in the future, as indicated by Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s head of product planning, in an interview with Top Gear magazine.
Espinosa mentioned that, depending on the perspective, Nissan has always had models like the GT-R and the Z, as well as an entry-level car, be it a sporty hatchback like the Pulsar or another model with similar price and performance. He expressed that currently, they feel the lack of a car in this segment. Regarding the type of car that could fill this gap, Espinosa suggested it would not be a sporty hatchback like the old Pulsars. Instead, it would be a “more compact electric sports car” and “slightly more affordable” to attract customers in their 20s. To captivate this younger audience, the car would have to be “exciting and engaging to drive,” also offering a Nismo version.
Nissan’s vision seems to be to create an electric rival to cars like the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, launching an entry-level sports car means it would have to have a lower price than the cheapest Z.
Other Japanese brands are also considering hybrid and electric sports cars. At the Japan Mobility Show, the Honda Prelude, Mazda Iconic SP, and Toyota FT-Se were presented. Nissan also made an appearance at the event with its own impressive prototype, the Hyper Force, which offers a glimpse into the inevitable electric future of the GT-R.
In September 2021, Matthew Weaver, Vice President of Design at Nissan Europe, shared his work on a possible revival of the Silvia. Shortly after, rumors of an electric revival of the name emerged, possibly in 2025. However, these rumors were met with some skepticism.
