Hybrid 370Z on the way

08th May 2009

A hybrid Z-car? That’s the latest rumour from Japan, where industry insiders claim Nissan is preparing a new petrol-electric version of its V6-engined 370Z coupé.

The lithium-ion battery-powered motor is likely to debut first in an Infiniti saloon, which won’t come here. But it’s then expected to be fitted to the 370Z, where it would work in tandem with the 326bhp 3.7-litre engine to deliver 35mpg economy – 50 per cent better than the regular car.

It would also cut CO2 from 249g/km to 225g/km, halving annual road tax to £200. And as the coupé would run solely on electric power at low speeds, petrol bills should be zero on short journeys. The battery incorporates the latest plug-in technology, and is reportedly more compact than existing hybrids’ nickel metal hydride cells. The coupé could arrive in 2011, and would be the first-ever high-performance hybrid.