Nissan 370Z Successor To Feature Engine From Mercedes-Benz

The next-generation Z-car, Nissan's iconic sports coupe including the 350Z and 370Z, would have a much larger variety of engines to choose from, benefiting from the recent tie-up between Renault-Nissan and Daimler. While the 3.5-litre and 3.7-litre V6 engines in use are excellent in performance, tightening economy and emission standards are forcing automakers to engineer cleaner, more efficient sports cars, even at the expense of performance.

In return for supplying three-, four-cylinder petrol engines and electric technology to Daimler, Nissan can expect to have access to a range of four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. Nissan reportedly has narrowed down the next-generation Z-car's powerplant to just three engines.

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain used by Mercedes-Benz's S400 BlueHybrid is one prime choice. Also up for consideration is the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel-electric hybrid drivetrain in the upcoming E300 Bluetec Hybrid. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel from the E350 CDI is yet another alternative.

As the sales success of Honda's CR-Z sports hybrid hatchback shows, the future of sports cars lies in finding the delicate balance between performance and efficiency. Polluting sports cars like the Mazda RX-8 have faced regulatory censure and poor sales, serving up reminders for Nissan and Toyota, the latter with the new FT-86, to clean up their acts.