Nissan is mulling a revival of the Xterra alongside plans for new GT-R and Z models, though those projects appear to be in the distant future. As for the Z, the sports car has undergone a design change for the 2023 model year, albeit heavily influenced by its predecessor. As for the GT-R, it remains relatively unchanged since its US debut in 2009.
The end of the GT-R appears to be near, as Pontz Pandicutira, Nissan America's senior vice president and chief planning officer, confirmed its impending discontinuation. The recently introduced T-Spec Takumi and Skyline editions are ready to serve as the final tribute to this iconic model.
Although the GT-R will eventually return, Pandicutira emphasized the importance of maintaining its authenticity, appearing to rule out an all-electric version due to technological limitations.
Nissan has yet to finalize the drivetrain for the next GT-R, but experience from participating in Formula E is expected to play a significant role in shaping it.
In terms of design, Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's senior vice president of global design, hinted at an "ugly" yet menacing aesthetic, featuring classic styling cues such as quad taillights.
The outlook for the next generation Z remains uncertain, with early sketches currently being worked on. Albaisa speculated that the new Z should embody progress or undergo a complete redesign, similar to the 240Z.
Since the current Z's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 meets emissions requirements for its entire lifecycle, the timing of the next Z's debut remains unclear. Speculation is that it may use electric propulsion, but specific details are still unknown.