Incoming Nissan CEO Promises Driving Excitement at the Heart of the Brand
Newly appointed Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa is committed to keeping “driving excitement” as a central focus for the brand, indicating that iconic models like the Z and GT-R will continue to be a key part of Nissan’s future lineup worldwide.
The current generation GT-R, which has been in production since 2007, will soon be discontinued. Despite not being available in Europe for a few years due to emission regulations, Espinosa is determined to bring these performance cars back to the global market.
When asked about the significance of performance cars to Nissan, Espinosa emphasized, “Driving excitement will always be at the heart of Nissan. This is what we do.” He envisions having a selection of four or five flagship models that truly embody the Nissan brand ethos and resonate with enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the exciting developments in Nissan’s performance lineup is the Hyper Force concept, unveiled in 2023, which teased the potential for an electric successor to the GT-R. Espinosa acknowledged that the transition to electric powertrains presents challenges, but remains optimistic about the future of electrified sports cars at Nissan.
While the electrification transition may pose difficulties currently, Espinosa believes that as regulations evolve towards more electrified powertrains, the possibility of an electric GT-R becomes more feasible. He expressed his aspirations for Nissan to lead the way in delivering high-performance electric vehicles that uphold the legacy of driving excitement.
