Nissan shows single-seat concept using Ariya EV drivetrain

Nissan has a rich performance past, with the GTR and various Z models and the automaker used their recent Nissan Futures event to showcase the Ariya EV drivetrain in the, what else, the Ariya Single-seat Concept. With Ariya deliveries right around the corner, what better way to drum up interest than with a performance concept utilizing the EV crossover's powertrain. "We are delighted to present the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept from our Nissan Futures event," said Hoyos. "At Nissan, we dare to do what others don't. With this concept we want to showcase the high-performance potential of the Ariya's powertrain in a motorsports-inspired package that not only hints at the design and styling of the road car that inspired it, but that also demonstrates a new and efficient EV performance language. Acting as a testbed for future technological evolution, this project can help bring excitement from the road to the race track, and also demonstrate Nissan's expertise in transferring knowledge and technology from the race track to the road." Add another seat and you might have a new clean performance model. Interesting. We shall see if the design elements show up on future Nissan vehicles. For more info, check out the media release and insta-video by clicking on "read more" below. Enjoy.

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and video

2023 Nissan Z sports car revealed

Nissan introduced a car in New York that everyone has been waiting for, the New Nissan Z. No numbers, just Z. From the pics, you can see that this is a nice update of the traditional Z styling with a clean more modern appearance. Unfortunately, no electrification was announced at this time, but the new Z will come with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 that puts out 400 hp. A six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic will be available. The Z will be offered in Sport and Performance (blue car) grade levels and a special "Proto Spec” edition (yellow car), which will be limited to 240 units. The driver-centric cockpit includes a 12.3-inch customizable racing-inspired meter display, available leather-appointed sports seats and 8-speaker Bose® audio system. And yes, there's still a a hatch for entry to the cargo area. "When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The Z has always been an accessible sports car – always placed at the intersection of aspiration and attainability – of dreams and reality. This latest iteration is now ready to thrill Z enthusiasts, and create a whole new generation of Z fans as well, when it comes to market here in the U.S. early next year.” Expect lots of tech with the first deliveries in the Spring of 2022. If this looks like your next car, get in line now. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, B-roll video and reveal video. Enjoy!

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

AVWWG: The AC Cobra Series 1 and Series 4 - Electric sports cars

 
Here's another one from the Another Vehicle We Won't Get files, the AC Cars Cobra Series 1 and Series 4 Electric sports cars. Most folks with even a passing interest in performance cars knows about the AC Cobra, The Cobra sports cars combined extremely light weight with lots of horsepower to make an agile (and sometimes frightening) conveyance. They were known for their rapid acceleration and agile handling. During the era of government safety and emissions regulations, the cars were brought to the US in pieces and sold as kits. Some dealers would build the car for you for a price. Even though the Electric Series cars have no emissions, there still are the safety regs that just looking at the car, you know they won't meet even basic requirements. Maybe they'll do the whole kit thing again. Evidently the Series 4 car is ready to go. It features the larger body with a 460kW motor (600+ hp) and will hit sixty in under four seconds with a range of 160 miles (less if your foot stays on the go pedal) with a body weight of roughly 2,700 pounds. The Series 1 cars feature the smaller body with a 230kW motor (300+ hp) which will hit sixty in just under five seconds with a range of 190 miles and a body weight of just over 2,600 pounds. No word yet on the handling but the extra weight could make the cars feel more "planted." The two media releases show different performance numbers but the release for the Series 1 cars has early estimates. This will be interesting. We shall see. Click on "read more" to read the releases (which were processed as pics so you can click on them for a closer look). Interesting. An AC Cobra for the 21st century. Who would've thought?

Source: AC Cars - Media releases (2), pics

Aston Martin unveils the Valhalla hybrid hypercar

Aston Martin is hanging in there and just released it's latest, the Valhalla Hybrid Hypercar. The low slung sports machine features stunning looks and a 950 hp (combined) hybrid powertrain that gets you to sixty in under three seconds, improved efficiency, and a 217 mph top speed. Ralph Illenberger, Head of Powertrain Engineering said: “Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense. We have created our own bespoke air-to-air charge-cooled, flat-plane crank V8 engine and have combined it with a powerful hybrid system. And, of course, we also have our own bespoke Dual Clutch Transmission - a first for Aston Martin and an essential component both for Valhalla and future Aston Martin models. The result is a truly world-class powertrain for an efficient, ultra-performing supercar.” Valhalla has a carbon fiber tub and performance suspension created with technology gleaned from Aston Martin's F1 program. This is a beautiful car with the latest technology and performance befitting a proper Aston Martin for the future. Says AM, "Valhalla is a new generation Aston Martin, it defines a new driver and driving experience – ‘the Mastery of Driving’, a true ultra-luxury, exclusive, British supercar." Here, here, pip, pip, Cheerio. I understand that a certain famous British spy has been looking the Valhalla over. Celluloid dream (cars). Pricing wasn't released, but as they say, "If you have to ask..." For more information, a well-written media release, and a video, click on "read more" below. Enjoy!

Aston Martin - Media release, pics, and video