Since the Gripz concept was supposed to carry the genes of the Z family, it could also preview a future Z model.
In fact, even before Nissan unveiled it at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, various rumors suggested that the next Z will be a crossover instead of a coupe.
Now, after more than a year and with the 370Z on its last legs, Car Advice directly asked Nissan Europe chairman Paul Willcox if the next-gen model would be a crossover.
“That’ a good question. I cannot comment. I think the important point is, what is part of the Nissan brand? And I think dynamic performance is part of that heritage. I wouldn’t rule anything in or rule anything out, but we don’t comment on future products.”
So, is that a yes or a no? Luckily, Willcox went on saying that Nissan aims to focus its strategy on growth segments, rather than tackling every existing niche.
“The risk is to chase every single segment in the market. I have a line of product managers who come to me and want product in every segment. If we do that, the economics, engineering, design and trying to make a return… it doesn’t work. We have to be absolutely critical to make sure the car can deliver volume… we’re not looking for massive fragmentation.”
One thing is for certain, the Japanese car maker is going to focus on crossovers, as Paul Willcox concluded:
“Having more products, maybe companies including Nissan have made some mistakes there. We’re going to focus on [vehicles such as] crossovers, and having the right products to complement that.”
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