Next generation Nissan Z will use Mercedes engines

Nissan has recently launched the 370Z sports car and already the company has started working on the next generation Z. And with the new alliance between Renault-Nissan and Daimler, the next Z could be powered by new diesel engines and a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.

Thanks to the new alliance, Renault-Nissan will supply three and four-cylinder petrol engines and electric technology to Daimler, while Daimler will return four, six, and eight-cylinder engines. This could turn out to be a great partnership because Mercedes is known for its fuel efficient diesel engines and Renault is in need for them with their launch into the electric car segment.

This leaves three options for the next generation Z. The first is a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid set-up used in Mercedes S400. This option provides 299hp and 284 ft.-lb. of torque. The next option is the V6 from the E350 CDI with an output of 170 kW/231 hp. Finally, the four-cylinder petrol in combination with a 15 KW compact electric motor from the forthcoming E300 Bluetec. This option delivers a total of 224 hp and a torque of over 580 Nm. However, Nissan also has under consideration the same engine used in the Infiniti M hybrid.