Ivan Espinosa has been with Nissan since 2003, working his manner as much as Chief Planning Officer earlier than being not too long ago appointed CEO. His predecessor, Makoto Uchida, described him as a “actual automobile man,”  which is smart, provided that the brand new head honcho drives a Z every day. He was really concerned within the growth of the present technology, and it’s the mannequin he’s most happy with engaged on.

An fanatic by way of and thru, the 46-year-old Mexican needs to revive different sports activities automobile nameplates. In an prolonged interview with Automotive Information, Espinosa promised Nissan that it could “proceed to work on sports activities vehicles.” He added that it’s a part of the corporate’s DNA, mentioning the “GT-R identify will exist into the long run.” Though the highest brass didn’t go into particulars, the bonkers Hyper Power idea hinted at a totally electrical Godzilla. The corporate’s program design director, Giovanny Arroba, known as it a “daring however tangible dream to attain by the tip of the last decade.”

Photograph by: Robin Trajano | Motor1

When requested which dormant nameplate he’d wish to revive essentially the most, Nissan’s new CEO stated: “The Silvia, little doubt.” It’s not the primary time Espinosa has introduced up the Silvia. Almost a yr in the past, he described the resurrected sports activities automobile as having “good energy on the proper value that clients discover enticing.” Not lengthy after, he confirmed that early growth work had begun: ‘We have been performing some very early upstream workout routines of what the structure might appear like.” Nonetheless, at that time, a manufacturing model had but to be green-lit.

If you happen to’re nonetheless not satisfied he’s an fanatic, contemplate this: his ardour for vehicles was fueled by a delicate spot for the 300ZX, which in the end impressed him to work for Nissan. However right here’s a actuality test: fashions just like the Z, Silvia, and GT-R gained’t be sufficient to get the Japanese automaker again on monitor. Sports activities vehicles are area of interest merchandise that, whereas thrilling, gained’t considerably affect the corporate’s backside line. A wiser technique can be a complete overhaul of the lineup, prioritizing high-volume fashions. SUVs and crossovers are the way in which to go – that is how the cookie crumbles these days.

With 9,000 job cuts and three manufacturing unit closures looming as a part of a radical restructuring plan, enjoyable vehicles alone gained’t be sufficient to show Nissan round. There are far greater fish to fry, so don’t anticipate to see a brand new Silvia at your native dealership anytime quickly. Perhaps at some point, after the corporate is on extra stable monetary floor, we might see a revival of beloved fashions.