From what I know. 2 years ago it was being considered, then Nissan came to the conclusion that it might not be beneficial with the current car. They are not completely against the idea for future Z's.
I think the hybrid battery in a sports car would be good for a couple things. That would be to power the electrical components, ecu, A/C etc. I figure by doing this, it will give back some horsepower to the rear wheels considering the battery pulls a lot of power from the engine to power the car.
Another way to put the hybrid to good use is with cruise control and idling. That would save a lot of gas. The only thing is, this technology would have to work in hundreths of a second. For example, you are idling at a red light and hybrid power steps in. No one wants a 1 second delay on an accelerator due to the switch of power when the accelerator is touched. That would diminish sporting intentions. I would guess a sport mode can bypass this hybrid idle mode etc.
I know when we think hybrid, we think prius n think it would kill all the fun. But if hybrid technology can be used in sports cars for other functions than accelerating the car like the ones I suggested? Then it might be beneficial?
As far as added weight. If the mazda rx9 can be less than 3,000lbs then the Z can make it in at 3,000lbs with a hybrid if redesigned with one.
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