Skip to main content

Will Nissan’s Frankfurt concept preview a Z-replacing crossover?

Following rumors that it is considering replacing the current 370Z sports car with a crossover, Nissan revealed a teaser for a sporty crossover concept it plans to debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

Z or not, it seems the unnamed crossover concept will continue the more dynamic styling theme used by Nissan recently, with the same prominent grille and sci-fi lighting elements seen on several of the company’s concept and production cars. Interestingly, the concept is also red with a black hood, just like the Datsun 240Z that famously won the 1971 East African Safari Rally.

Recommended Videos

Transforming Nissan’s legendary Z from a sports car into a crossover could make marketing sense, even if it doesn’t seem to make much basic logical sense. A crossover would be able to appeal to a much broader range of customers, and greater potential parts sharing with other Nissan models could help lower the vehicle’s cost.

A previous report said the crossover would be close in size to the Juke, but it would presumably be even sportier than the current Juke NISMO RS model. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is reportedly a likely engine choice; Nissan will have to give it some serious power to live up to the Z name.

As the current-generation Z has aged, there’s been much talk about building a smaller, less expensive Nissan sports car. It was previously thought that role would be filled by a production version of the wildly popular IDx concepts, but that project seems to have hit a dead end. A small crossover could be a good budget-priced performance vehicle, but slapping a Z badge on it still seems a little strange.

It’s not just about offending purists, either. The Z brand may just not be elastic enough to encompass both a rear-wheel drive two-seat sports car and a small crossover. After all, they’re two very different types of vehicles. So while Nissan’s Frankfurt crossover concept may turn out to be something interesting for enthusiasts, it may still be better if Nissan leaves the Z badge on the shelf.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
You can now lease a Hyundai EV on Amazon—and snag that $7,500 tax credit
amazon autos hyundai evs lease ioniq 6 n line seoul mobility show 2025 mk08

Amazon has changed how we shop for just about everything—from books to furniture to groceries. Now, it’s transforming the way we lease cars. Through Amazon Autos, you can now lease a brand-new Hyundai entirely online—and even better, you’ll qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit if you choose an electric model like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or Kona EV.
Here’s why that matters: As of January 2025, Hyundai’s EVs no longer qualify for the tax credit if you buy them outright, due to strict federal rules about battery sourcing and final assembly. But when you lease, the vehicle is technically owned by the leasing company (Hyundai Capital), which allows it to be classified as a “commercial vehicle” under U.S. tax law—making it eligible for the credit. That savings is typically passed on to you in the form of lower lease payments.
With Amazon’s new setup, you can browse Hyundai’s EV inventory, secure financing, trade in your current vehicle, and schedule a pickup—all without leaving the Amazon ecosystem.
It’s available in 68 markets across the U.S., and pricing is fully transparent—no hidden fees or haggling. While Hyundai is so far the only automaker fully participating, more are expected to join over time.
Pioneered by the likes of Tesla, purchasing or leasing vehicles online has been a growing trend since the Covid pandemic.
A 2024 study by iVendi found that 74% of car buyers expect to use some form of online process for their next purchase. In fact, 75% said online buying met or exceeded expectations, with convenience and access to information cited as top reasons. The 2024 EY Mobility Consumer Index echoed this trend, reporting that 25% of consumers now plan to buy their next vehicle online—up from 18% in 2021. Even among those who still prefer to finalize the purchase at a dealership, 87% use online tools for research beforehand.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals that while 86% of U.S. consumers still want to test-drive a vehicle in person, digital tools are now a critical part of the buying journey.
Bottom line? Amazon is making it easier than ever to lease an EV and claim that tax credit—without the dealership hassle. If you're ready to plug in, it might be time to add to cart.

Read more
Gemini AI coming to cars as Android Automotive update suggests it’s due soon
The 6.8-inch Pioneer digital media receiver installed in a vehicle's dashboard.

Google appears to be getting ready to sends its Gemini AI into cars through an Android Automotive update.

This would make sense as Android Automotive already uses Google's Assistant to help with those much-needed in-car hands-free requests.

Read more
Watch from the passenger seat as the new Porsche 911 GT3 sets a record at the Nürburgring
911 GT3 with Weissach Package (Manual Transmission), Nürburgring Nordschleife 2025, Porsche AG

If you've ever wanted to race at top speeds around one of the most iconic racetracks in the world, then now is your chance. A new Porsche 911 GT3 just set a record for the fastest time around the Nürburgring in a road car with a manual transmission, knocking almost 10 seconds off the previous best time. And Porsche has released a video of the run filmed from the cockpit, so you can experience the thrills for yourself.

The record was set by legendary driver and Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister at the wheel of a 911 GT3 with the Weissach package, setting a time of 6:56.294. That's 9.5 seconds ahead of the previous record set by the Dodge Viper ACR in 2017 -- though there's some math involved in these time calculations as the track was reconfigured in 2019.

Read more