Nissan Gripz Crossover Concept Expands Z Family in Frankfurt

While this was believed to preview a replacement for the next Nissan Z car, the vehicle actually gives us a taste of what will be an expanded Z family. While earlier this year we talked about how Nissan should turn the GT-R into a franchise, it seems the automaker has decided to go down that route using the Z.

This concept car has more than one purpose

Aside from showing us what the Z-themed crossover might look like, the Gripz also serves as a styling direction for Nissan’s next-generation CUV family, Juke included. We’ll remind you the second generation of the Juke is set to arrive next year, riding on a Renault Nissan CMF-B modular platform.

The concept could use any other type of propulsion than a hybrid one, with its powertrain reminding us of the ZEOD RC experiemental racecar. We are talking about a small-displacement petrol engine and an electric side borrowed from the Leaf.

Nissan wants to mix the concept of a sportscar with that of a crossover and it doesn’t sound half bad. The carmaker explains it has sought inspiration in its history, reminding us of the 240Z. The company talks about how it reinvented the Z car back in the 70s using experience from its offroader range and aiming to prove a sportscar didn’t have to be glued to the ground.

The carmaker also mentioned something about the world of cycling, but we prefer to leave that to the pedalling aficionados and focus on the car bits for now.

Nissan is currently analysing the public’s reaction, so you can do something about the future of the Z. You can check out the details of the Gripz in the gallery below.