Nissan and Honda may co-develop GT-R and NSX, despite merger talks falling apart. Check details
Though their formal merger is on hold, reports have surfaced that Nissan and Honda are looking at the potential to collaborate on their next-generation performance icons using the Nissan GT-R and the Honda NSX. While nothing is signed yet, both automakers are considering sharing platform technology but maintaining their own distinct engineering philosophies.
A report by Drive.com stated that Nissan North America's SVP and Chief Planning Officer, Ponz Pandikuthira, encouraged said discussions in a conversation at the 2025 New York Motor Show about the possibility of co-developing the GT-R and NSX. He stressed they would try to maintain the uniqueness of the vehicles and not simply produce rebadged versions.
Also Read : Nissan GT-R to make a comeback soon as part of global revival: Confirms new CEO
'Could we build the next GT-R and NSX on a shared platform, while keeping each car true to its legacy? I think we can," Pandikuthira stated. He made it clear that these cars must never be cloned. The NSX is known for its all-aluminium precise lightness while the GT-R is known for extreme power and aggressive performance. They illustrate two distinctly different performance philosophies. Future Powertrains: Hybrid and Electric on the Horizon
Even though the current NSX has been discontinued, rumors surrounding an all-electric replacement persist. Pandikuthira clarified that an electric "NSX-type" model wouldn't rule out the possibility of a separate, new-generation NSX albeit a unique one. Meanwhile, the upcoming R36 GT-R will be hybrid and aims to take on its European rivals like Porsche 911—just like the R35 did back in 2007.
Pandikuthira mentioned that Aston Martin's relationship with Mercedes-AMG is one instance of how to share technologies while remaining separate brands. He mentioned that although not set in stone, a GT-R and NSX partnership is possible, and, in fact, necessary in the current automotive environment.
Also Read : Nissan teases compact SUV and MPV for India: First look at the upcoming models
In spite of the collapse of the proposed merger between Honda and Nissan earlier in the year, Nissan's new CEO Ivan Espinosa has maintained dialogue with Honda leadership. Espinosa has "never stopped talking with Honda," per Pandikuthira, and the desire for strategic partnerships has been left open.
While not a confirmation, Nissan's comments indicate interest in a partnership as both OEMs navigate the future of performance vehicles in an electrified world rapidly evolving.
Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.
First Published Date: 04 May 2025, 09:53 AM IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Engine, features & more compared
Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125. The 125cc streetfighter segment has a new contender as Honda has recently unveiled the CB125 Hornet. Among many notable contenders, it will compete with the Bajaj Pulsar N125 , which was launched last year. Both bikes aim to deliver everyday performance for streets along with a sporty flair in terms of design. Here's how the two stack up against each other. Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Engine specs On the performance front, the Honda CB125 Hornet is powered by a 123.94cc, single-cylinder engine that develops 11 hp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and is claimed to do 0–60 kmph in just 5.4 seconds, making it the quickest in its class. Weighing in at just 124 kg, it's also the lightest in the segment. Bajaj, meanwhile, offers a slightly larger 124.58cc engine in the Pulsar N125, which pushes out 12 hp and 11 Nm. Despite being a bit heavier at 127.5 kg, the Pulsar boasts a higher ground clearance of 198 mm compared to the Hornet's 166 mm. The seat height on the Pulsar is also taller at 795 mm, whereas the Honda is slightly lower and more accessible at 786 mm. Simple One review: Is this the EV to beat? | TOI Auto Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Features & hardware Where things get really interesting is in the feature department. Honda has taken a bold step by offering USD forks at the front - a segment-first - along with a rear monoshock. Braking is handled by a 240 mm front disc and a 130 mm rear drum, backed by single-channel ABS as standard. The Pulsar N125, in contrast, uses conventional telescopic fork setup and a rear monoshock. Brakes are similar in size to the Hornet, but ABS is not offered. When it comes to tech, Honda pulls ahead with a 4.2-inch TFT screen, Bluetooth pairing via the Honda Roadsync app, and a Type-C charging port. Bajaj's N125 is available in two variants: one with a basic LCD and the other with a larger display that includes call/message alerts via Bluetooth. However, its connectivity features are limited compared to what Honda offers. Both bikes come with LED lighting and a USB charging port.
News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Renault Waiting For EV Ecosystem To Grow More Before Making Its Entry, Says India MD
Last Updated: 'Currently, what Renault India is looking for is the "maturity of the market, the regulation and the ecosystem. All three together," said Managing Director at Renault India. French auto major Renault is looking for the EV ecosystem in India to mature before getting into the space. The company also said it is expecting to complete the acquisition of Nissan stake in the Chennai manufacturing plant 'very soon." Earlier, Renault rolled out the all-new, seven-seater Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) Triber at a starting price of Rs 6.29 lakh (ex-showroom). 'We are doing our analysis. We are looking for the whole ecosystem to mature before we put the product in place," said Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director at Renault India. 'Currently, what Renault India is looking for is the 'maturity of the market, the regulation and the ecosystem. All three together," he added. He said that the company is going to be there in multi-powertrain options, including electric, adding, 'We will take an appropriate time to announce the launches, and one at a time. " 'CNG and gasoline are already there. So we are talking about other energies. The endeavour to come to that level is very quick," he said. 'We have everything at arm's length, whether it's hybrid ethanol or EVs, everything is available with us, so we don't need to seek technology. It's in my kitchen. It's as and when the maturity happens, the market picks up because it's very important that there is a proper ecosystem for adaptability of a customer," he said. 'So, we are looking up for the market. We are waiting for the right moment," Mamillapally said. He said the launch of all-new Kiger is the beginning of the company's plans of bringing four products in the next two years. 'But that is not just the end of the story again. It's a continuation of our lineup which will happen," he said.. Currently, Renault has three offerings in its India portfolio – the MPV Triber, compact SUV Kiger and hatchback Kwid. In the April-June quarter of this fiscal. Renault India domestic sales declined 30 per cent at 7,729 units from 10,969 vehicles in the year-ago period. The company's market shares currently stands at less than 1 per cent. Renault has set a target of having a 5 per cent market share in the world's third-largest car market by sales volume. He said that more than the market share, the company's first priority is to utilise the plant capacity that it has, with its partner, Nissan India. Renault Group in March this year announced signing a Framework Agreement with Nissan for acquiring its 51 per cent stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL). On all new Triber, Mamillapalle said, 'India remains a cornerstone of Renault's global strategy, driven by a strong product pipeline, expanding export operations, and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction." The new Triber is over 90 per cent localized, underscoring Renault's long-term commitment to the Indian market, he said. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
12 hours ago
- India.com
China Triggers Alarm With 1,000 KM Range Air-To-Air Hypersonic Missile; Who Should Be Worried?
Beijing: China has reportedly tested an air-to-air missile capable of striking aerial targets at a distance of up to 1,000 kilometres. It has sent ripples across the global defense community. If accurate, the test could signal a fundamental shift in modern air combat strategy. It will potentially allow fighter jets to neutralise enemy aircraft long before they even come into radar range. The development was first reported by South China Morning Post, citing Chinese military sources. According to the report, the missile reaches speeds beyond Mach 5. It has placed it in the hypersonic category. It is designed to intercept high-value aerial targets, including stealth fighters and surveillance aircraft. Chinese engineers are said to be working on this new system with the aim of providing long-range superiority across contested airspaces. Still unnamed publicly, the project may allow China to target aircraft such as the U.S. F-22 Raptor, F-35 stealth fighters and the B-21 Raider well before they enter engagement range. Missiles of this class are typically referred to as Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles. They form a critical part of next-generation aerial warfare. Until now, the longest-range BVR missiles in service globally include Russia's R-37M and the U.S. AIM-174B. Both are capable of reaching distances around 350-400 kilometres. Presently under development, India's Astra Mk-3 is expected to match that range once deployed. However, a 1,000-kilometre air-to-air missile would outclass all existing systems. Experts say that if China's claims are validated, the development could force countries like India, Japan, Taiwan and even the United States to re-evaluate their air combat doctrines. No matter how stealthy, no fighter jet could escape a missile launched from that distance. The implications are serious, assuming tracking and targeting systems remain precise. Historically, air-to-air missiles have evolved from short-range weapons introduced in the 1950s, such as the U.S. AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Soviet K-series, to the BVR missiles of today. The modern battlefield increasingly depends on aerial platforms like AWACS and AEW&CS for surveillance and coordination. A missile capable of striking these assets from such vast ranges could potentially change the outcome of future conflicts before they even escalate. India, which currently fields the Astra Mk-1 and is working on Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3, faces a widening gap in this segment. While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made consistent progress, there are calls within India's strategic community to accelerate indigenous hypersonic missile development. In addition, India may need to invest more heavily in advanced radar systems and tracking sensors, potentially through ISRO-DRDO collaboration, to detect and respond to threats launched from long distances at high speeds. As per the latest assessments, India's current missile capabilities are limited to around 400 kilometres in range. While the Chinese claim has not yet been independently verified, military analysts suggest it would be prudent for India to consider the scenario as credible and prepare accordingly. The development comes at a time when tensions remain high in East Asia, particularly around Taiwan and the South China Sea. If China's new missile enters operational service, it could give the country significant leverage across the region, including air dominance over key hotspots. Though the precise operational status of the missile remains unclear, the signal from Beijing is loud enough. Nations dependent on legacy BVR systems now face pressure to catch up, both in terms of range and speed, before the skies become inaccessible.
