Japanese car market gears up for new sports cars and supercars

Sales of SUVs and trucks might still be on the pitch, but remember that sports cars are very much alive in Japan, and many will soon be landing on American shores.
Sales of SUVs and trucks might still be on the pitch, but remember that sports cars are very much alive in Japan, and many will soon be landing on American shores.

Sales of SUVs and trucks might still be on the pitch, but remember that sports cars are very much alive in Japan, and many will soon be landing on American shores.

A quick glance at the Japanese car market reveals a surge in new sports car launches. Nearly every carmaker is either preparing to introduce or planning a new sports model.

While many of these will feature fully electric powertrains, some, like the all-new rotary-powered Mazda Iconic SP (potentially the new RX-9) and the reborn Honda Prelude, will utilize hybrid power sources.

Upcoming Electric Sports Cars

Several electric sports cars are set to hit the market soon, including:

  • Toyota MR-2
  • Lexus IS
  • Honda S660
  • Subaru Solterra STI
  • Nissan Skyline

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However, the most anticipated additions are the next-generation Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX, both of which are expected to switch to fully electric powertrains by around 2028.

This shift was highlighted in a report from Best Car, Japan’s leading car magazine.

Why 2028? The Birth Year of All Solid State Batteries (ASSB)

The year 2028 is pivotal because it is anticipated to mark the “birth year of All Solid State batteries” (ASSB) in industry circles. Nissan has touted ASSB as revolutionary for the electric vehicle (EV) market. These batteries promise:

  • Double Energy Density: Approximately twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries.
  • Faster Charging: Significantly shorter charging times due to superior charge/discharge performance.
  • Cost Efficiency: Lower costs by using less expensive materials.

Iconic Supercars Transition to Electric

The Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX are set to lead the electric sports car revolution. While official announcements are yet to be made, hints from both manufacturers suggest the introduction of electric versions by 2028.

The Nissan Hyper Force Concept

At the Japan Mobility Show last October, Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force concept, which boasts an outrageous 1,000 kW (equivalent to 1340 horsepower).

This power is delivered through a revised version of Nissan’s renowned Atessa 4WD system, demonstrating the potential of future electric supercars.

Conclusion

The Japanese car market is on the brink of a transformative era, with a lineup of new sports cars, many embracing electric powertrains.

The introduction of the Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX as electric supercars by 2028, leveraging the advanced ASSB technology, underscores a significant shift towards sustainable high-performance vehicles.

As the industry moves forward, these developments highlight Japan’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in automotive technology.