--- title: "‘Sports Cars Are the Core of What We Are as a Company,’ Nissan CEO Says" date: "2026-04-14" modified: "2026-04-14" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/sports-cars-are-the-core-of-what-we-are-as-a-company-nissan-ceo-says" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "sports car" --- # ‘Sports Cars Are the Core of What We Are as a Company,’ Nissan CEO Says ![Feder's 1990 Nissan Z32 with a modern Nissan Z]() *\Alex Bellus Photography\* There's suddenly an [enthusiast in the driver's seat]() at [Nissan](), and sports car fans should be celebrating—or, at the very least, taking notes. On Tuesday in Yokohama, Japan, Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa told *The Drive*, "The sports cars are the core of what we are as a company." This came seconds after being asked if the Silvia fits into Nissan's future plans, to which Espinosa replied, "...it would, if I could, soon, you know." Espinosa said, "The priorities today, as we were saying this morning, is \[to\] conclude the plan, the Re:Nissan. Then we have announced what's [coming after]()," referring to a [family of body-on-frame vehicles]() including the [revived Xterra SUV](). But it's not just the Silvia name Espinosa could tap if the automaker started bringing more sports cars to the lineup. "We've been there doing that for many generations (referring to sports cars), and there are multiple nameplates that we could leverage on. And of course, if you ask part of my brain, I would love to do that very quickly. But the other part of my brain is telling me that we have to be prudent at the moment and go step-by-step," Espinosa said. Immediately following the responsible, well-balanced reply, Espinosa smiled and said, "But for sure we will see more sports cars coming into the portfolio." Espinosa didn't elaborate or explain what forms those sports cars might take on, but today, as it stands, Nissan showrooms have one sports car: [the Z](). "Maybe at some point we could see some other nameplates being added into the sports range," Espinosa said. Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for [Nissan]() North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, told *The Drive* on Tuesday in Yokohama, "\[Espinosa's\] a big fan of accessible sports cars," adding that, "He's looking for the lightweight affordable sports car that the Silvia was back in the day. And he's talked about this several times, well, before he was a CEO. So I think if there's a guy in this company who could find a way to bring a sports car like the Silvia back, it's him." So you're telling me there's a chance? Enthusiasts, best sound off in the comments and across the Internet. Nissan is clearly listening. *Got a tip about future product? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()