Expect to see an increasing amount of shared components between Renault, Nissan and Daimler AG, as a result of their strategic alliance finalised in April 2010. At the time, Daimler’s chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche said it was “a promising foundation” that would allow the companies to share resources. “Our skills complement each other very well,” he said.
As a result, reports now suggest that Renault/Nissan will be supplying 3- and 4-cylinder petrols engines, as well as electric-vehicle technology to Daimler. In turn, Daimler will reportedly supplying 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder petrol engines to the Renault/Nissan alliance in return.
Sources say Carlos Ghosn, Renault/Nissan CEO, is very keen on installing some of Mercedes-Benz’s engines into the next Z sports coupe to meet tight emissions regulations. Insiders say that Nissan is considering three new engines for the next Z.
First on the list is the 3,5-litre V6 hybrid used in the Mercedes-Benz S400. Second in line is the V6 diesel from the E350 CDI and the 4-cylinder petrol hybrid system from the E300 Bluetec. Last but not least, Nissan executives are thinking of using the Mercedes-Benz DiesOtto engine, which brings together diesel and petrol in a variable combustion engine to power vehicles as large as an S-Class sedan with just a 1,8-litre twin-turbo engine.
