Nissan flags 'Garage 56' for V8 Supercars

Nissan could ask V8 Supercars to include hybrid technology in its regulatory mix. That's one of the take-outs from a wide-ranging interview given by Nissan Australia chief, Richard Emery, following last weekend's 24 hour of Le Mans.

Commenting on the brand's future V8 Supercar plans, Emery told motoring.com.au that he anticipated Nissan global motorsport operation would ask Nissan Australia to consider the introduction of hybrid technology into its V8 Supercar program.

"It would not surprise me when I have the next [motorsport] discussion with headquarters that they will ask the question [about hybrid]… 'How can we get some innovation and technology into the [V8 Super] car?'," Emery opined.

"Absolutely, they'll ask the question," he said.

Emery suggested a 'no' would factor into Nissan's and NISMO's decisions related to the category and Nissan's choice of vehicle post the 2017 rule changes.

"I haven't actually asked James [Warburton, V8 Supercars CEO] or the guys, would you consider accepting some level of hybrid technology," Emery admitted.

"I would say that it would not be on their radar, not because it wouldn't be good for the category, but it would be how the hell do we work out what effect it has on parity. That would be their [V8 Supercars'] challenge," he said.

Drawing on Nissan's experience at Le Mans Emery proposed an experimental solution. In past years Le Mans organiser the ACO instituted a 'Garage 56' entry for the 24 hour classic that promoted cutting edge technology.

"Maybe the discussion we have to have is can we have one car running like a Garage 56 [entry]?

"You can tell from Nissan's approach to this [Le Mans] weekend that would be one thing we would consider," he said.