Nissan Raises Stakes On Z-car

Demand for Nissan's 350Z has never been greater, but that hasn't stopped the firm from thinking about its next generation of sports cars. As well as preparing a facelifted 350Z Roadster for launch early next year, the company has revealed plans for its replacement, due in 2009.

The former, pictured in this week's mag, is mechanically identical to the current car, but will get new-look headlamps, LED tail-lights, a revised front bumper and increased specification for no extra cost.

But it's the latter news which will really excite enthusiasts. The new car will take the current 350Z and add a more involving chassis and punchier engine. Olivier Paturet, chief product specialist at Nissan, told Auto Express he wanted the next Z to be a more hardcore machine, targeted squarely at Porsche buyers.

"We've seen what Porsche is doing with the Cayman, and I would like our new car to have more power, less weight and be more driver-focused," he said. "There's certainly a market in Europe for such a machine - it's simply a matter of convincing our US and Japanese divisions that this is the way forward."

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Hope it's not a repost, so what you guys think? Looks like the current Z design is here to stay for another 4 years or so.

Hmmm.....the Porsche Cayman......do I hear twin turbo this time around?

 

Sounds good, why change something now thats selling so well.

 

Im all for more power!

 

I'd be happy with the same power and just a lighter car.....either way more punch is good. I love my Z to death so anything they improve will just be icing on the cake. I hope that prices don't go up too much though.

 

I thought that the demand for the Z was going down, in the US anyway...

 

i wonder what the prices will be like and if this stuff is even true

 

The Z is not a supercar, so I don't see this happening. The Z is and I hope always will be, an inexpensive but good performing sports car.

I imagine if it does get a TT....that it will be made by JWT.

 

Sounds like an allusion to the GT-R, actually.

 

interesting.. well if they wanna do what they say then they`re going to need a turbo.

if this goes through then we can kiss our 'low priced sports car' goodbye.

 

I hope this is all true, I would be intereted if it is....

 

If they do make a MUCH higher powered z (4.0 and/or turbo) i would trade myn in for one!

 

But isnt this sorta thing, higher performance, higher price etc..that made the prev 300zx tt such a low seller? and nissan not making a sports car for 10 yrs? or something along those lines? like the nsx, not really a big seller either, if someone pays at or near porsche prices for a comparable car, wouldnt they just buy a porsche?

 

Maybe mine will be paid off by then.

 

Here's the original article http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/57...s_on_zcar.html

But ya, using the Cayman as their benchmark is quite a thrill. But it could also be must personal relations and cream puff stuff. But Nissan definitely has the potential to make it that fast for an affordable price.

 

I agree. They said the new GT-R is focused in on Porsche owners.

 

This is the key:
"There's certainly a market in Europe for such a machine - it's simply a matter of convincing our US and Japanese divisions that this is the way forward."

Translation = $50 - 65K car

 

The Z is unique. Its able to compete with expensive Porsche's as well as cheaper Mustang's. What they need to do is just introduce a NISMO type package and make that the supercar. Similar to how Saleen does it for Mustangs. That way they dont lose the market they have now and they can gain the market they want to attract.

 

s3, you mean SVT and Ford? Saleen doesn't get any money from Ford for the Mustangs they build.

 

I'm not too certain the standard Zs can compete w/ any Porsche as a "whole" car because the craftsmanship of Porsches are top notch. But performance wise, the Z can hold its own against the lower end models of the Porsches.

 

If what I've read is correct, the Cayman, which I adore, won't be that much punchier than a current Z.
I think the Z needs to shed some pounds. 300 hp ought to be fine.
In the looks department, a new front bumper, LED taillamps and maybe a layered rear bumper is all the Z needs. She looks muscular now.
Honestly, I was hoping they'd modify the looks before 2009. That's a long life for the current style.