looks like JUN hates us, bummer.
On the positive side, there was an article on the Z in Modified Mag "Tuner Car of the year" issue where Ben Schaffer addresses the changing sentiment on this platform in Japan:
"Attitudes have changed, technology and tuning has advanced, and the Z33 which used to be a safe bet for tuners now represents not only a large market, but also a competitive platform for racing."
"After talking with various Japanese tuners in January, every one seemingly shared a common focus on VQ engine tuning for 2006."
"The fan base in Japan is doing their role to support the tuners in their quest for faster Z's...News Publishing Japan released the first ever issue of Z magazine, focusing exclusively on the Z33 chasis."
-Modified M. July 06
Maybe this new focus is pushing JUN to address some issues they've already come across. Sort of the "yes we know" and the "Been there done that" attitude since they were one of the first tuners to heavily mod the Z33 (Streamline Option Z). It's a way to set them apart from the new bandwagon of Z-tuners.
"Attitudes have changed, technology and tuning has advanced, and the Z33 which used to be a safe bet for tuners now represents not only a large market, but also a competitive platform for racing."
"After talking with various Japanese tuners in January, every one seemingly shared a common focus on VQ engine tuning for 2006."
"The fan base in Japan is doing their role to support the tuners in their quest for faster Z's...News Publishing Japan released the first ever issue of Z magazine, focusing exclusively on the Z33 chasis."
-Modified M. July 06
Maybe this new focus is pushing JUN to address some issues they've already come across. Sort of the "yes we know" and the "Been there done that" attitude since they were one of the first tuners to heavily mod the Z33 (Streamline Option Z). It's a way to set them apart from the new bandwagon of Z-tuners.
Originally Posted by Built2shredZ
Eventually everything is going to be shared platforms in order to cut costs, BMW and Mercedes are already heading in that direction...
Just matter of time before the Miata is sharing parts with other mazda's and fords... When this happen then there will be no low costs sports by the defination of what most everyone thinks a sports car is..
1) Must have its only platform
2) Must be lightweight
3) Good Handling
4) Descent Power
5) RWD / AWD ???
6) Two Seats
As far as handling and power goes that seems to be subjective as to how much a sports car should have in order for it to be a sports car, but it must have the first two requirements to even be considered... So im guessing this is the basic requirements of a sports car???
BTW, what Jun says doesnt bother me, Im just trying to figure out what the defination of a sports car actually is...
Just matter of time before the Miata is sharing parts with other mazda's and fords... When this happen then there will be no low costs sports by the defination of what most everyone thinks a sports car is..
1) Must have its only platform
2) Must be lightweight
3) Good Handling
4) Descent Power
5) RWD / AWD ???
6) Two Seats
As far as handling and power goes that seems to be subjective as to how much a sports car should have in order for it to be a sports car, but it must have the first two requirements to even be considered... So im guessing this is the basic requirements of a sports car???
BTW, what Jun says doesnt bother me, Im just trying to figure out what the defination of a sports car actually is...
A sports car is a type of automobile designed primarily for performance driving.
More:
While opinions differ as to the exact definition, most sports cars are rear-wheel drive, have two seats and two doors and are designed to provide excellent handling, acceleration, and good looks. A sports car can be described as a car whose dominant design consideration is driving performance. A sports car's main emphasis is on performance by superior road holding, braking, maneuverability, low weight and power rather than comfort, passenger space, and economy.
Sports cars can be luxurious or spartan, but driving performance is key.
We are RWD, have two seats, two doors, and we are designed to have excellent handling, acceleration, and good looks. We have the braking, maneuverability, and power, lack comfort, passenger space, and economy. The only thing I see we are missing or are not good at is weight.
To me personally, two seats - two doors only is key, although I remember some English sports cars in the 1960s that had a fake back seat - you could sit in the back if the front seats were fully forward and you were about 90 pounds and could sit in the lotus position.
I consider the Miata weak - but no doubt it is a sports car. My brother had a Siata Spring back in the early 1970s - a MG copy so cheaply made, it was basically a go cart. He paid $1700 new back then. But it was a sports car. Not a "sporty car".
Originally Posted by plumpzz
Jun is pretty big..just not for Z's. Theres a Jun stroker kit that I bet half the people have never heard about. THey're big on internal engine mods.
Their motto: "We stroke...so YOU don't have to!"
=\ it..is a stroker kit isnt it? not a bore kit.
http://www.junauto.co.jp/news/index-e.html?000046
BEECH! PWNt!
http://www.junauto.co.jp/news/index-e.html?000046
BEECH! PWNt!
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From: kali
i think you guys are taking the comments from koyama-san a little too personally.
heck, they built the option stream z which ran 330kph (205mph) on the yatabe test course.
i think what he meant by "sports-like" is the fact that in stock trim, the 350z does lack agility due to it's heavy-weight. but after some modifying, maybe a little more power and basic suspension upgrades. the balance is made up perfectly.
the z does in fact resemble more of an american sports car. like previous guys said in this thread, japan's definition of sports car is different. they like short-gear ratios, responsiveness, and fun factor.
american cars are usually power 1st, handling 2nd. japan is handling 1st, power 2nd.
heck, they built the option stream z which ran 330kph (205mph) on the yatabe test course.
i think what he meant by "sports-like" is the fact that in stock trim, the 350z does lack agility due to it's heavy-weight. but after some modifying, maybe a little more power and basic suspension upgrades. the balance is made up perfectly.
the z does in fact resemble more of an american sports car. like previous guys said in this thread, japan's definition of sports car is different. they like short-gear ratios, responsiveness, and fun factor.
american cars are usually power 1st, handling 2nd. japan is handling 1st, power 2nd.
Originally Posted by Z1 Performance
??
It does not say JUN does not approve of the car...it says that Koyama san said to be a true sports car, the car needs some work. I would not exactly argue with that point at all. I personally agree that it is a sports-like car. It is, IMHO, a car that is GT in it's nature but it does not happen to have rear seats. Most of the small criticism that the Japanese have for the car revolves around the weight of the car and that is exactly what JUN was talking about. While I agree with them, I still love my Z with a passion as its an absolute joy to drive and has been THE most reliable car I've ever owned
The Z was made for the US and Japan in equal parts - its a car that suits both cultures quite well. Most of the Japanese love the Z and have a great love for the tradation the Z holds in Japanese car culture history. Their feelings about the weight of the car are legitimate in terms of it being a true hard and true sports car. The original Z to them was a pure sports cars...very light weight, with a great motor and rwd. As the Z evolved, many there believe it went away from that original direction into more of a GT category. This was their comment most notably around the time the 280ZX was released there is 1978. Not coincidentally, that feeling was shared by many US journalists at the same time as well.
Don't read anymore into than what is written. Several of the employees of JUN happen to own Z's
In Japan, the tuners are more purist when talking about a sports car vs everything else. It's a cultural interpretation difference, nothing more. To them, a Skyline is not a sports car..it is sporty. A Miata is a sports car, as it combines low weight, 2 seats and RWD.
JUN actually has done quite a lot of development with the Z33 chassis, as they are the shop that builds and runs the Option Stream car, which is a completley modded Z33, from the chassis to the motor and everything in between. However, they made a decision internally to not really go public with many of their parts, as its a limited market in Japan.
It does not say JUN does not approve of the car...it says that Koyama san said to be a true sports car, the car needs some work. I would not exactly argue with that point at all. I personally agree that it is a sports-like car. It is, IMHO, a car that is GT in it's nature but it does not happen to have rear seats. Most of the small criticism that the Japanese have for the car revolves around the weight of the car and that is exactly what JUN was talking about. While I agree with them, I still love my Z with a passion as its an absolute joy to drive and has been THE most reliable car I've ever owned
The Z was made for the US and Japan in equal parts - its a car that suits both cultures quite well. Most of the Japanese love the Z and have a great love for the tradation the Z holds in Japanese car culture history. Their feelings about the weight of the car are legitimate in terms of it being a true hard and true sports car. The original Z to them was a pure sports cars...very light weight, with a great motor and rwd. As the Z evolved, many there believe it went away from that original direction into more of a GT category. This was their comment most notably around the time the 280ZX was released there is 1978. Not coincidentally, that feeling was shared by many US journalists at the same time as well.
Don't read anymore into than what is written. Several of the employees of JUN happen to own Z's
In Japan, the tuners are more purist when talking about a sports car vs everything else. It's a cultural interpretation difference, nothing more. To them, a Skyline is not a sports car..it is sporty. A Miata is a sports car, as it combines low weight, 2 seats and RWD.
JUN actually has done quite a lot of development with the Z33 chassis, as they are the shop that builds and runs the Option Stream car, which is a completley modded Z33, from the chassis to the motor and everything in between. However, they made a decision internally to not really go public with many of their parts, as its a limited market in Japan.
The Japanese have NO SPACE. Space is paramount over performance, TIME stated that's one of the reasons why they're all playing the PS2 while the XBox360 is FAR superior.
Last edited by 03performz; Sep 4, 2006 at 10:39 PM.
Originally Posted by 03performz
The Japanese have NO SPACE. Space is paramount over performance, TIME stated that's one of the reasons why they're all playing the PS2 while the XBox360 is FAR superior.
Anyways, I saw that MT says (in their recent roadster comparo) that a true sports car must be topless. I say a true sportscar must have a solid fixed roof; no T-tops, no targa top, no sunroof. Racing is a sport, cruising the PCH is not.
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From: West Coast
Originally Posted by i8acobra
If you like playing simulation type games, the X-box is a steaming pile of dookey. I had an X-box and traded it straight across for a PS2. Only games I have are the Gran Turismo series, the Ace Combat series (with the ltd. edition flight stick) and WSOP.
Anyways, I saw that MT says (in their recent roadster comparo) that a true sports car must be topless. I say a true sportscar must have a solid fixed roof; no T-tops, no targa top, no sunroof. Racing is a sport, cruising the PCH is not.
Anyways, I saw that MT says (in their recent roadster comparo) that a true sports car must be topless. I say a true sportscar must have a solid fixed roof; no T-tops, no targa top, no sunroof. Racing is a sport, cruising the PCH is not.
There's a difference between a Sports car and a Race Car.... I have to agree with MT, for everyday cruising up mountain roads and along the beach you can't beat a Roadster.... But if your going to the track a lot then coupe makes for a better choice...
Although Gran Turismo for the PS2 is good, I prefer the Xbox Forza Motorsports.... And the new Forza Motorsports 2 for the Xbox 360 looks insane...
Last edited by Built2shredZ; Sep 5, 2006 at 07:15 PM.
Originally Posted by Built2shredZ
There's a difference between a Sports car and a Race Car.... I have to agree with MT, for everyday cruising up mountain roads and along the beach you can't beat a Roadster.... But if your going to the track a lot then coupe makes for a better choice...
Although Gran Turismo for the PS2 is good, I prefer the Xbox Forza Motorsports.... And the new Forza Motorsports 2 for the Xbox 360 looks insane...
Although Gran Turismo for the PS2 is good, I prefer the Xbox Forza Motorsports.... And the new Forza Motorsports 2 for the Xbox 360 looks insane...
Forza looks better than GT, but for me it's all about the physics. GT just feels better.
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From: West Coast
Originally Posted by i8acobra
I agree, for cruising the coast, you can't beat a roadster. But, it's not a sports car, it's a sporty car. A sports car is something that could be used for competition right off the showroom floor. That doesn't make it a race car. A race car is a vehicle that's been modified from it's original state for the purpose of racing.
Forza looks better than GT, but for me it's all about the physics. GT just feels better.
Forza looks better than GT, but for me it's all about the physics. GT just feels better.
For me the 350z Roadster is a sports car... Although Im sure a lot would argue otherwise... My personal opinion is people confuse a sports car with a race car... When it comes to a race car there is no compromise, but there will always be some compromise with a sports car, weather it be softer suspension, heavier weight for added protection or creature comforts like added insulation so you don't go deaf driving down the freeway or Air conditioning so you don't have a heat stroke driving in the summer months when its 100 degrees outside...
But to each there own...
Originally Posted by Built2shredZ
There's a difference between a Sports car and a Race Car.... I have to agree with MT, for everyday cruising up mountain roads and along the beach you can't beat a Roadster.... But if your going to the track a lot then coupe makes for a better choice...
Although Gran Turismo for the PS2 is good, I prefer the Xbox Forza Motorsports.... And the new Forza Motorsports 2 for the Xbox 360 looks insane...
Although Gran Turismo for the PS2 is good, I prefer the Xbox Forza Motorsports.... And the new Forza Motorsports 2 for the Xbox 360 looks insane...
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From: West Coast
Originally Posted by 03performz
I completely agree. Also, a convertible serves no performance purpose so yes, sporty car not sports car...unless it's V10 or greater which would supersede just about anything.
So if I were to put a twin turbo setup on my Roadster then it would be considered a sports car
As i mentioned before having Air Conditioning, Insulation, Air Bags, Thick padded seats, Stereo System, oversize Rims, etc... also serves no perfomrance purpose, so if thats the case then then there is no such thing as a sports car since every car on the road has these items...
To be honest, It seems most people beleive nothing is a sports car unless its the car there driving....
Originally Posted by Built2shredZ
So if I were to put a twin turbo setup on my Roadster then it would be considered a sports car
As i mentioned before having Air Conditioning, Insulation, Air Bags, Thick padded seats, Stereo System, oversize Rims, etc... also serves no perfomrance purpose, so if thats the case then then there is no such thing as a sports car since every car on the road has these items...
To be honest, It seems most people beleive nothing is a sports car unless its the car there driving....
As i mentioned before having Air Conditioning, Insulation, Air Bags, Thick padded seats, Stereo System, oversize Rims, etc... also serves no perfomrance purpose, so if thats the case then then there is no such thing as a sports car since every car on the road has these items...
To be honest, It seems most people beleive nothing is a sports car unless its the car there driving....
Insulation separates a sports car from a race car, air bags too..they're required by law, Z doesn't have thick padded seats..has bolsters to hold yo' *** in the car, stereo system(amps,subs) show not go, oversized rims...same and rice or gansta depending on the style.
We should get a consesus going. I like these requirements to be considered a sports car.
Designed w/ performance being numero uno. That means.
High performance engine relative to the standards of the time period it was designed.
Suspension tuned for performance first, comfort last or not at all.
Interior ergonomically designed for the driver to better control the vehicle(gauge placement, shifter location, supportive bucket seats)
Exterior sleek and aerodynamic for better airflow. Sorry no "real" back seets(2+2 o.k.) or converitbles...too intrusive.
Originally Posted by Built2shredZ
So by your defination a Ferrari F430 Spider is not a sports car but just a sporty car because it has no top?
