I just received some back issues of several automotive mags with Z related articles. This scan is from the 2/15/99 AutoWeek. I think the Z is a rare case of the final product outclassing the prototype....

 

no way. It would have came out sweet looking after refinement, and would have been a great competitor against the rice rockets. It would have been closer to 2700 lbs and probably would have had a small v-6 in it...and starting at 23,500.

maybe, maybe. but I think THAT design would have been more "retro" and I still would have loved it. My 280z is the greatest car in the world, and anything close to it ROCKS!

 

i like this prototype SO much better!

 

Good illustration. The prototype pictures were the reason I had not considered a Z. The Prototype was UGLY. When I saw the 90% finished product, I began to change my mind. Good pics VQ.

Boomer
BR/FR/AT

 

I'm happy they scrapped that first prototype. Evolution is a wonderful thing!

 

The interior has gone through many iterations. Here is the March 2001 Motor Trend version. I can't say I'm thrilled with any of the interiors I've seen, including the final production model I saw in Danville, CA.

 

Go to the photo gallery and check out the Z as it went through these stages. I agree that it could have been much worse.

 

If that had been done then the Z would have been in a class similar to the Eclipse rather than cars like the Boxster S. I don't think you would see as much excitement with a low $20K's Eclipse fighter from Nissan. The 350Z is exactly the route Nissan needed to take.

 

I gotta disagree, Rob. The 240/260/280 line is classic because of the time period it's from, but if they produced a new car like that, it would look very outdated.

And call me back man!