Hmm, Altima coupe + GT-R; does anyone else smell a discontinuation?
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From: Van down by the river
Hmm, Altima coupe + GT-R; does anyone else smell a discontinuation?
This has probably been covered before but with the impending arrival of the Altima coupe plus the GT-R leads me to believe that Nissan is seriously considering retiring the Z for a few years. I can't think of any other car company that would carry three two door sports cars in their lineup and considering that sports cars are now a niche product, I can't imagine that they would want to keep all three around (four if you count the upcoming new G35 coupe).
Considering that we're entering the fourth year of the Z33's existence and we've seen plenty of pictures of the new G and Altima coupes but none of the Z, I can't help but take that as a sign of a discontinuation to come. Of course, this would be fine with me since that will make the Z33 more "timeless" IMO, but this may not sit well with the Z jihadists (you know who you are).
Oh, well, just some irresponsible speculation; nothing to see here, carry on.
Considering that we're entering the fourth year of the Z33's existence and we've seen plenty of pictures of the new G and Altima coupes but none of the Z, I can't help but take that as a sign of a discontinuation to come. Of course, this would be fine with me since that will make the Z33 more "timeless" IMO, but this may not sit well with the Z jihadists (you know who you are).
Oh, well, just some irresponsible speculation; nothing to see here, carry on.
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Originally Posted by GalvatronType_R
This has probably been covered before but with the impending arrival of the Altima coupe plus the GT-R leads me to believe that Nissan is seriously considering retiring the Z for a few years. I can't think of any other car company that would carry three two door sports cars in their lineup and considering that sports cars are now a niche product, I can't imagine that they would want to keep all three around (four if you count the upcoming new G35 coupe).
Considering that we're entering the fourth year of the Z33's existence and we've seen plenty of pictures of the new G and Altima coupes but none of the Z, I can't help but take that as a sign of a discontinuation to come. Of course, this would be fine with me since that will make the Z33 more "timeless" IMO, but this may not sit well with the Z jihadists (you know who you are).
Oh, well, just some irresponsible speculation; nothing to see here, carry on.
Considering that we're entering the fourth year of the Z33's existence and we've seen plenty of pictures of the new G and Altima coupes but none of the Z, I can't help but take that as a sign of a discontinuation to come. Of course, this would be fine with me since that will make the Z33 more "timeless" IMO, but this may not sit well with the Z jihadists (you know who you are).
Oh, well, just some irresponsible speculation; nothing to see here, carry on.
Keep in mind that the G35 and Altima Coupe are completely different animals from the Z. For one, they are both 4 seaters and the G35 is suited for a totally different group of individuals.
I used to think the increasing size and power of the Altima was the beginning of the end for the Maxima, but it is still there.
I think the Altima Coupe is more for people that may be considering an Accord Coupe.
No worries here, but like you said, it would not be all that bad of a thing if it did happen either. I have mine!
Originally Posted by GalvatronType_R
This has probably been covered before but with the impending arrival of the Altima coupe plus the GT-R leads me to believe that Nissan is seriously considering retiring the Z for a few years. I can't think of any other car company that would carry three two door sports cars in their lineup and considering that sports cars are now a niche product, I can't imagine that they would want to keep all three around (four if you count the upcoming new G35 coupe).
Considering that we're entering the fourth year of the Z33's existence and we've seen plenty of pictures of the new G and Altima coupes but none of the Z, I can't help but take that as a sign of a discontinuation to come. Of course, this would be fine with me since that will make the Z33 more "timeless" IMO, but this may not sit well with the Z jihadists (you know who you are).
Oh, well, just some irresponsible speculation; nothing to see here, carry on.
Considering that we're entering the fourth year of the Z33's existence and we've seen plenty of pictures of the new G and Altima coupes but none of the Z, I can't help but take that as a sign of a discontinuation to come. Of course, this would be fine with me since that will make the Z33 more "timeless" IMO, but this may not sit well with the Z jihadists (you know who you are).
Oh, well, just some irresponsible speculation; nothing to see here, carry on.
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From: Van down by the river
Originally Posted by dbasal
Actually, after seeing the Altima Coupe, I was starting to get a bit excited about what may be in store for a redesign of the Z.
Keep in mind that the G35 and Altima Coupe are completely different animals from the Z. For one, they are both 4 seaters and the G35 is suited for a totally different group of individuals.
I used to think the increasing size and power of the Altima was the beginning of the end for the Maxima, but it is still there.
I think the Altima Coupe is more for people that may be considering an Accord Coupe.
No worries here, but like you said, it would not be all that bad of a thing if it did happen either. I have mine!
Keep in mind that the G35 and Altima Coupe are completely different animals from the Z. For one, they are both 4 seaters and the G35 is suited for a totally different group of individuals.
I used to think the increasing size and power of the Altima was the beginning of the end for the Maxima, but it is still there.
I think the Altima Coupe is more for people that may be considering an Accord Coupe.
No worries here, but like you said, it would not be all that bad of a thing if it did happen either. I have mine!
This goes to show while having many different versions of a four door sedan is financially viable, it just isn't the case with two door sports coupes.
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not gonna happen imo
all signs point to to roughly the follwoing product strategy
08 Z being a carry over of 07 HR and revisions.
08 G coupe will debut. 09 GT-R will arrive in march(ish) 08 and then 09 Z will follow (most likely with 3.8 engine already confirmed to exist) the tokyo motorshow is everyother year for passenger vehicles so this year is the big GT-R release 09 should be Z unless an unexpected surprise pops up.
but without a doubt the Z is a success and they plan to keep the ball rolling
also here is a hint from a recent interview published on nissannews.com
10 Questions With Larry Dominique Vice President, Product Planning and Strategy Department, Nissan North America, Inc. December 1, 2006
1. The latest generation Nissan 350Z, introduced as a 2003 model, is still strong enough to be named Road & Track’s "best enthusiast car under $30,000." But value aside, the Z is giving away its star status in the lineup to the upcoming GT-R. What happens next with the Z and how do you keep it relevant to enthusiast buyers?
As a world-class supercar, the GT-R is the "icon" of the franchise – and its reputation and status will only grow stronger once the next generation hits the global market. But the Z is Nissan’s volume "icon" which helps maintain our brand strength to the mass market.
The current 350Z and 350Z Roadster continue to be well received by sports car buyers. The Z delivers upon the promise of great sports car performance at a "reasonable" price tag. The price of GT-R will keep it above the mass market, but Z is attainable by most. The next generation Z will continue to deliver upon that promise. It will have considerably more performance than the current model and give a visual stimulus beyond today’s Z. This value and performance proposition will be even better than today, continuing an almost 40-year tradition as Nissan’s brand icon
all signs point to to roughly the follwoing product strategy
08 Z being a carry over of 07 HR and revisions.
08 G coupe will debut. 09 GT-R will arrive in march(ish) 08 and then 09 Z will follow (most likely with 3.8 engine already confirmed to exist) the tokyo motorshow is everyother year for passenger vehicles so this year is the big GT-R release 09 should be Z unless an unexpected surprise pops up.
but without a doubt the Z is a success and they plan to keep the ball rolling
also here is a hint from a recent interview published on nissannews.com
10 Questions With Larry Dominique Vice President, Product Planning and Strategy Department, Nissan North America, Inc. December 1, 2006
1. The latest generation Nissan 350Z, introduced as a 2003 model, is still strong enough to be named Road & Track’s "best enthusiast car under $30,000." But value aside, the Z is giving away its star status in the lineup to the upcoming GT-R. What happens next with the Z and how do you keep it relevant to enthusiast buyers?
As a world-class supercar, the GT-R is the "icon" of the franchise – and its reputation and status will only grow stronger once the next generation hits the global market. But the Z is Nissan’s volume "icon" which helps maintain our brand strength to the mass market.
The current 350Z and 350Z Roadster continue to be well received by sports car buyers. The Z delivers upon the promise of great sports car performance at a "reasonable" price tag. The price of GT-R will keep it above the mass market, but Z is attainable by most. The next generation Z will continue to deliver upon that promise. It will have considerably more performance than the current model and give a visual stimulus beyond today’s Z. This value and performance proposition will be even better than today, continuing an almost 40-year tradition as Nissan’s brand icon
Last edited by **; Jan 8, 2007 at 02:10 PM.
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From: Aurora, Colorado
Interesting discussion here; but one critical point is that each of the three cars- the GT-R, the Altima Coupe and the next Z- are aimed at completely different market segments. The GT-R (twin turbo 4WD) will be a car only a select few can afford. The Altima Coupe is almost the opposite: NA I-4 and VQ35DE FWD and at a price point almost smack in the middle of the car buying market. The next Z w/next gen VQ (of unspecified displacement) is RWD and has a different customer base than either the GT-R or Altima Coupe. You can bet Nissan product planners have demographic data out the door on each of these potential markets!
Bottom line: while there's no need to rush the next Z into production, there's ample evidence that its gestation is well advanced! How do i know? Nissan Sport Magazine not only reads tea leaves and has a big crystal ball, but as the saying goes, we have our sources! We plan to keep our readers up-to-date on ALL the latest Z developments...
David Muramoto
Senior Editor
Nissan Sport Magazine
Bottom line: while there's no need to rush the next Z into production, there's ample evidence that its gestation is well advanced! How do i know? Nissan Sport Magazine not only reads tea leaves and has a big crystal ball, but as the saying goes, we have our sources! We plan to keep our readers up-to-date on ALL the latest Z developments...
David Muramoto
Senior Editor
Nissan Sport Magazine
Last edited by dkmura; Jan 8, 2007 at 08:26 PM.
Originally Posted by GalvatronType_R
T I can't think of any other car company that would carry three two door sports cars in their lineup and considering that sports cars are now a niche product, I can't imagine that they would want to keep all three around (four if you count the upcoming new G35 coupe).
uhhhh, what? they arent even aimed at the same target market. Benz and BMW both have multiple 2 door sporty vehicles. the altima coupe a sports car? since when? theres a big difference between a 4 seat sporty coupe and a 2 seat sports car. The Z isnt going to be discountinued, all the marketing and hype theyve built up over the return of the Z and there just gonna scrap it after 4 years? i dont think so, not unless Carlos wants to run the company back into the ground.
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Maxima
Originally Posted by gsazabi
Oh BTW, Nissan should just get rid of Maxima.
The Altima is what Maxima was, so there's no point of Maxima anymore...
The Altima is what Maxima was, so there's no point of Maxima anymore...
Nope. The three cars are not even remotely the same.
Altima coupe has its place for sure; it's a good way to attract Accord coupe buyers looking for a bit more punch.
GT-R is an entirely other animal. Its price category is way above both Altima and Z; its target are the likes of Porsche, Viper, and Z06.
Z was, is, and always will be an "everyman's" sportscar. It has its own place in the automotive world no matter which worldwide market you look at. A Z buyer cannot gravitate towards either of the other two cars in comparison; the characteristics, image, and price ranges are too far apart.
Altima coupe has its place for sure; it's a good way to attract Accord coupe buyers looking for a bit more punch.
GT-R is an entirely other animal. Its price category is way above both Altima and Z; its target are the likes of Porsche, Viper, and Z06.
Z was, is, and always will be an "everyman's" sportscar. It has its own place in the automotive world no matter which worldwide market you look at. A Z buyer cannot gravitate towards either of the other two cars in comparison; the characteristics, image, and price ranges are too far apart.
Last edited by usmanasif; Jan 8, 2007 at 07:40 PM.
Irresponsible speculation is fine as long as it is intelligent.
The 350Z continues to sell about 30,000 units/year. Thats enough to be profitable. Nissan also benefits from buyer switching. In other words the buyer comes to the showroom looking for a 350Z, but walks away with a Altima or Murano.
The 350Z gets their attention.
The 350Z continues to sell about 30,000 units/year. Thats enough to be profitable. Nissan also benefits from buyer switching. In other words the buyer comes to the showroom looking for a 350Z, but walks away with a Altima or Murano.
The 350Z gets their attention.
Last edited by davidv; Jan 8, 2007 at 05:18 PM.
Originally Posted by gsazabi
Oh BTW, Nissan should just get rid of Maxima.
The Altima is what Maxima was, so there's no point of Maxima anymore...
The Altima is what Maxima was, so there's no point of Maxima anymore...
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From: Aurora, Colorado
Originally Posted by JDMFairladyZ33
I think the car that's going to be discontinued soon will be the G35 coupe. The G coupe sits out there like the way the Acura CL did. With the arrival of the Alitma coupe, that car fills the $30+ 2 door niche. And being that the G35 coupe was the Skyline, it's not going to make sense to keep it around when the GT-R comes out.
Again, the GT-R is WAY above the G coupe in both market and price; while the Altima Coupe is the next segment down and targeted at another set of consumers.
Last edited by dkmura; Jan 8, 2007 at 08:25 PM.
Originally Posted by JDMFairladyZ33
No way. The Maxima has been around since 87. Nissan has placed the Maxima in a different niche (alway from the Accord and Camary and in with the TL and Audi) so if they discontinue it the G35 sedan is too small in size and the M35 is too expensive to replace it. I think the car that's going to be discontinued soon will be the G35 coupe. The Z has heritage and history. They'll kill it, bring it back, kill it...etc. The G coupe sits out there like the way the Acura CL did. With the arrival of the Alitma coupe, that car fills the $30+ 2 door niche. And being that the G35 coupe was the Skyline, it's not going to make sense to keep it around when the GT-R comes out.
Originally Posted by Rexy7
To my knowledge the Nissan Maxima has been around since 1982, I know because this was my first car.
I guess you are partially right depending on how you look at it. But point is I didn't know the car went back that far. Googling came up with this:
http://home.earthlink.net/~maxfaq/history.htm
Regardless, the Maxima will never get phased out before the Altima, Z, or G.