Official Next Gen Z Speculation Thread
when the first nissan Z concept came out i thought it was horribly ugly, but as you can all see, the production version ended up being pure sex, we'll see what they make of his new one
A good-looking sportscar shouldn't change too drastically.
Look at Porsche or even the more common Corvettes.
Look at the last 300ZX (Z32). It was introduced in 1990 and left in 1996 with minor 'add-on' changes to the exterior. The frame and exterior was still the same.
Unlike the G35's, performance is the only thing that needs to keep the Z fresh. It's not a luxury or status car that needs to upgrade it's looks to maintain prestige.
Look at Porsche or even the more common Corvettes.
Look at the last 300ZX (Z32). It was introduced in 1990 and left in 1996 with minor 'add-on' changes to the exterior. The frame and exterior was still the same.
Unlike the G35's, performance is the only thing that needs to keep the Z fresh. It's not a luxury or status car that needs to upgrade it's looks to maintain prestige.
Originally Posted by gsalvatori
yes i do have a problem with the current mondel. I don't like it anymore. I grew over it. I am buying my s4 back from my brother if they don;t come out with a new model in like 3 months.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: SoCal
I just want them to re-engineer it a bit to save weight. I understand why they used as many parts from the common bin as possible, but with the success of the car, I hope they will be motivated to spend a bit more and use lighter weight, non-SUV-derived components to reduce weight.
I like the design, so I don't see them messing with that too much (unlike Subaru's where people buy them inspite of their looks). But, some weight reduction would be GREATLY appreciated.
I like the design, so I don't see them messing with that too much (unlike Subaru's where people buy them inspite of their looks). But, some weight reduction would be GREATLY appreciated.
Originally Posted by Rampant
I just want them to re-engineer it a bit to save weight. I understand why they used as many parts from the common bin as possible, but with the success of the car, I hope they will be motivated to spend a bit more and use lighter weight, non-SUV-derived components to reduce weight.
I like the design, so I don't see them messing with that too much (unlike Subaru's where people buy them inspite of their looks). But, some weight reduction would be GREATLY appreciated.
I like the design, so I don't see them messing with that too much (unlike Subaru's where people buy them inspite of their looks). But, some weight reduction would be GREATLY appreciated.
+1
The car is great...looks, engine....
Just down the weight and everthing will follow suit. Unfortunately the bean-counters at Nissan won't move that direction. They're trying to sell as many 'comfortable' cars as they can to all the Joe-Schmoe 'me too' folks out there.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 205
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by 35oZephyR
They're trying to sell as many 'comfortable' cars as they can to all the Joe-Schmoe 'me too' folks out there.
Besides, a lighter car gets better gas milage -- and everyone wants better gas milage these days, right?
I am just trying to come up with any excuse to get a lighter car past the bean counters.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: New York, NY
Hey everyone, new poster here. 
Just wanted to share my thoughts on what I thought the new Z would be like.
1. Probably stick with a variant of the VQ35, with a displacement increase to 3.7 or 3.8 liters. I think others have said this. I think a major bump in displacement or a switch to a V8 won't be well received, not with gas prices the way they are.
2. I think turbocharging is out, too. Aside from enthusiasts, most people don't and won't complain about a ~320HP output. Plus, a turbo application is bound to significantly increase the price and I think the affordability and fuel economy of the Z is something Nissan wants to maintain. Plus, it's more than RX8 and S2K (and prob. S2K's replacement).
3. I think the styling will just be an update of the current model. I almost can't believe the current design is from 2001. It still looks pretty fresh.
4. I don't see the car getting lighter. Cars don't seem to be able to get lighter (with a few exceptions), not when new safety regulations seem to keep getting passed.
5. I do think the new model will get a basic backseat. I guess that means the big strut brace goes away.
6. I'd bet Nissan puts in a paddle-shifted automatic (not semiauto).
7. I'd bet there is push-button start with Intelligent keys.
8. Bluetooth, definitely.
9. AWD isn't happening either.
Just my guesses. I just don't think the new car will be revolutionary. What I would really have liked to see is a physically smaller, lighter Z, with a ~3.2L higher-revving variant of the VQ35, something really distinct from the G35. But that'll require a whole new platform, and that's definitely not going to happen. Either that or a cheaper variation on the GTR, but that wouldn't be in the spirit of the Z line.
What year is the new model supposed to arrive? 2009? 2010?
Just wanted to share my thoughts on what I thought the new Z would be like.1. Probably stick with a variant of the VQ35, with a displacement increase to 3.7 or 3.8 liters. I think others have said this. I think a major bump in displacement or a switch to a V8 won't be well received, not with gas prices the way they are.
2. I think turbocharging is out, too. Aside from enthusiasts, most people don't and won't complain about a ~320HP output. Plus, a turbo application is bound to significantly increase the price and I think the affordability and fuel economy of the Z is something Nissan wants to maintain. Plus, it's more than RX8 and S2K (and prob. S2K's replacement).
3. I think the styling will just be an update of the current model. I almost can't believe the current design is from 2001. It still looks pretty fresh.
4. I don't see the car getting lighter. Cars don't seem to be able to get lighter (with a few exceptions), not when new safety regulations seem to keep getting passed.
5. I do think the new model will get a basic backseat. I guess that means the big strut brace goes away.
6. I'd bet Nissan puts in a paddle-shifted automatic (not semiauto).
7. I'd bet there is push-button start with Intelligent keys.
8. Bluetooth, definitely.
9. AWD isn't happening either.
Just my guesses. I just don't think the new car will be revolutionary. What I would really have liked to see is a physically smaller, lighter Z, with a ~3.2L higher-revving variant of the VQ35, something really distinct from the G35. But that'll require a whole new platform, and that's definitely not going to happen. Either that or a cheaper variation on the GTR, but that wouldn't be in the spirit of the Z line.
What year is the new model supposed to arrive? 2009? 2010?
Official 2008 350Z Discussion Thread.
Official 2008 350Z Discussion Thread.
Only 12 Months to go until the 2008 350Z hits showroom floors.
Lets chart the changes and plug in any info we can find.
*Can we get a sticky for this?*
Only 12 Months to go until the 2008 350Z hits showroom floors.
Lets chart the changes and plug in any info we can find.
*Can we get a sticky for this?*
Now hood bumps are at each side since it comes with twin supercharger.