I just can't fathom a V8 in the Z though. I'd rather see a TT over that.

 

There is no way a TT will be an option nor a V8. The Z has always been a 6. Its kinda what makes a Z a Z. Throwing a turbo, or two jacks the price, base $40K+. Lose 100LBS+, throw in a 330HP 3.7 and it will be fine. More than fine. I love the practically "maintenance free" non-turbo engine. The car is quick and fast now, throw another 30 horse, drop 100 and...it will be even more fun than it already is!! All for under $31K.

 

I want to see a smaller, 3000lbs Z with a 350HP/295ft/lbs 3.8L NA V6 for under 30k and I'd buy one in a second. IMHO the current Z is too large for a 2 seater car, hell, my wife's 2007 3.5SE altima looks like it's not much bigger than the Z and it only weighs in at 3300lbs. Compare the 350z to an older 240z and you'll see how large of a car the 350 is.

 

The M3 went to V8 after being I6 all those years I think we can do it.

 

You pretty much said what I feel.....I too have said in the past that the Z looks ponderous especially with the wheel sizes it came with 03-06....It looks more porportioned with the 07 track wheels 18/19.....There are a few goofy angles thats one of the main reasons I chose 20 incher to fill the wheel wells and add some porportion to the car...Not the ideal size rim for performance but aesthetically it fixed a visual problem I had with the stocker....Absolutely hated seeing the car from the back as the tires were soooo skinny and tucked in the body work....I think BMW captures the visual punch better than most any other mfg...M3/M5 even the regular models have the right drop and offset to geve that mean stance for maximum visual impact.....Nissan needs to adopt this visual style....

 

as well as put it on a diet... but when platform sharing it cannot be helped.

that is the only downfall of the Z: it's SUV roots... lol. the car just cannot lose a substantial amount of weight, because it's the chassis that is the porky part as it is adopted across multiple platforms with different load requirements.

if they dedicate a chassis, or possibly just steal if from a lighter car, maybe the GTR platform, chopped, etc... it could be a better starting point. 300whp with about 400 pounds less would be terrific. power is not everything.

 

I hope Nissan stops selling the Z for awhile. Then in 2012 or so comes out with
another Z and just call it Z or Fairlady Z to end the constant change of numbers.
Also to make it a revolutionary Twin Turbo sports car. Hopefully a higher
cost won't matter to me by then. I loved the way they went with the 300zx TT.
Mabye because that was the new Z I saw on the street growing up. Either way I
think the TT route was best. They could always make a new silvia to have a more
affordable sports car.

 

They need a true base or a true track model. I.e. no air, crank windows, no power locks, no radio, ect...... That is the cheapest way for factory weight reduction.

 

As ar as performance itself, probably. Everything else, definately not. Only those who seek a car with performance as a priority might consider them competitors. Everyone else (general population) would probably have a clueless face if you stated your point about them as competitors.

The 135i will surely be a great performer. Too bad I can't say the same about its looks. And its already confirmed that with all the options added, it will surpace $50K Yes, American dollars, not yens or pesos.

.

 

If they smooth the lines a bit, add maybe 10(or more! ha) horsepower and increase chassis rigidity, I think it'd make a great difference and probably wouldn't add too much to the price like reducing weight would.

 

Reducing weight doesn't necessarily mean increasing the cost. All they have to do is shrink the car a bit. Drop 6-8 inches off the wheel base and your practically there. In fact they wouldn't even have to shrink the cabin space if the shaved off the useless area between the cabin and the rear strut bar and maybe lose the spare. Who wouldn't trade that space in exchange for 200+lbs off the weight?

 

In my opinion, I wish this forum would stop talking about the "370z" when you have no idea whether or not it will be called "370z"

 

^lol.

and why is everyone so hot for a TT setup? the stock NA Z is as fast as a stock 300zx TT... sure, the mod ability is there for the 300zx, but they are a PITA to work on, cost, heavier, HICAS, interior, wheel fitment, etc...

the Z is superior in every single way to the 300zx besides maybe subjective looks.

get off the TT nuts... NA is the way to go.

 

Nissan should go TT to drive the price to 40k for the Base

 

Here is why I see a good potential for competition. And I don't think the public will be oblivious to it.

1) Money: Base model starts below $36K (and they are all TT). Close to a Z's price.
2) Looks: It looks average. Nothing particularly striking, positive or negative. Not beautiful like a Z, and not embarrassingly hideous or adolescent like a turbo rice box.
3) Performance: Overall, they will be similar. +/- a little (give and take) in different areas. But TT adds a lot of TQ. And the TQ will get big plusses on a test drive.
4) Aftermarket mods: $1000 can easily buy 75-100 more HP on a TT. ...This is not possible on a NA engine. A good segment of market (people like you and me) will buy a car knowing full well they want to modify it. The auto magazines will do write ups and comparisons of this aspect. Tuners will read up on it and experiment with it.
5) Image: The brand name carries significant marketing weight. A lot of people will buy the name if only as a tie breaker.
6) 4 Seats: This will open up a very big slice of market. Not many people will object to having 4 seats but a lot of people can't buy a 2 seater. The wife and kid won't let them. ...Think of all the guys who wanted a Z but couldn't get it because the wife laid down the law. They went and bought G35's.

These are all things people will seriously consider when buying a new sports car. The public will be prudent when it comes time to evaluate all the reasons. They will look at everything and they will unavoidably consider the 135i if they are looking at a Z.

 

I disagree.

 

That's it? Come on Tom. Spell out some reasons.

Sure there are differences, but what will make them so different that they aren't competition?

 

I had been considering the 135i, but have pretty much crossed it off my list once the details came out.

That $36,000 is an absolute base, base model of the 135i with "leatherette". If you want leather, a nice stereo and a few other things you'd expect in a car in this price range, you'll be at 40K easy.

I think if the 135i is even close to the Z on performance, it's because you're comparing a brand new model to a Z that's been around for a while.

I agree that the brand-name does a lot. BMW's have been selling overpriced models for a while now (I say that as a former owner of a Z4 and 3-series).

If I wanted a back-seat, I think I'd take a G-37 or WRX STi over the 135i. As it is, I don't need a back-seat, so I'm looking at the 350z (and hoping the new model will be out sooner rather than later . . . with performance that will bury the 135i).

I had been hoping for lower weight and lower price on the 135i. If it had come out where I was hoping on either or both of those items, I'd be seriously considering it now, but I've pretty much lost interest when the same money will get me a similar weight, better equiped G37.

 

OK I'll bite, Hydrazine

the simple fact is that it isn't a sports car and thus should not be compared as you are. I think it would be a better competitor for the G37 in price and equip.

close, but more. and again, that is base model. a base model Z starts much much lower. 35k would be a top line coupe to me.

I personally love the car... so much like the 2002. and it really is hideous in traditional sense. people who are looking for the Z (sadly) mostly get it for two reasons I have noticed: looks and price. performance comes in third for most buyers (evidenced by roadster and AT sales...) the 1 series is not styled like a sports car... not even a little. it more resembles an Evo than a Z.

again, from the magazine articles I have seen, I am not expecting to be impressed by anything less than the Tii model... if they come out with it. it is super heavy for such a small car and the wheelbase looks short... but it could be a hoot to drive, who knows... that has been BMW's ace in the hole forever.

nothing for a BMW is 1k but floormats! I would say $2-3k and you are right as shown by the 335i... but 2-3k will also buy you a nitrous setup for the Z that will still dust it or a nice set of coilovers and an exhaust. this mod value is all subjective. it certainly didn't help Supra sales when it was new...

true, but the simple fact is that the car is not sexy to most people... if any. that holds alot of marketing weight. people love the fact the Z looks like a higer end sports car, a porsche, vetter, S2000, ferrari... a single purpose, bred for speed car. not a family car with a hootin' engine.

the car is also not a japanese car. this puts the car into a different market... the Euro tuners... which will LOVE this car. I think the car would take away more sales from the R32, S4 sales than the Z...

again, if you are looking for 4 seats, you aren't looking for a z. the simple fact is the Z's performance, even by current and old standards has been just average. there are plenty of alternative 4 seaters that are as fast if not more... evo, STi, S4, GTO, G35... yet people take the two seater because of the driving thrill and style.

as I said, a better competitor you could've chosen would have been the G37, but a) it's going to out perform the 1 series, b) it's bigger, c) it's classier and it's the same price as a decently equipped 1 series... I don't see much competition unless they are a label *****... and Infiniti is doing well in that regard.

 

TT or V8 or a real weight reduction. I'll take any of it.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Nissan makes some really substantial improvements in the next Z.

If they do, I'll pre-order ASAP.