If they shave a couple hundred pounds off it would be nice but how much with a shorter wheel base is the question.

I think nissan created a hit with the Z so they would be stupid to change something that's pretty nice to begin with. yes I have some issues here and there but it's not major.

 

A V-8 Maxima actually makes sense, considering its competition. May be a Nissan version of the M45? that would be nice.

 

Why do we need a shorter wheelbase? The car's small as it is - we don't need to become a Miata. If that's the case, I'm glad I bought the 350Z. I'm happy with its size... If it were smaller, I don't think I'd like it as much.

 

Many manufacturers use the current iteration sheet-metal to retain the secrecy needed before an Auto Show official unveiling. What you see in that picture is the exact model we have now with minor modifications; shorter wheelbase, cut metal (under B-pillars) and modified headlight positioning to account for aforementioned metal resizing.

If you can go back and remember some of the first GT-R test mules were fitted under heavily modified Infiniti G-series (coupe) sheet-metal...




It's easier and definitely more effective than just camoflauging the new model for autoblogs and freelance photographers to have a field day with...

 

I'm sure with the GT-R's imminent arrival on our shores in the not-too-distant future (09), Nissan's looking to further differentiate the two. As it stands now, both the Z and GT-R are sports cars that will be sold under the same moniker (Nissan) and both have somewhat comparable wheelbases and stances. They don't want either eating into each other's sales...

 

That's true enough, but at the same time the cars are vastly different as well. The Z is a RWD 2-Seater, the GT-R is an AWD 4-Seater. The GT-R is also considerably wider than the Z. I'd really prefer not to see our Z made into a compact car rather than a sports car, wouldn't you? I guess we'll just have to wait it out and see what really happens. I can say that I'm satisfied with the car's size right now; in fact, I miss the 300ZX, which was wider overall.

 

I may be in the minority here, but I would actually prefer a smaller Z because it would mean less weight, and consequently better agility and faster lap times. Manufacturers make 2-seaters because it captures the pure essence of "sportiness" in an automobile. Thus, I feel the shortened wheelbase is only logical and appropriate...

 

Correct; that's the one I'm referring to. This car is a drivetrain/platform/chassis/suspension/etc. test platform only and has nothing to do with how the car will actually LOOK, as others stated above. It just shows that we're in for a smaller, lighter, more powerful Z car. My chat with the designer confirms that this IS the next Z in testing and not some akk new model in development.

 

I hope the new Maxima won't be FWD. AWD would be nice.

 

I think it will look pretty close to the model we have now (evolution as opposed to revolution). It's an exciting time to be a Nissan fan with the GT-R about to blow the doors off of every production supercar this shore has ever seen at a fraction of the cost. It seems Nissan has really stepped up their focus on the aftermarket car segment. The Z will undoubtedly have a HP increase, coupled with a lighter chassis and you have the makings of a serious sports car, much like the GT-R...

 

True, not to mention the G37. I think the previous G35 and current 350Z were so similar not by choice but by necessity of shared components. It's going to cost a little more to make the 350Z a little smaller - but they still should be able to share a large number of components.

And then you will have three clearly different cars. If the 350Z is too small for you, get the G37.

I like to see it as a Porsche Cayman beater rather than a Miata.

Or put another way, BMW offers the 335i and the Z4 coupe - two very different cars . . . they don't offer the 335i and then a re-styled version that is similar in size, power, weight etc., but without the back seat and call it a Z4.

A smaller, lighter 350Z is exactly what I'm looking for . . . and if it wasn't, I think I'd be looking at the G37.

 

Good. I didnt like the back roof top gap.

 

WOW, I couldn't have said it clearer myself. A little more separation between the cars would be a good thing. Personally I'm looking for a smaller, sportier version of the car, not 2 seater G37.

 

are those akebono's?

 

v8 on fwd maxima is still ghey... lol

i wonder how much shorter that test z is, can't really tell how much they chopped up... i'd have to see it side by side...

 

This was taken from another post.

 

wow, that's pretty cool overlay, they sure did shorten it much more than i thought...

 

^^^ exactly what i was thinking too

 

you can see differences easier with all the padding and stuff they put on the front and back

 

it looks like the front is becoming more g35ish with the hood dipping more making the headlights protrude out...the back also looks like it's shorter with the hatch becoming parallel closer from the roof towards the back bumper