Got this from another forum...

Nissan to cut weight by 15-percent by 2015

As enthusiasts, it's easy to get caught up in horsepower and torque figures, but weight remains the ultimate buzz kill for performance. The last twenty years has brought huge advances in technological and safety features, but the downside is that we've been tacking on the pounds in the process. Nissan has recognized this and is setting a course to rectify matters by attempting to lower the average weight of its vehicles by 15-percent in the next seven years when compared to its 2005 lineup.

Nissan's goal is to make use of more lightweight materials, rethink its vehicle design and get suppliers in on the action by setting efficiency targets for the parts they produce.

Considering the 350Z tips the scales at just under 3,517 pounds, which means Nissan is looking to shave just over 500 pounds from the coupe's curb weight. That's going to make for an impressive power-to-weight ratio and even more compelling driving dynamics. Hopefully, the cost of lightweight materials will decrease as their popularity grows and it won't be too long before carbon fiber begins to find its way into more mainstream automobiles.

[Source: DowJones]

 

ummm.... or they just shrink the 350z by 15%

its true, smaller Z in the 09, already confirmed

 

I thought that was not to be a Z, but a continuation of the SX line?

 

Best news I've heard all year!


. . . granted I haven't heard much new yet this year, but still . . .

 

By whom?

 

Nissan needs 8 yrs to figure out how to do this? wow

 

Not official confirmation, just speculative. Wheelbase of purported 350Z test mule looked to be clearly shortened. It might not be 15% but anything around 10% is still good news...

 

umm....try 3,197.

 

I thought the redesign was pushed back to 2011? Didn't Road and Track have an article about it?

 

That's the way things work in the auto world. There are models now that we haven't seen yet that are in the final stages of design. Those models will likeley have model runs of 5-7 years once they actually arrive, so their succesors won't be here with the weight reduction for another 8 years.

 

Don't worry.

If Nissan figures out how to cut 500 pounds, members will figure out how to add 600 pounds of fibreglass and audio equipment. We will not be deterred!

 

HAHAH!!!


It's the AMERICAN way... add more weight! :-)

 

Okay. Not sure why you wrote "already confirmed" if now you're saying it's speculation which is all it is currently. It's doubtful the car will either shrink and/or lose 10% weight in one generation. The 15% refers to an average of all Nissans over a 7 year time frame.

 

sorry to change the topic a bit...didnt wanna start a new thread...
a quick fact (im sure all of you know but js putting it in numbers)

1 gallon of gasoline weighs about 6.5lbs, 20gallon gas tank = 130lbs!

so keeping it at half tank would reduce weight by 65lbs!

not bad when everyone talks about 10-15lb reduction wid expensive mods...

just my $0.02