Hey guys,

Just my general observation.... from the rumors going around about how much less the new Z will weigh mixed in with some the .... "unique" pictures from japanese magazines of the spyshots of the next Z... the first thing that came to mind was lotus. A car company with unique styling and performance from small engines due to less weight.

Now I'm not exactly saying that the next Z will be a lotus rip off! buttttt yeh it kinda looks and sounds like it.

 

There is simply no way Nissan will be able to get the Z down to Elise like weight. The Elise is purpose built to be small and extremely light, sacrificing in amenities for pure performance.

It's already been stated that the new Z will be an evolutionary step on the current design, so I don't see how it could be made to look like the Lotus either.

 

Agreed. Lotus sells track cars that are street approved, something the Z definately is not. The Z has always been, and always should be a Japanese muscle car.

 

+1

At least Nissan can build a motor that can meet emission standards and not rely on Toyota for a powerplant. I'm sure the new Z will be lighter and more agile, but it won't be in the same league as the Elise IMHO.

 

The 370z would have to be riding on 2 wheels in order to be able to compare with the elise's weight.

 

wow wow wow don't get me wrong I know Nissan isn't building a lotus competitor nor will it ever axe air con, stereo and all the goodies to reduce weight. I was just saying it seems like they've taken a page out of their book in the production of the next Z (assuming it's going to look like the spyshots ) ... just the styling and emphasis on weight loss rang the bell for me.

 

Just one quick question. Is this considered as Z34 or a "minor change" until the all new Z34 comes out?

 

I'd assume this would be the Z34. A whole new powerplant and chassis is definitely not a minor change.