You all cannot forget. In Japan the Z and Skyline (G35/37) are released at the sametime. So the motors from the Z and Skyline are introduced to their chassis respectfully at the sametime. The V Series Skyline is new in production. It just released in 02. So changes now may come faster than expecting.I think the Cayman was released in 06 and already has DI, a larger engine, and may recieve PDK. Nissan has to keep up with its rivals. Also if anyone has noticed, Nissan is hurting for cash. Not near bankruptcy but they may need to open up some reserves soon.

Also with Nissan's past history of selling factory turbo vehicles their sales were strong. All Skyline GTR's, the 300ZX Z32, the Silvia's when they were in production all sold very well numbers. So for Nissan to be competitive with Honda again and on the focus of Toyota they need to update to DI and TT. It's more fuel efficient, cleaner, and it's where Nissan's potential is at its best. Also lets not forget the Twin Disk Clutches. I believe the G37 has that available now or at least its in the works. Hopefully to stay with competition (the M3's V8, Mercedes V8 etc) and keep balance near 50/50 they develop a TT VQ37for the next Z and make it super pretty again like my 06 Redline so I can buy one again and again.

If they decided to remanufacter the RB26DETT with a Twin Disk clutch, DI, RWD for the Z of course and new turbine geometry for reliability that car would be a monster. Of course just a dream but come on its due back with a vengeance.

 

The 300ZX was available in both NA and TT versions. I wonder what the price difference was??

 

A 'detuned' GTR as a Z/G might be nice. RWD of course to give the GTR a gap still.

 

Very true. I think it was around 10k. The base was priced at 30k and the TT at 40k.

Nissan needs more engine options. The entire car lineup only features the 3.5l and 2.5l. And in a couple years it will be the VQ37. They all do have different power levels but it's the same engine. Think about it. BMW's Z series, 3 series, 5 series, and 6 series all share basically the same platform. Except the 6 series which base engine is the 4.8l. But they have the 3.0l, 3.0TT, 4.0l, 4.8l, 5.0l, 4.4l TT, 3.2l. That's 7 different engines.

Nissan needs more variety. Like they used to do. Make the Z have a N/A motor and TT. Same for the G. Mildly untuned GT-R engines. That would really sell the cars. Don't mass produce them but make them like most cars do their performance varient cars.

How many RS4's are on the road? Alot less than A4's right. Do it like that.

 

BMW also has a HUGE lineup of cars bigger than Infiniti and Nissan together. But Nissans engine lineup isn't as small as just the 2.5, 3.5 and 3.7.

1.8 in the Versa, 2 in the base Sentra, a 4.0 V6 and a 5.6 V8.

3 four cylinders
3 V6s
a V8

edit* also the 4.5l in Infiniti M, 5l in the FX does the 3.8TT for the GTR count?

and I think BMW stopped making the 3.2.

 

But if Nissan wants to compare itself shouldn't it expand its lineup range? Bring back the Silvia perhaps add some more taste. Good point though with the BMW lineup though. It definitely is a bit larger.

 

Maybe if it were a few years ago, but the worst thing right now would be to expand. Ultimately, it would be cool to see a new 240sx or something that goes up against the Toyobaru but right now they should simplify. The lineup is already competitive against most other (non premium) manufacturers. The Z is a money maker and there isn't much down below 25k that detracts from sales.

 

The Nissan lineup is going to get smaller for a while. Also our new 240 replacement has been postponed untill the economy is better. I do look for a car to compete with the celica eventually .

Nissan is not hurting for money. They are willing to accept a low interest loan from the Japanese gov. to give more capitol for nissan/infiniti financial services usa. This would just give the bank more money to loan without using nissan's cash. If toyota and honda can do it, so can nissan.

 

btw D.I. wont be in the Z till mid cycle- 2012