Which is why I have 100% confidence in the accuracy of the info from my inside source who says that the next Z will likely have a 400+ horsepower V8.

However, I've been told that it won't be a VK57 motor like the 420 horsepower version used in the Infiniti M sedan. My source said it will be a new motor, more compact in size and approximately 5.0 liters displacement.

I was also told that the styling will be reminiscent of the older 300ZX with a longer nose and more overhang past the wheels compared to a Z33 and Z34.

 

Twin turbo hybrid for 2012.

Estimated 350 horsepower. Boost is selectable. You can run 175 horsepower with boost OFF or 350 horsepower with boost ON. That's the latest from Japan.

 

Its possible they might de-tune the direct injected VK45DE used in their GT cars. Even massively de-tuned, it could easily see 400 horses is base trim and upwards of 450 for a Nismo car. However, this would infringe upon the GTR's supremacy and could dilute the familiy tree (Nissan accountants won't like but is ok with me). But I'm a little leary of them using an engine that has been around since 2002. Also this would more than likely kill the USDM GTR with it's slumping sales (due to recent economic issues).

Which brings an intresting thought, wounldn't it be nice to see a step in the other direction.... Not too far but a little bit in the direction of the Lotus Elise/Exiges. A smaller (not by much) and much lighter (2800-2950 nice target) car with only moderate increases in power from a direct injected VQ (360-380). Ah, they could truly market against a Caymen S and be taken seriously if done right. This would keep the line separation distinct between the GTR and itself and possibly a WIN WIN lineup. They could also build it as a serious and capable track car for the SOLO and SCCA guys if a little pre-thought is given to it.

 

But the 2012 GTR is getting a 45 horsepower bump to 530 horsepower, thus creating space in the Nissan lineup for a 400 horsepower Z. The GTR is clearly aimed at remaining competitive with the Porsche 911 Turbo, and now Nissan has their sights on the V8 Mustang and Camaro with the next Z.

I highly doubt a detuned version of the VK45 race motor will be used in the next Z.

 

Rude G: I agree with your insight, also, for the Green Eco minded ness, why not an MDC?, running 6 cyl during cruise mode. I direct injection V8 400+ (nismo 420hp) hp would be very nice. Nissan should aim their target at BMW M3 not the Cayman S. If Ford can come out with a potent 5.0 why not nissan?

...people on this site has already done a LS2 swap!!!..can you hear us Nissan??

 

I won't contribute to rumors, but I will spit out what I would like to see....


DI, low displacement (4.0-4.5l) , and high revving.....something along the power lines of the E92 M3.

Keep the 6mt w/rev match....and have an option for dual clutch, flappy paddle.

 

420z Twin Turbo!!!!

 

Would be ohhh so nice. Never felt Nissan's dual clutch so can't comment on that, but like the idea.

 

Many rumors floating around that the 2012 370's will get direct injection pushing output to approx 355. It has already been confirmed that DI is coming to the G37, so this seems to be a likely scenario.

 

good news to hear, i anticipate the Z will follow suit as well

 

Direct injection is long overdue. I think the ZX model should come back. 400ZX. 4.0 2+2 or 2 seater. T-tops. It would be pretty sweet if they did a retro style based on the S30s too. S30 Z car styling, ZX badges, and newschool hotness. I'm dreaming.

 

Anyone see this? Looks like a Z to me!

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/02/09...ance-to-genev/

 

To me, it seems more like the discontinuation of the Z. Looks like they're going with a lighter engine and chassis.. Sort of looks like a z4.

 

Interesting. It does look a little Z4-ish from the back, with the rear lights like the 370Z, but the side profile is all 240Z and 370Z.

I'd rather the Z be this than have a diesel, although Audi has shown that a diesel can work in a sports car.

Since Mr. K said that the MX-5 is the car that is currently closes to the concept of the original Z, I do hope that the car continues to lose weight and get smaller as it did from the 350Z to the 370Z.

 

My hope would be for complete platform change. I'd love to own the last generation of 6 cylinder Z cars. If they go higher HP suspect the car will be bigger. If they go alternate power sources such as Diesel or Hybrid thats good too.

More likely they go with DI higher output motor however. I dont see huge performance changes however as they cant afford a car that will beat GTR to enter low end market segment.

 

I also dont think V8 is possible due to fuel economy standards that Nissan must meet in all countries where they import. Entry level V8 sports car probably isnt in the plans.

 

Remember guys, I wouldn't expect to see a platform/engine change for at least a good 3-5 years. That's a long way down the pipeline. Its pretty much a given DI will be in the 370 within 2 years with outputs in the 350 hp (conservatively) all the way up to 400 hp with some supporting updates (although very unlikely). But the bottom-line, if you're in the market for a new car don't expect a Mustang-beater anytime soon. If we are lucky we may get a DI spec'd car that can close the gap in engine performance but that's about it.

 

All these statements suggesting that a higher performance Z with ~400hp would infringe on the GT-R are absolutely silly. That's like asserting that a Camaro SS would be detrimental to the Z06 Vette. Hell... instead Chevy seems to be moving forward with a 556 horsepower supercharged Z28 model.

Read up on the 2012 GT-R... 530 horsepower, 0-60 times consistently at 3.0 seconds with a best of 2.886 seconds, and a price increase to $90K.

Anyone who thinks a $40K Z with a 400 horsepower V8 would be too competitive with the new GT-R... is smoking CRACK!!! Other car manufacturers have model lines that include models in both the 400 and 500 horsepower range. It's ridiculous to say that Nissan can't or shouldn't do the same... especially with such apples to oranges differences between the Z and the GT-R.

 

DI definitely looks promising with the VQ37. Hyundai recently DI'd the 3.8L V6 in the Genesis sedan and it went from 290hp/264tq to 333hp/291tq. Hopefully the VQ37 will get similar gains and go from 330hp/270tq to somewhere near 370hp~/300tq~.

 

Thats nice still aint happening. Me thinks someone else has been sipping the bong water to think an entry level Japanese sports car would be sporting a lightweight V8. 370Z still isnt a pony car. Youre going see turbos or electic assist before you see extra cylinders. Perhaps Infiniti might have a lazy G coupe with a V8 but it doesnt make sense to put V8 in entry level car like the Z.