Firebase99

The Z35 will be here by 2017, 18 at the latest. Its always been a "parts bin" sports car, this one will be no different. Take transmission from this, chassis from here, this engine. its what keep the costs down.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Gotta respond to this one, it's so far off-base. The FM platform was originally designed for multiple vehicles and both the Z33 and Z34 have used it effectively. Look at the engineering changes between the first gen Z33 and the '07-08 models and it's clear Nissan didn't just throw a bunch of parts haphazardly together. Platform engineering is a accepted practice many car manufacturers have followed in the past two decades.

As far as the next Z being produced by 2017, you're dreaming. We might see some concept models being shown to gauge public response by that time, but that's about it. Nissan is taking their time to study what the next Z should be and the economic facts back that approach.

35th4me

I'm really hoping the next model raises the bar high. Can't wait to see it.

Alloy_475

I see a lot of new Camaro's, Challenger's and Mustang's on the road but those cars are keeping stride with their lineage. In my opinion Z sales would be stronger if they had kept performance inline with these other 'sports cars'... but the Z was never meant to be a brute, and it's gotten too fat and heavy.

As for the future....i agree with those who say it's a toss up. Which way do you go to please a fickle, changing and cynical car buyer segment?

Mazda has only sold around 6,000 of the new MX-5, it may be the last one too.

SoCal_VQ

Nissan doesn't need to do re design the Z just bring back the twin turbo Z edition similar to the 300zx and life will be good

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

If only life were that simple. But the reasons for the demise of 300ZX TT were that it had become too expensive, "fat and heavy" (per Alloy475). The Z needs time to reinvent itself, and that's exactly what Nissan appears to be doing- taking its own sweet time.

Firebase99

2 liter 4 banger turbo at 300/300 at 3k pounds starting at $30K. NISMO with 3 liter V6 with snails at 420/350 at 3300 pounds starting at $38K, by 2017. And....go!!!

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Dude...stop. Why would you persist in thinking that a new Z car is coming out by 2017? If you've been around for awhile, you know how Nissan operates. They put out a styling exercise a few years in advance and followup with an almost production ready model a year later. Then the REAL production model hits the car shows before production starts, so they get 2-3 bites of the apple before the car actually arrives.

So far, there's been nothing...unless you think that European GRIPZ models was the prototype for the next Z car. I sure as hell hope not! But past history and solid economic reasoning aside, what makes you think Nissan is ready to launch a new Z car in 13-15 months!?

Firebase99

Im just assuming/hoping the Z35 will chase the new Q in time frame.

35th4me

http://www.motorward.com/2015/11/dat...d-on-fiat-124/

Very nice concept.

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

I know this is a pipe dream, but I personally would buy the next gen Z if they tweaked the S30 body style and chassis and brought everything else up to current standards (i.e. interior, safety, engine, suspension, brakes). I love the old Z and how a lot of people are making hybrids or retro-mods. It would be interesting to see new S30's in production with all the modern amenities.

But that's just me.

35th4me

Smooth I'm with you. I'd really like to see the car return to something closer to the S30.

nizmo_0385

iTrader: (5)

Same!/

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Shiro Nakamura, Nissan Senior VP and Global Design Chief, has stated that one design study for a future Z has been to return to its roots and make it a smaller, simpler car. But before anybody gets too excited, it's also clear that there are issues for the company, chief among them the lack of a small(er) RWD chassis. The Z33 and Z34 relied on the FM platform, but future development may not allow this.

But whether it's a mid-engine or RWD platform, the brutal truth is that the R&D costs just don't add up for a model with such low sales. For Nissan to spend millions on such a platform, there would have to be other spin-off models to help spread the costs. The next Q50 coupe looks like it'll be more complex and expensive, so that's probably going in a different direction.

Nakamura's latest comments seem to indicate the Z remains a project on the back burner. Again, not a surprise given the economic priorities the company has set for the near future (1-5 years). Even a limited production sedan model like the Maxima could be refreshed another generation (and justify them in sales) before a new Z makes it to production.

MicVelo

I, unfortunately, have to agree with David on this - and that, despite the rhetorical thinking/dreaming I put forth early in this thread about a "new Z".

But yes, *drool* over the possibility - however remote - of a return to an S30 like car. 2800#, 10:1 power to weight ratio, 6 speed, 4.10 rear gear.... independent all around with cockpit adjustable roll stiffness, 16#-17s with gumball tires...

Would trade my Nismo in for one in a minute.

But that's automotive self abuse so I'll stop before I have to shave my palms.....

Sunset350ZR

iTrader: (6)

I don't want to spend the search energy to look us the specs on the platform of the Idx model they shelved, but a smaller Z and other small models could use the same platform. Like others, I would love a modern S30. Unfortunately I think all of this is wishful thinking at best. So many of the 16 to 30 year olds I see have little car enthusiast spirit and some don't drive or want to drive.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Don't waste any energy trying to find and platform specs on the IDx, you won't find any. Concept cars are like that- built out of a hacked together chassis for the sole purpose of putting a styling concept on display.

But your last sentence holds a key as to why the next Z isn't much of a priority. The next generation doesn't seem to have much vision or enthusiasm for sportscars. As you say, they don't drive or have much of a wish to drive. That fundamentally changes how all car companies, including Nissan, have to view their future products. The Z was once a halo car for the lineup, and brought new buyers to showrooms even if they couldn't buy one. Now we're faced with a generation that would rather stay on their burners and use mass transit and Uber when necessary.

Yet another brutal truth...

Sunset350ZR

iTrader: (6)

Agreed

35th4me

Begrudgingly I'll have to concur.

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

Basically, if Nissan stops making the Z because of cost issues, then that means our Z will be even that more desirable.

*keepsfingerscrossed*

Not saying I'd enjoy that little fact, but if they really do have major issues with investing that kind of money into a new line of Z's because of lack of interest, then so be it.