There are rumors that some auto supplier companies are being requested by Nissan to start designing components for the next Z engine.

Don't know what other Nissan models this engine will be installed in, but it definitely is going into the Z.

The only spec that I heard is the torque parameter.
The new engine will be spec'd at 500 newton-meters, which is about 1.4 times the current output of the 3.5 liter (which I believe is about 360 Nm). Don't know what the engine displacement will be. Nor is there any indication of which model year the new powerplant will be released, but it seems logical that it will be out sometime in late 2004 or 2005. Also heard that it is not turbo or supercharger enhanced so the power function will be very smooth.

But here's the kicker-----it will very likely have an automatic stick shift like the new Audi TT 3.2, with the faster-than-stick twin clutch trani. Check out the reviews of the direct sequential gearbox (DSG) for the Audi 3.2 TT.......sounds way cool.


So hold on to your racing harnesses.... there is more performance coming. Maybe it'll have F1 shift paddles, too.