It's because consumers cannot afford a 370Z. Back when the 350Z was introduced, people thought they were rich due to the housing boom, and many of these cars were bought with home mortgages, helocs, refis, cash back low interest arms, etc, on houses that were way overvalued. Now reality has set in, and very few people can afford a $40k (with tax and steep discount), along with their mortgage. Something like 35% of home mortgages are upside down right now (owners owe more than the market value), how do you expect them to buy a new very expensive luxury car? Banks are tigher with money after getting burned by the housing bust. It has everything to do with the economy and the timing of the car's release.
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