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The current 370Z has not enjoyed quite the same success as the 2002 350Z, which revived the Z car reputation and sold well in the U.S., Japan and Europe. "The next one has to have a stronger impact," says Nakamura.
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One would think Nissan learned a lesson in 1996 w/ the 300ZX.
The 350Z came out at an excellent time. The economy was doing well, big bulky SUVs were becoming unpopular, and people wanted sport cars again. When the 350Z debuted, it was competing in the same market as the S2000, Miata, MR2 Spyder, SLK, and Z4. For those who were interested in owning a 2-seater sports car, the Z33 was a breath of fresh air.
I don't think Nissan could take 100% of the blame for the tepid commercial success of the 370Z. The Z34 is better than the Z33 in pretty much every way. But due to the current economic climate and changing consumer preferences, car manufacturers really need to innovate to stay on top. One thing that hasn't changed though, people still want sport cars. So whatever Nissan comes out w/ in 2015, lighter and leaner, it better be freaking awesome.