most of you are ignoring a simple fact that you need to take into account ....taxes. In the US we do not pay a tax for higher displacement engines. No difference if you buy a 4 pot, v6 or v8. In Europe and Asia, they are very heavily taxed for these things. Their cost to own a car is easily 3-4 times what Americans pay (higher insurance costs/ taxes/higher gas prices) Since the Z is a "world" brand and not specifically catering to the US, it will be designed to be "affordable" for the world. historically its always been an affordable sports car (not including Z32 TT), and that's how they will keep it.
I don't think the Z needs a v-8. sure it adds lots of power, but then the Z gets heavy, and even worse balance. what they need to do is keep the v-6, lower the displacement and put single or twin turbo. Honesly, if they would just make the Z <3000 lbs they don't even have to change the engine much (just give it the standard 15-20 hp bump). The Z's competition will always be BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster S/cayman S (& R as well).
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2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee
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