The sky isn't falling.
They aren't going to build a FR-S fighter out of the Z and they aren't going to build a V8 Z either.
Expect something like the current gen, maybe 50 kg or so lighter with either a DI VQ or possibly a turbo 4 option. Designwise, I suspect the latest iteration of the Nismo Z offers some clues -- sleeker but prettier and with new amenities options. THAT, technically, would be a idx/Z combo. There's no need to have too much re-imagined Datsun 510 DNA in the design...
A lighter Z that offers major performance for a reasonable price is still the gameplan -- not a significantly slower cone dodger OR new overmuscled Jaguar coupe fighter. That prediction is consistent with everything anyone from Nissan has said -- including the latest commentary.
There's also a new Mx-5 that was just revealed -- maybe that will go head to head with the FR-S, but not the Z.
I predict it will continue to be a bit pricier than the FR-S with a lot much punch and a bit pricier than the pony car line up with a bit nicer finish.
Right now, everybody on board for a new Z has the current one -- they aren't going to radically change the formula. It's easier to nudge down the price and nudge up the power than reinvent the wheel.
The BRZ is on its way out and the FR-S is going to desperately need a refresh -- it is NOT on anyone's radar. Excitement over the twins (soon to be a solo act) is still Scion hype. I have yet to find one FR-S driver who doesn't lament its lack of torque. Another iteration like that, it will disappear.
The FR-S is basically the rebirth of the Celica -- and as much as I adore the Celica (having owned THREE of them), it is not anything the Z has ever had to compete with. They refelct totally different classes and pricepoints. All I (or anyone else on here should) care about as far as Toymoco is the possibility of that Supra making it to production. THAT could be a game changer for the Z (or maybe the GT-R?), but the FR-S is not.
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Enjoy it. Destroy it.
Last edited by Jordo!; 10-10-2014 at 05:05 PM.
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