Regarding the talk of a 304hp base model, I think this means we'll see the return of the VQ35 into the Z. Longitudinal version of what we've seen start in the Maxima and proliferate through the Pathfinder, QX60, Murano, and Altima. This also means that the VQ37 will be completely finished by 2018 after the exit of the 370Z and Infiniti QX50. End of an era, indeed.
My concern is that the base V6 model may be the only place to find a manual transmission if one is offered. I absolutely hope to be wrong here, but I can see that fitting. Hopefully Nissan realizes that at least the 304hp and 400hp version of the car absolutely require a manual. A hybrid version making 500hp-ish... I can see the case where they stick to using the DCT exclusively. Come to think of it, I can't think of any car south of $100k that offers a manual transmission mated to a hybrid configuration at all.
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