Quote:
Originally Posted by RicerX
While I enjoyed your rant, let me help you 
The Q50 3.7L came into being with the same wheelbase as the outgoing G37 while being a couple inches longer (junk in the trunk and longer hood). It's a lower and wider car than the G37 and still barely managed to weigh within punching distance of the G by a few pounds (I believe its within 50lbs trim to trim). The platform is improved in rigidity over the one that underpins the current 370Z as well.
The Q50 also offers a NON SORCERER version of a steering system. It's electronically assisted power steering, but it's a real steering column and everything - that's how I ordered mine. A stripper Q50S RWD - no spare or anything. No goofy steering - just a regular *** rack and pinion setup. This is the base option for all Q cars - the Direct Adaptive Steering is optional. The auto mags would have you think otherwise since none of them apparently have the balls to ask for a Q50 without that system equipped, and then they **** on the car for having it equipped and not liking it. Motor Trend pissed me off with that review, but I digress.
On to the weight stuff - The Q50S RWD with no nav or tech weighs 3666 pounds with the cast Enkei 19s and run flats. That wheel and tire combination is 62lbs. 30lbs of that is the run flat tires (THEY SUCK). Swap to Michelin PSS and lose 5lbs per corner just with tires. Switch to the optional Rays wheel package on the 2015? Drop another 10lbs per corner. There's 60lbs in weight savings with just wheels and tires, and this particular setup you can expect to see equipped on a next gen Z's sport package. (to give you further perspective, the Q50S RWD pulled 0.86g on the skidpad with the Enkeis and Dunlop runflats equipped, and turned around to 0.95g on the skidpad with only adding the Rays wheel package... the chassis is exceptionally capable on this car).
A lot of the specs you see from the Q60 are the AWD version (extra weight), with all the tech bits we won't see in the Z. None of the current Q50/60 cars offer a forged lightweight wheel. They all have leather seating with climate control and multiple points of adjustment. All have sunroofs (most of the time, that's another 50lbs). All have more sound-deadening materials than you'll see in a Z (hell, drive a G37 and drive a 370Z right after and you can tell that difference). The Q50 has something silly like 10 or 12 speakers in the Bose system that's in it with an amplifier mounted into the rear deck. They both have that crazy InTouch system that adds serious weight, but I don't know if I can discount that as being unavailable in the next Z as some buyers want all that tech. (though mine is hilariously overdone since I don't have Nav)
Bottom line, I really don't see a 3300-ish lb version of the next gen Z to be outside of the realm of possibility. The VR30 with its turbos mounted is only 18lbs heavier than the VQ37... the absence of a lot of plush in the Q cars can make up significant ground quickly. In this light, it's gonna be ok. I promise!  |
Thanks for the update on the weight.... I kept googling that effing car & it kept giving me 3,853 so I took it as word. But I know you wouldn't steer me wrong. Trust you over google. LMFAO.
That said.... I hope that is the case. We'd be at 3,666 - 400. 3,266. That would be roughly the same weight as a base. Throw in sport package n it'll prolly weigh 3,000. N for flappy paddle guys about 3,020lbs.... I guess with the engine we have that would be acceptable...
I guess I did believe the hidden hype about them separating the chassis and making the Z it's own car. And considering the grip Z was a 2500lb chassis and body with a 300HP turbo 4. I thought what perfect numbers for a Z. And considering that we're in year 8.5 I expected that by year 10 we'd get something revolutionary.
Maybe the Z has potential to be good? I don't know. But Nissan just been steadily pissing me off the last 12 months. The Q with no LSD. E-E-Brakes in sports cars and disconnected steering. I'm tight.
I hate mustangs. Check my track record on mustang. But I respect they kept the drift friendly handbrake on mustangs. The 2 series as well. But those aren't PROPER sports cars. The Z is...
Back in 09. We had droves of members crying like babies that the Z couldn't compare to a BMW in materials in technology. That's not what the Z is.... while I wish they updated the Z touch materials over time to reflect the times and I wish the stereo were better. I don't feel most creature comforts are necessary. I wouldn't even bitch about the stereo if they didn't make you drive off the lot after spending $35+k with the shyttiest sounding exhaust on a sports car.
I love this car. N I contemplate updating my 11 for a 17 Nismo before this platform disappears. But I had hopes that Nissan would follow the same philosophy as AMG GTS with hydraulic steering. (Though they dropped the ball on e brake). Keep the experience pure. I'm so tired of all these cars. I mean I enjoy test driving them. But they all feel, uncommunicative. N I really don't like that seat of the pants only experience. It bugs me. That's not what I pay money for.