Quote:
Originally Posted by viiv
What did the X signify at the end of the 300ZX name? Was it just marketing, sounds better, sounds more expensive, rolls off the tongue easier? If so, why not call it the 300ZX again instead of just 300Z? Toyota brought the Supra back from the 90s, now why wouldn't Nissan do the same with the 300ZX, especially with those tail lights?
I guess the question to ask, and I am sure this is what is going on in Nissan focus groups right now. If you owned a Z35, would you prefer to say to your friends or that cute girl "I have/drive a 300Z" or "I have/drive a 300ZX"?
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The "X" came into play in 1979 when they replaced the 1978 "280Z" Last of the S30 chassis) with the all new (S130) 280ZX. Completely different chassis but the drivetrain carried over with only minor tweaks. The 280ZX was more of a "Grand Tourer" and far more refined than the S30. The ZX got plushier interior, power windows, power steering, 4 wheel disks, vented front disks, over time it even got heated side mirrors, digital dash and even voice warnings. Then with a complete redesign for the Z32 model no single part carried over from the Z31 they kept the name as the displacement stayed the same even though t was a completely new engine, trans and diff housing.