Quote:
Originally Posted by nitromt
So it's just that easy right? Just slap on/drop in a V8 and BAM! Poof! It makes a car magically better? 
If that was the case, how much more expensive do you think the 370z (wait....570z) would be?
I mean let's just forget about : chassis design, balance, transmission, suspension, emissions, etc. etc. All these components would most likely need to be redesigned --> brand new car.
...the point is it's not as easy as just "dropping in" a larger engine. There are tremendous costs associated with such and if Nissan thought they could make a profit and undercut the Corvette in price while still delivering value, don't you think they would have done it already?
As for the last part, how long can Nissan hold off the competition? (I'm pretty sure in terms of performance, the competition aka 2011 Mustang GT has already surpassed the 370Z while at the same time being less expensive). |
My point was, if planned properly, Nissan could offer a Z with V8 power for a price similar to the Corvette's, and it would be an altogether nicer car. I wasn't suggesting Nissan take the current car and just drop a V8 into it, like a backyard mechanic. It's not uncommon for manufacturers to offer cars/trucks with both V6 and V8 power. Take the Mustang you mentioned. I realize design changes and certifications would be needed, but they're not monumental tasks.
Probably what Nissan is thinking is they don't want a two seat sports car in the $50K+ range. They're hard to sell and make money with. The GT-R is an expensive car, but it's a halo car for them, not a money maker. They want to make money with the Z. The Corvette's got a rare piece of the market.
IMO, Nissan wants to offer a car with performance and feel comparable to an entry level Porsche, but at a cheaper price...and that's what the Z does. Nissan probably worries that at $50K-$60K for a V8 Z, the buyer will gravitate to the Porsche, even with the Porsche's power disadvantage.
The bottom line is...if Nissan could build a quality V8 Z for Corvette money - and they could if they wanted to, IMO - GM can build a higher quality Corvette. At $55K for the average Corvette, the car should be better. Look at the nice little GTI VW sells for $25K. Tight as a drum with a high quality interior that puts the Corvette's to shame.