2015 Nissan Z may be lighter, leaner

Montez

This is it, its the way of the future as it stands now!

Kenny

One would think Nissan learned a lesson in 1996 w/ the 300ZX.

The 350Z came out at an excellent time. The economy was doing well, big bulky SUVs were becoming unpopular, and people wanted sport cars again. When the 350Z debuted, it was competing in the same market as the S2000, Miata, MR2 Spyder, SLK, and Z4. For those who were interested in owning a 2-seater sports car, the Z33 was a breath of fresh air.

I don't think Nissan could take 100% of the blame for the tepid commercial success of the 370Z. The Z34 is better than the Z33 in pretty much every way. But due to the current economic climate and changing consumer preferences, car manufacturers really need to innovate to stay on top. One thing that hasn't changed though, people still want sport cars. So whatever Nissan comes out w/ in 2015, lighter and leaner, it better be freaking awesome.

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370Z Purist

Big things to talk about if the Z line ends up staying similar to what it is now, a high compression, relatively high displacement V6 which is naturally aspirated. If Nissan stays in this vein, they'd first have to rebadge. The Z has only gotten larger as the years have passed, and unless they mean to go the way of GTM and slap 420Z on the back, it will likely end up as the "Z" car.

No one mentions Mazda's SkyActiv, which is a good way to increase power using an existing displacement number. Stay at 3.7 liter, jack compression up to 14:1, use premium fuel. Dynamic compression numbers often put boosted engines at that level of compression, so it's not impossible. Go slightly smaller, maybe a 3 liter, but still naturally aspirated, with that kind of compression, then shrink the car down to 240Z size. You're still seeing horsepower numbers at 275+, along with a lighter curb weight and more efficient use of fuel. My conjecture is also as baseless as that Edmunds article, which they KNOW would cause a lot of rumors to fly. I mean, who just says "oh maybe a 4-cylinder" unless they WANT it to spread.

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Mt Tam I am

Boo to a 4 cylinder. I want the Z going forward into the future, not retreating towards the ZX. By this I mean, a sports car that delivers similar track times compared to a far more expensive rival. The Z has always had some grunt the 280ZX and 300ZX (Z31) were decreased HP and increased luxury. To me the X in ZX meant Luxury.

The Z32 300ZX tt had both HP and luxury. Luxury means weight too. 300 HP and 3500 pounds (with only two air bags). In 1995 they delivered similar numbers to a NSX at half the price.

What I wish Nissan meant was more HP and less weight. When I'm done with the 370 and if Nissan goes in a direction I do not like, I'll be done with my 30+ year love affair and spend some real money on a car.

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axmea?

"It cannot be any larger," he says. "It's at its maximum size now and should go leaner." By that he means lighter too, with the new model to feature a down-sized engine, probably a four-cylinder turbo rather than today's 3.7-liter V6. "It needs to be lighter, and more accessible to open the door to more people"

Lighter and smaller engine, TT ?, smaller and lighter car, and inexpensive to own. The price points has gone up making the car "less accessible" and the price of gas did not help either. By 2015, gas will be $5.50 to $6.00 per gallon. It makes good business sense for Nissan to do this if they want to keep the brand moving along. They need to appeal to a larger market to make it. When it first came out, the 370z with it's excellent performance to price ratio was set at comparing itself with the Cayman so who will the Z be going after in 2015? Hopefully none! They need to trail blaze.

Nismodean

I'm sorry but one of the main determining factors to puchase a sports car for me is its uniqueness. Do I want to be driving a dime a dozen car like the mustang or a camaro or something that turns heads due to its attractive design and rarity? I love the design and capabilities of this car coupled with the low selling numbers.

The idea of Nissan appealing to the masses with the Z doesn't appeal to me at all. Seeing a Z at every corner I turn like a mustang or a camaro will make me want to .

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The Truth, it hurts sometimes. FI LTH & FI CF CBE. This is a 370Z forum, if I want to fling poo at another brand of car and your feelings get hurt, then you're hanging out in the wrong forum (cry elsewhere).

phelan

me thinks you missed the whole initial point of the z car....

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Nismodean

Me thinks you didn't comprehend before you posted. Those are the reasons I love my Z. Also what I would hate to see happen to this line up.

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The Truth, it hurts sometimes. FI LTH & FI CF CBE. This is a 370Z forum, if I want to fling poo at another brand of car and your feelings get hurt, then you're hanging out in the wrong forum (cry elsewhere).

CrownR426

If it comes out 2015 I'll wait for the 2016, so they can fix any problems!
:P
So, until then I will keep my z and make her beautiful!

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Threadlocker

The 280zx turbo was faster than its contemporary corvette - HP went up, and unfortunately, by the late 80s so had the price.

Anyway, Nissan needs to stop screwing around and just bring back the 510.

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kevrocks

good find, though i agree that the Z's success is really dependent on the economy.... i doubt that by 2015 the American economy is going to be nearly as successful as it was in 2002 with the 350z, and i think that a turbo'd 4-cylinder would be a good fix for those that want a sports car but have no money to spend.

i think it would be very successful as far as sales go but count me out haha

Zenki370

imo they can't make the car slower anymore regardless of engine or it will cause an uproar from their primary buyers....

SS66

I guess if I wanted to be part of the broader audience I would have purchased a camaro or a mustang. When I drive my Z I like the notion I am not going to pass one 8 - 9 times a day. But that is just me.

Lug

But you have to understand Nissan doesn't make money not selling more Z's. I'd love to see them go the route of Lotus with an ultralight chassis, makes lower hp numbers and/or less cylinders much easier to stomach!

Light weight - high Horsepower - Low price

Pick any two above!

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SS66

I say reduce some overall weight and increase the HP. Nissan does make more money from selling their other models. They most likely make money on the Z but not as much. The Z by being a 2 seat sports car is going to see a limited market. Hell my mother inlaw took one look at the Z and thought the car was dumb because of it not having a back seat. I smiled at her and said that is why Michelle has the Maxima. Bye Bye LOL.