I like the idea of a 3k lbs (or under) Z, but it is unlikely. All I say is that if the car is going to be somewhat bloated (to an extent), give me all durable materials under the hood and where it counts. The plastic parts have gone too far these days. I am not debating the strength of ABS plastics and such, I just don't personally feel they should be there.

And I could care less if they turbo the next Z from the factory. Just give me decently strong internals, a reliable tranny, and I am set. Greddy, Fast Intentions, Tial, and a host of others will provide with the rest.

That's my avatar bud. :D

For sure its a shortened version of it... but i'm not quite sure its by general design, different other than being chopped down to accommodate a 2 seater.

On another note though... I been reading on what our competitors are looking into for 2015. Ford is looking into TT-v6's and hi-power fuel efficient v8's. hyundai is looking into supercharging the 3.8v6 and toying with lighter versions of the 5.0 r-spec to cram into a gencoupe. camaro isn't saying anything except they are going to be lighter and faster.
so far it seems like if we do get a turbo? The Z will have a hyped up juke engine. They should be working on a 700hp stock streetable GTR and giving us a lighter version of the GTR motor rated @500hp. that would be enough power to keep em at bay.

The Z is downgrading to battle the BRZ? Seriously??? I don't see either car surviving very long going that route. I am honestly beginning to see the brz-frs clan as a novelty car. Mazda has a niche in its category that will be hard to compete against. Im sure, mazda has some tricks up its sleeve to keep its very successful miata, continuously successful.

As mentioned above our "competitors" all have tricks up their sleeves that will surely out pace the Z unless Nissan does something serious for the next model. A simple redesign and meager hp bump isn't going to do it. The next gen Z either needs to be significantly lighter or needs a significantly more powerful motor if it's going to want to be competitive. I mean the mustang is already much faster and just as good in the corners. Imagine when they lighten the car 300lbs like they are saying while still keeping the powerful V8. Even if Nissan lightened the Z by 300lbs too we would still be out matched not having enough power. I know power isn't everything but to the general masses what's on paper is what counts and what sells cars.

^^ Agreed. A sports car is supposed to be powerful.

And this is why im glad im leasing a 2012 Z for only 3 years. I'm already pissed I didnt get a Mustang 5.0.

^^ :shakes head:

I for one would love to see an AMG V8 in the Z, as long as they keep the weight in check and improve the balance. As Clarkson would say, MOAR POWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH:tup:

LMFAO Lease FTL! Haha

LOL at being stuck with a slow base 370Z that needs 10,000 worth of mods just to hang with the big boys.

I wont miss this car one bit. I actually swore i wouldnt buy another Nissan after the horrible problems with my 2005 Frontier. Another mistake i have to live with.

What's next for the Cayman/S?

From a categorical perspective that's the current Zs closest match up, vision, style, power, handling etc.

If the Z changes vision significantly, to be like a Mustang (muscle car), BRZ (boxter sized car), or genesis (4 seats/heavier) it wouldn't be a Z.

I agree with folks that would like to see a 6 CYL TT at 3,000 Lbs.

You probably got the Z for the wrong reasons then. Get a 5.0 after your lease is up. It seems to be more of what you're after and from all accounts, it seems to be a great car. Not for me, but it seems like it'd be good for you. There will always be bigger boys no matter what you drive though (well, unless it's a Alpha GT-R or something like that, lol).

and what reasons would that be? Looks and Handling? Looks are subjective and the Mustang handles almost as good as an M3 which cost 50K plus.

370Z isnt worth the cost price, thats why they dont sell that well and Nissan is looking in different directions pretty sad for a car that should be an entry level sport car at 30-35K

:icon18: Man, it must SUCK to be you then.

Relax, I didn't say you're making a bad choice or doing something stupid. Like I said, the 5.0 is a great car. I am not saying the Z outhandles the 5.0 or will beta it on the track or anything. The Mustang handles great and is a very capable car, but I am sure it feels different than the Z. The Z is a good blend of looks, fun, handling and enough speed for me. Do I read forums and look at numbers and get desire for more power? Of course, we all do. But I haven't had an instance in actual driving where I thought I really need more power. It would just get me into trouble anyway which I can already get into easy enough with the power we already have.

Anyhow, no need to be defensive. The Z isn't a perfect car or the greatest car out there, but there are plenty of us who are happy with it. It's alright that you are not. If you want pure speed or the absolute fastest car, then it's not it, though and that seems to be what you want and that's cool too. You must understand, though, that you will get some flames for bashing a car on it's own forum site.