The next gen Z!
 

So i've been reading that the next gen is going to be maybe smaller in size, leaner and instead of using the current 3.7 liter v6, they are going to use a turbo 4.

Personally i don't like that idea. I would like them to improve on the v6 if possible.

What do you guys think?

I prefer Turbo Charged I/V 4 over v6 anyday! The weakness of the current 370z is lack of torque. 270 Ib/ft torque is bit outdated. I hope next gen z will fix that. Bottom line is FI FTW!

I think DI is the next upgrade to increase HP/TQ. A turbo 4 imho is a step backwards. May as well turbo/sc the V6.

a turbo 4 will not be adequate. Nissan doesn't have a turbo 4 in their stable large enough to pull duty. Realistically, I see a direct injected V6 continuing to use VVEL, possibly growing to 3.8L. I wouldn't be surprised if we see 100hp per liter. I do see a move from a steel frame to an aluminum which will drop at least 100lbs, most likely more. Moving to aluminum across their entire lineup sharing the same front midship platform will assist in keeping costs down. It will also increase their fuel economy as standards rise.

I think it depends on what Nissan decides they want to pit the car against. If they want to continue to compete with the Mustang/Camaro/Genesis (at least in price) then we're going to see a beefed up V6, maybe forced induction, maybe not.

If they decided to take it in an FRS/BRZ direction then we're going to see a smaller, lighter Z with a turbo 4.

That's my opinion at least.

If you dont believe a turbo 4 is enough then just look at the Cobalt SS/TC. It has 260 hp stock and its from 08. If Nissan goes that route then it will be closer to 300 im sure. I used to have one I picked up over 50hp with a downpipe and tune. It was making like 300/320 with the stock turbo. There are several people making 350+ on stock turbo. A factory turbo car has tons of potential. Imagine getting a big turbo kit for 2-3k and make 450+ hp. Many people with Cobalts are there and beyond. ZZP has one making 650+ on the stock block.
The NA V6 is almost at its limits. DI will pick up 20hp on a good day but then that is going to cause issues getting bigger injectors at least for awhile.
To keep costs down and make more power its either a small displacement V8 or a turbo 4.
Im rooting for V8 but I like to dream lol.

I'd like to see the Z go bigger ala Toyota Supra. Put a turbo on the current V6 for 350 lb-ft, 400 hp, < 3500 lbs. Add mini back-seats like the TT.
Then come out with a smaller sports car to compete with the BRZ and miata.

Nissan's seems to be pushing their racing creds a lot lately (GT Acadamy, Deltawing, Altima V8 touring car) but they only offer one high volume sports car. They need to label the GTR an Infiniti, and split the Z-cars into two tiers.

I like companies that offer a low-price/high-price sports car pairs. Think Celica/Supra, Miata/RX8, Camaro/Corvette, BRZ/STI, MustangV6/V8, Soltice/GTO. That structure allows a low bar to enter the brand, and then a more mature option to grow into.

240Z and 400ZX

^^ I am rooting for turbo 6. FI applications are always mod friendly to begin with then NA. But then again, DI is also what I expect to see on the nex gen.

I would love to see a two tiered option small V8 (VK50 cough) and a turbo 4. That would be sweet!

I hear it will have Miata doors, and will be made of left over parts from the F-L-A-W-L-E-S-S 04.5 350Z

Here is why I don't think a turbo 4 is a wise decision based on what turbo 4's are putting down in this current market. 300-325hp is about the best your going to get without getting destroyed by poor mpg. Not only that, when you start factoring in the power curve, it will feel like an anemic 4 cylinder until the turbo spools up. Nissan isn't going to reduce their usable power band to get a nicer torque number, especially any future Nismo models. VVEL will most likely be removed for the turbo model for heat issues and that sacrifices emissions and fuel economy.

The torque curve on the current V6 very broad and flat, which is amazing in its self. It goes to prove the performance advantages of VVEL. What most would prefer outside of a turbo is an improvement over what we already have. Moving to direct injection will improve gas mileage, improve the torque, and improve power. If they bump up to 3.8, it will again increase torque and power. I'm going to go off on a limb and say at least an improvement of 30hp and 30lbft of torque over the Nismo model. With the weight loss and downsizing they plan to do, it will be very competitive to the New Cayman S, as well as the current crop of American V8's while most likely trailing the Corvette.

If Nissan wants to compete with the FRS/BRZ, they will need something smaller, and will most likely have to engineer a new smaller rwd chassis as well. Or they can take the Juke AWD, mate is to a manual gear box, throw a new design on it and call it a day. They might even go as far as improving the Jukes performance and mating it to a 6 speed. Up the boost to put out 200-210hp, put it on a diet and badge it a Nismo model.

also a lotta turbos from the factories are not built to high enough tolerances... i blew my 2011 sti's IWG in less then 10k miles.... they dont always hold boost the way there so-post to.... and a lot of your power curve is depend on the tune which they dont always get right from the factory

A Z with in 4 Cylinder is not a Z. The Z has been a 6 Cylinder forever. The 6 Cylinder is part if the Z heritage just as the three gauge cluster.

While VVEL dose a good job, I Feel it is holding back the Tq. Don't get me wrong. The Tq comes on strong and Fast and stays, but it nothing like my old 2006. My 2006 N/a had more Tq then my 2011. My 2006 did not carry the Tq throughout the Pw band like my 2011, but peek numbers where better.
I would like to see a 3.7 TT /w Direct injection @ 500Hp and a lighter weight in the next Gen Z.

Your confusing the built in lag from the stock ecu tuning for no low end torque. It's a bit of a gray area in how to make the gas pedal more responsive thru tuning, but it's not the motor. I'll guarantee the next gen Z has something similar to reduce wear on parts and prevent amateurs from looking like jackasses when trying to take off.

:iagree:

dropping to a 4 cyl would be a slap in the face to the Z name. the whole car is based on tradition/heritage of the original as you can see up til now 40 some years down the line.

a factory boosted 6cyl is what needs to happen. i mean they got a turbo on a juke and they cant fit a Z with a couple? :bowrofl: