Yeah I mentioned that somewhere else earlier that Nissan could do something like the gen coupe. Offer the Z in a lower trim with turbo 4 and higher trim (like Nismo) could be V6. It would certainly expand the Z's sales covering 2 separate markets vs just one that's in the middle.

With the recent price increases on the 370Z, they may be trying to find a way to keep a sports car in the high 20's. At 45k for a Nismo or a loaded Touring, the Z is losing out on many customers.

I posted this in another thread but it applies here:

I've said before that I wouldn't be surprised if Nissan decides to withdraw the Z from its current segment and reinvent it to compete with the FT86.

The 370Z has had a tough go as far as actual vs. projected sales numbers go. Given the future climate for fuel (high gas prices and high fleetwide average MPG requirements) I wouldn't be surprised if Nissan makes such a move... perhaps offering a NA 4 and a turbo 4 like we might see out of the BRZ.

Or perhaps they will keep the Z in its current segment but offer multiple engine configurations like Genesis, Mustang, Camaro, etc. I have my doubts about this, though.

Hate to see the Z step down from being a Cayman fighter to a FT86 fighter :shakes head:

My money is on a twin scroll 3.0 6cyl turbo for the next Z with 345hp

I think there are two reasons for this losing out.

1) I think at 45K, there are plenty of SRT-8 Challengers, Mustang GT(Boss, whatever trim is around there - probably GT with all the niceties) on the road. Why these over a Z? One big reason in today's market is they're usable daily cars with power (backseats, trunks) and the 370Z is not. This makes 45k for a sports car much more justifiable for many people. You could take a Challenger on a long road trip for an extended stay somewhere. Highly unlikely in any Z unless you're by yourself. Even then, packing for a 10 day trip by yourself is pushing the cargo capacity of a Z.

2) Power. Even though the Z can hang on the track with a GT Mustang (can hang, not saying it blows these cars away or anything before any V8 fans get their panties in a bunch), horsepower is the most marketable figure for a sports car. To the casual sports car buyer, at the price point, a guy is looking at a GT Mustang and seeing 400+ HP, and back at a Z and seeing 300+ HP.

I really think Nissan could see many more Zs on the road if the car was a 2+2 making 400 HP to compete alongside the pony cars a bit more nicely in today's market, but it may be too late to jump in there with the way the car market is going, in addition to having to sell against the pedigree of cars like the Mustang and Camaro.

On top of that, Nissan executives seem more fixated on 40 MPG than 400HP in anything save the GT-R. I half expect the next Z to come with some revolutionary "race-grade" CVT transmission as an option, at which point I will buy a Mustang out of spite or simply keep the last of the Mohicans in my 40th Anniversary Z. Seriously - these are managers that say the Juke is suitable competition to the Subarota twins :ugh2:

If it is true, remember, I called it two plus years ago! But I think it will be a 2.4 turbo.

:iagree:

Seriously don't understand why Nissan can't keep the Z in the segment it's in and just bring back the Silvia to fight the toyobaru's.

They should go with a 2014 240Z, I4 2.4L Single Turbo, 240 hp&tq, 2700 lbs, 26/34 mpg, $30K car. That would drop my boxers.

Money.

The 370Z was approved with an estimate for about 30,000 units sold in 2009 alone. The car only sold about 10,000 units. It took a little over three years for sales to hit the 30,000 originally forecast for the first year.

So if you put your Nissan bean counter hat on you might ask yourself if it's worthwhile to continue to market the Z in this segment. There is so much competition in the 30-45k range that makes it difficult for a 2 seat sports car to thrive.

Who knows, we might see Nissan make another go at it... but it wouldn't surprise me at all if they decide to withdraw and try to sell the Z in a different segment.

Stupid accountants. :shakes head:

Hey I resemble that remark! :bowrofl:

:iagree: well put

fwiw I'm an engineer so my basic existence is all about hating accountants and figuring out ways to make there life difficult. :roflpuke2: