Regarding the talk of a 304hp base model, I think this means we'll see the return of the VQ35 into the Z. Longitudinal version of what we've seen start in the Maxima and proliferate through the Pathfinder, QX60, Murano, and Altima. This also means that the VQ37 will be completely finished by 2018 after the exit of the 370Z and Infiniti QX50. End of an era, indeed.

My concern is that the base V6 model may be the only place to find a manual transmission if one is offered. I absolutely hope to be wrong here, but I can see that fitting. Hopefully Nissan realizes that at least the 304hp and 400hp version of the car absolutely require a manual. A hybrid version making 500hp-ish... I can see the case where they stick to using the DCT exclusively. Come to think of it, I can't think of any car south of $100k that offers a manual transmission mated to a hybrid configuration at all.

Dude... no lie... the Cayman GT4 is one of my favorite sports cars of all time. I got to sit in one at my Father-In-Law's Porsche show (he has a 911 Turbo), and I was immediately hooked. I might have hurt his feelings when I told him I liked it more than the 911 as far as seating position and styling goes.

Same here.:driving:

Given the fact the Z will most likely be based on the same chassis as the Infiniti Q50/60, and the Z will be (hopefully) neither be FWD or AWD, there'd be zero reason for a longitudinal engine layout.

The base engine, if there is one, is going to be the same twin turbo 3.0L found in the Q. Or...a higher output version of the 4-cylinder Mercedes-based engine which is producing up to 375hp in their cars. That would match what Ford has done with the Mustang and MB has already said they're working on a new high output 4-cylinder. They (MB) get increased revenue with no R&D and Nissan gets a somewhat lightweight and potentially powerful 4-cylinder mated to a DSG gearbox. Take a test ride in an Audi S3 which is every bit as quick as the current Z with more bang/buck when it comes to mods (short of going forced induction on the Z). If they do have a 300hp version of the 4-cylinder, it'll piss off the Q50/60 owners that get a 200hp version of the same engine. Maybe they'll be getting a bump followed by bumps for the "base" 3.0TT and RS version. Wishful musings.

Still, I think the base engine will be the VR30DETT. That's where they've put all their R&D $$$.

True, but you only have to go back to the Z33 - 350z in 2003/4, which started at 279hp and gradually crept up to 313hp, by 2007/8. I like it when Nissan do that to their engines.

Did you not read the articles posted?

Also, double check your definition of longitudinal.

^ ok to clarify one part, the base V6 is in question. Auto Express says N/A V6, Car and Driver says twin turbo V6.

Both make sense, especially since Infiniti and Merc have broken off any partnership going forward. I'm going to dig that article up.

Went and test drive the GT4 and holly sh*t balls Bateman.. that thing is sick... but after speaking with the wife I'm going to hold off and see what Nissan comes out with. My buddy told me that it won't be an issue to find another Cayman later on. I'm a die hard Z fan.. I'm keeping my options open to see if Nissan comes through.

Okay -- good. This is what I expected. Sounds like they will just transfer the Q innards to a redesigned Z (but, probably based on Q) body.

So, about same weight, shorter wheelbase, and another 50-70 bhp at the crank. Sounds good to me!

I wonder if that 7-speed will be a true dual clutch or just the current offering. Either way, that works for me, and If I can swing it, I'll definitely be getting the 400 bhp 7AT/DCT :tup:

I'm guessing it will probably not cost much more than the current Nismo, so 45 -47 MSRP.

Cross shopping with the Supra sounds probable -- although as we've all been discussing, the Toytota ECU's tend to be locked, so the Z will be the car that's much easier to tune... therefore, almost certainly the better option.

Hopefully someone on here will be able to get info on invoice pricing... :D

Can't wait! :excited:

I'm sure youre wright about the weight and the power but the wheelbase?

Im excited to see the NA model. If its close to 3000lbs at 300hp, I'd be happy with that. Maybe a sport package with big brakes and some rays would be nice as well.

damn i cant wait to see it. I'm kind of hope i find it ugly so I dont want to buy it . . . :ugh2:

You should hope it uses the existing Infiniti Q chassis. It'll mean a whole lotta chassis parts will fit from the current platform. The old and new G/Q chassis have identical front suspension, wheelbase, geometry and brakes. The rear is true type no has the spring on the damper body. So it's minor update chassis wise if they use the existing Infiniti platform. As we know the current z and the old G37 were much the same minus 12" in wheelbase.

Yep I blew that one but yes, I read the article. I'll bet money there's no n/a base V6.

Do you guys really think the next Z is gonna be a 500HP Hybrid car? I don't believe that, no way. At least, not at 50k, considering the 46k the current Nismo Tech MSRPs at.

I mean, that's frightfully close to GTR power, and I don't think Nissan would let that happen, the same way Porsche wouldn't ever let the Cayman midship be more flagship than their 911.

I mean, that same person who said the next GTR might be 800HP linked an article from 2014, saying an 800HP GTR might be sold as a 2016 model year... *rolls eyes*

It would make sense if Nissan does a 300 HP base, 400 HP sport, 500 HP Nismo. The Nismo can go head to head against the RCF, AMG C63, M4 and be priced around $65K range. That would get the Nismo brand more respect. And if the next gen GTR does get the rumored 800 HP, that would be a big difference in HP to separate it from the 500 HP Z.

I am confused by your 65k range statement, you are suggesting that a historically affordable ~30k car [or equivalent of a loaded camry] will suddenly become almost the same price as a c7 z06, nissan tried that before with the 300zx and that did not work out for them.

What they need to do is transplant that 3.0T from the Q60, massage some power out of it, keep the weight around the same as the z34[probably won't happen, look at the Q60 weight its 3862- 4023lbs], add a manual transmission in it, heck even the current 6 speed can take the power, just fix the weak parts in it and maybe add a 7th gear.

Price it like the current gen, do not exceed the price of a base corvette and the sales will flow in, nismo can come later and they can price it at whatever they want, as long as the bread and butter base/sport version is affordable, fast, competitive in the market and fun.

cliff notes:
-expect a re-skinned q60, hopefully with a manual transmission, weight gain will be unavoidable, not sure how they can turn a 4,000lb Q60 into a 3200lb Z.
Maybe at best they can shave 200-300 lbs, placing the Z at 3500+lbs.


the Z34 will remain the go to car for a couple of reasons; good power/weight balance, the dimensions are just right to have reasonable consumable usage on the track, N/A engine - i.e. no issues with turbos + longevity.

If you ever seen any newer mustang at the track and talk to the owner, the #1 complaint is how fast the car eats the brakes & tires. The current Z isn't really great at that too but having a sub 3400lb weight really helps with the consumeables, i.e. you can get significantly more track time out of the same consume able parts in a Z, there is some hypothetical point where the weight dips over a certain #, the consumeable degrade in a logarithmic manner.

I'd be happy with 350hp again. Anything more is a plus. To me, that's not a lot of power for wanting to go fast in a straight line, but through the corners, it's plenty. I can see 400-450hp tops, coming from nissan. I'd be shocked at anything more.

The 500hp is just a concept I bet. Everyone will be dissapointed when we don't actually get it.

Looks like I was a day behind on my information....

Wow so they are goingbto base the Z on the updated FM platform. Well, a Q60 is 3,862lbs... If u cut around 400-500lbs it will average around 3,450? Will we have electronic steering and all that Q60 useless trash in our new Z? The only thing I like about the Q60 is the engine.

So basically, after a long fvckin wait with no news? The final news is we're getting a cut down Q60? So Nissan is adding another soulless car to the stable of soulless cars? The Q60 is fine for what it is, but it's no sports car... The hum drum sports car market is become more him drum with all this electronic gadgetry. This car better look good at the auto show. Cuz if it don't? I'm done with all future Nissan purchases. The dual clutch is a nice touch.... but ugh.... if everything else is electronic. Why bother, the PS4 steering in the Q60 sucks.

Patience Daniel-san, patience...

See, now your seeing the truths me not dreaming of the concepts. You let yourself down a little there!:stirthepot::stirthepot:

Well anyways my prediction is the base z will weigh 3,2xx so they can say it's lighter an have nice looking stats.

They should mimic what Mazda has done with the ND Miata. It would be nice to see the next Z with TwinTurbos at around 420 HP and below 3,300 pounds.

The guys at stillen have been messing around with the new engine in the Q60 red sport... claim that is actually UNDER-rated.

If that's the case, if it gets transplanted to the next Z35 it sounds promising.

I was afraid a smaller block with the twin scrolls between the V's and the integrated water to air intercooler might be more expensive to upgrade or have a lower max potential than getting a current 3.7L and just tossing on bolt-ons and a tune.

If Nissan is looking to use the Q60 platform? And the literally make it with that garbage azz New World Order Steering System. Don't expect a lighter car. That would mean more gratuitous use of carbon fiber. If that happens? It'll only happen in a Nismo. N it'll still weigh more because Nissan's Nismo body bracing weighs 88 lbs. So you gain and lose keeping the Z heavy.

That NWO PS4 steering has a heavy azz manual override steering column interlock further adding weight. Then factor in the numb steering, electronic handbrake, and other stupidities like hybrid batteries on certain models. The Z will probably be between 3,400lbs and 3,600lbs.

They'll say our base model is 53lbs lighter than our outgoing Nismo model yet out powers and out handles it on paper. It will just be a numb feeling appliance where excitement will be on the seat of the pants verses the visceral nature of the current Z. People will talk about how THE Z34 & 135 & EVO X were the last of the visceral analog cars and how the digital world has dulled cars.

But then you'll have your mainstream CORPORATE media mags telling you it feels great, just go with it. Our government needs all that tracking information in your cars that dull the feel of driving. So they can keep record of where you're going, how fast you get there, how many g's you take a turn, whose house u park in front of.. what stores you park in front of and all those useless info-tracking that means nothing. Cars are getting soulless as we get closer to living the movie Equilibrium.

If I'm a buy an electronic car? I'm gonna get the best out there.... Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes. I'm not buying a PS4 on wheels from a company that couldn't even address a CSC failure properly.

Stick to being as close to analog as possible Nissan or it's goodbye from me. I rather spend double.

This company gets more disappointing by the day. EV this.... electronic that. Visceral is being written out if the dictionary. Fvckin NWO is killing the auto industry. Nothing is sacred anymore.

Rant Over.

Damn, "zero to a hundred ***** real quick".

Aluminum is the current light weight material they will use. Carbon is still to expensive. We don't know till we see it. But yes I do agree that we have lost an age of analog cars. But I see that as a good thing. Instead of looking forward, I'll keep looking back. There are plenty of cars that just keep getting cheaper that I have wanted over the years!:happydance::happydance:

"That's all I have to say about that" -forest gump-

Since you like looking back.... here.

The 1999 Nissan Z Concept Was A*Fascinating First Draft*




We already have a carbon fiber drive shaft and radiator housing. It's not unfathomable that Nissan does some in-house carbon fiber to double up or triple the amount in the next gen. Nissan didn't use more aluminium in the Q60. They used more high tensile steel to reduce weight. They still failed at reducing weight. A good portion of the Z and Q are made of aluminum. We all know this....

My point still stands.... by evading all their original hype. A lighter Z will be a challenge unless they compare the upcoming z base to the new Nismo model. The current Q is over 800lbs. There's no way to get more than 400lbs weight reduction without doing radical **** on the Chassis. That's all I'm saying. That's why I was hoping on the modular chassis.

Nice rant. You are either of my generation or just simple like me.

Ever drive a Lotus?

Born in 73
I've been recommended to drive the Evora 400. I respect them but they haven't visually appealed to me. I should at least get in a solo teat drive of one.

While I enjoyed your rant, let me help you :)

The Q50 3.7L came into being with the same wheelbase as the outgoing G37 while being a couple inches longer (junk in the trunk and longer hood). It's a lower and wider car than the G37 and still barely managed to weigh within punching distance of the G by a few pounds (I believe its within 50lbs trim to trim). The platform is improved in rigidity over the one that underpins the current 370Z as well.

The Q50 also offers a NON SORCERER version of a steering system. It's electronically assisted power steering, but it's a real steering column and everything - that's how I ordered mine. A stripper Q50S RWD - no spare or anything. No goofy steering - just a regular *** rack and pinion setup. This is the base option for all Q cars - the Direct Adaptive Steering is optional. The auto mags would have you think otherwise since none of them apparently have the balls to ask for a Q50 without that system equipped, and then they **** on the car for having it equipped and not liking it. Motor Trend pissed me off with that review, but I digress.

On to the weight stuff - The Q50S RWD with no nav or tech weighs 3666 pounds with the cast Enkei 19s and run flats. That wheel and tire combination is 62lbs. 30lbs of that is the run flat tires (THEY SUCK). Swap to Michelin PSS and lose 5lbs per corner just with tires. Switch to the optional Rays wheel package on the 2015? Drop another 10lbs per corner. There's 60lbs in weight savings with just wheels and tires, and this particular setup you can expect to see equipped on a next gen Z's sport package. (to give you further perspective, the Q50S RWD pulled 0.86g on the skidpad with the Enkeis and Dunlop runflats equipped, and turned around to 0.95g on the skidpad with only adding the Rays wheel package... the chassis is exceptionally capable on this car).

A lot of the specs you see from the Q60 are the AWD version (extra weight), with all the tech bits we won't see in the Z. None of the current Q50/60 cars offer a forged lightweight wheel. They all have leather seating with climate control and multiple points of adjustment. All have sunroofs (most of the time, that's another 50lbs). All have more sound-deadening materials than you'll see in a Z (hell, drive a G37 and drive a 370Z right after and you can tell that difference). The Q50 has something silly like 10 or 12 speakers in the Bose system that's in it with an amplifier mounted into the rear deck. They both have that crazy InTouch system that adds serious weight, but I don't know if I can discount that as being unavailable in the next Z as some buyers want all that tech. (though mine is hilariously overdone since I don't have Nav)

Bottom line, I really don't see a 3300-ish lb version of the next gen Z to be outside of the realm of possibility. The VR30 with its turbos mounted is only 18lbs heavier than the VQ37... the absence of a lot of plush in the Q cars can make up significant ground quickly. In this light, it's gonna be ok. I promise! :tup:

I'm still dying laughing at "New World Order Steering System". That's probably the best possible description for it.

first off its crazy talk to think that just because we have a couple pieces of carbon to think nissan will triple the amount they use for the new models.

ive been on this thread for a while now just now and again and i think youre the only one who thought the z was going t be crazy light (i cant quote you on this one but you had by far the lightest predictions if i remember correctly) because of some juke they had "made".

i even think i told you before, dont let yourself down by thinking they will build something as amazing as you invisioned. i dont think anyone bought into the hype like you did.

but,

we will see!

I don't care for the front end of the 400 myself, our first gen S is much better to my eyes. But these cars look much better in the flesh than any photo can capture.

But you ought to see if it addresses your automotive desires.

Edit: don't get me wrong guys, lovin' the Z. But just not comparable. Z much more like an F-Type.

Nissan is WAY over due on bringing the next gen Z to market. The likelihood of it being FI and moving up market pushed me to move on to a cayman gts.

And frankly, I think folks will look back at the 370Z as the Z car to have given its value, performance, and NA setup. I think its the best Z car next to the 240.

Thanks for the update on the weight.... I kept googling that effing car & it kept giving me 3,853 so I took it as word. But I know you wouldn't steer me wrong. Trust you over google. LMFAO.

That said.... I hope that is the case. We'd be at 3,666 - 400. 3,266. That would be roughly the same weight as a base. Throw in sport package n it'll prolly weigh 3,000. N for flappy paddle guys about 3,020lbs.... I guess with the engine we have that would be acceptable...

I guess I did believe the hidden hype about them separating the chassis and making the Z it's own car. And considering the grip Z was a 2500lb chassis and body with a 300HP turbo 4. I thought what perfect numbers for a Z. And considering that we're in year 8.5 I expected that by year 10 we'd get something revolutionary.

Maybe the Z has potential to be good? I don't know. But Nissan just been steadily pissing me off the last 12 months. The Q with no LSD. E-E-Brakes in sports cars and disconnected steering. I'm tight.

I hate mustangs. Check my track record on mustang. But I respect they kept the drift friendly handbrake on mustangs. The 2 series as well. But those aren't PROPER sports cars. The Z is...

Back in 09. We had droves of members crying like babies that the Z couldn't compare to a BMW in materials in technology. That's not what the Z is.... while I wish they updated the Z touch materials over time to reflect the times and I wish the stereo were better. I don't feel most creature comforts are necessary. I wouldn't even bitch about the stereo if they didn't make you drive off the lot after spending $35+k with the shyttiest sounding exhaust on a sports car.

I love this car. N I contemplate updating my 11 for a 17 Nismo before this platform disappears. But I had hopes that Nissan would follow the same philosophy as AMG GTS with hydraulic steering. (Though they dropped the ball on e brake). Keep the experience pure. I'm so tired of all these cars. I mean I enjoy test driving them. But they all feel, uncommunicative. N I really don't like that seat of the pants only experience. It bugs me. That's not what I pay money for.

Crazy talk???? Chevy did it on the vette!!! The vette debuted at $53,000 and I stated it for the Nismo. Which will be about $50,000. So where in your brilliance is it unfathomable for Nissan to create in house carbon fiber?

Secondly.... Yeah I believed their hype cuz that wasn't a rumor. That was Nissan talking smack in 2011:12 about new platforms for the Z. Just like they said. YOU WILL SEE THE IDX. I tend to believe companies when you assume they're trying to be competitive.

On the weight. Ricer X came to me with FACTS and he has some seriously valid points. But I'm also disappointed at 5 years of Nissan not ever having anything solid but the two things they did claim to be solid they didn't.

Did I miss anything good while I was on my "vacation"?

A Z concept is coming in the fall. A new Z shortly after. Within months.. Where's u go?

Oh please you act like I wasn't up on that when the info dropped at like 3 am lol

I was banned over some fuckin nonsense.....again.

Btw there's already a forum for the new Z made like a year ago ;)

Sadly it hasn't taken off yet but now that it's a real thing it may gain some new members hopefully.

In house carbon seems like it'll happen sooner or later. Personally I think Nissan is more about weight control rather than weight reduction.

Also I think that GM has a WAY WAY bigger budget for the corvette. That's their brand figure. And to top that they sold somewhere close to as many corvettes in two years than the 370z sold in total. (In the USA). Budgets are WAY different. Nissan acts like the z is a bastard child while Chevy shows its pride for its baby. That's the difference.


Ps I love my little fat bastard z ...

I can agree with that. But if they're supposedly trying to make Nismo a more official tuner brand as they stated... They are going to have to spend a Lil money. Nissan profits have been through the roof since 2010. I think it's less about money and more about Carlos Ghosn not being a sports car enthusiast. He inherited a pre-production Z, he didn't push for its success.

Lol.... I'm often on the verge of being banned. Trips loves writing me angry letters about my choice of verbal structure. He been doing this all by himself a while. I get it. Some of these newbies will test your patience. I think I've seen that site but haven't joined. With no news about the Z. I will just wait till the Tokyo auto show. I miss shooting the shyt with you. Hopefully you can last on here without getting banned. :rofl2:

Magnesium sheet metal