[OFFICIAL] Discussion for the next new Nissan 400Z Z35?

Originally Posted by Magic Bus

Not sure I can answer your question (underlined) in a manner that you'll understand but I'll do my best with some business logic, facts and statistics. A little long winded on my part but the answer should make some sense further below.

First the information you stated from interviews that came from Nissan heads and designers (bolded) is not totally accurate. They came from department heads, otherwise known as VP's. Definitely not high enough on the corporate structure to say yes or no to a new car, also keep in mind, designers are very low on the corporate ladder, and in no way can they create a new car. In fact, they are instructed by their superiors, what type of car to design. Remember that all new vehicles for Nissan are only authorized by Carlos Ghosn. Yes, he Is the head of Nissan and a very savvy head man at that.

Second, for Nissan to compete in the same segment as the FRS would be financial suicide. The FRS is currently selling only 800 cars a month in the US. The 8 year old Z is currently still selling 600 cars a month. So why would a smart man like Carlos Ghosn authorize a new car to compete in the FRS segment?

Third, the Z, Q50/60 and GTR are all manufactured in the same plant in Japan. The Z & Q's share basically the same engine, chassis & parts. Some of which the GTR uses. This requires less research and development, plant tooling and training of employees. All of which, costs a lot of money to do. Carlos Ghosn understands this and thus all of the 4 vehicle listed above have been profitable for Nissan.

Fourth, the C6 Corvette only sold 1,000 cars a month for years, prior to the arrival of the C7. Once the C7 arrived toward the end of 2013, Vette sales increased to 3,000 cars a month and remains there till this day. Chevrolet increased the power, handling and looks of the Vette, oh yeah, they increased the price by $5k on the base C7 too.

What many people don't understand is that there are quite a few Americans that can afford a $50-60k car. This demographic is basically age 50 and up, not usually on car forums and are more concerned with the quality/value of their purchase, rather than price. Status is also a silent concern for most of them.

If you were Carlos Ghosn and only given two choices, compete in the FRS category or compete in the much higher volume Corvette/BMW M4 (400+ hp) category. Which one would you choose?

Please keep in mind, I have not said Nissan will come out with a new Z but if I were the head of Nissan and wanted to keep the iconic Z alive, I definitely would not make it an FRS fighter.