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

RicerX

I agree it is a great drivers' car. Pricing is not so great for the level of drivers car you get. The Miata (for most people) is arguably a better drivers' car for $10k less. People would also argue the BRZ is a better drivers' car than the Z... for $10k less. On the other side of that, many find it difficult to argue the level of driver's car you get in a Vette for less than $10k more than a NISMO.

Sure a Z is customizable to your liking. You can also modify a Camry to your liking. However, as far as performance goes? The Z is NOT cost effective to modify... for anything. Performance, cosmetics, nothing. It may be the most expensive Z for customization, ever.

I completely understand what the Z is about, however. Most, if not all, people here do. However, I have had 3 Z34s myself, and have been around Z cars for nearly 20 years... the Z34 is in a weird place compared to every Z before it as far as what it's trying to do and where it fits.

The S30 hung with a Vette for less than half the money. The Z32 twin turbo hung with a Vette for less money. The Z33 was a massive success despite what you may think about its styling - it sold in droves and helped reawaken the affordable sports car arena (they could be had in the $20k range new), because during that time period we saw a new S2000, RX-8, and the sales of those vehicles motivated GM and Ford to rethink the Camaro and Mustang, and those cars motivated Dodge to recreate the Challenger. It was a VERY relevant car.

Things have changed, and car buyers have changed. Z owners have changed. The benchmark for what a sports car should do for the money has changed, just as it has for the last 47 years of the Z's existence. You say some of us don't understand what a Z is all about. I say you don't understand what the Z is meant to be about and what it should become. I'm glad you're happy with your purchase, but I think rather than interpreting this discussion as misunderstanding of what a Z is about, I think you're demonstrating a misunderstanding of the point.

The Z is a great car. All of them (save the awkward late 70s/early 80s years... this was also a time when shag carpet and doorway beads were fashionable). I worry Nissan doesn't have the balls to evolve this car the way it needs to be evolved to stay relevant in the market after this iteration.

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