Original creator of the 240z is impressed with the FT-86

BanningZ · 04-01-2010, 05:56 PM

Old news, but it was new to me when I stumbled across it.

Sorry if this is a repost

Nissan Z-car legend interviewed - Autocar.co.uk

Quote:

Original creator of the 240z is impressed with the FT-86

Autocar’s Japanese correspondent Peter Nunn recently spent some time with the creator of the original Nissan Z-car – the Datsun 240Z - Yutaka Katayama.

Nunn took Katayama out in the Nissan 370Z Roadster to see what the 100-year-old thought and you can see the pictures from his visit by clicking on the link below.

Katayama was initially a fan of the car, but felt it was overly complicated.
“Two hundred years ago we were riding horses, but we’ve lost that feeling of uncomplicated freedom nowadays,” said Katayama. “A horse has no tachometer or whatever, but man can still control the speed and enjoy riding the horse. Keep it simple – that’s the way it should be.”

Katayama, who recently renewed his driving license for another three years, also bemoaned the price of the new model. Nunn describes what Katayama’s ideal modern Z-car would be.

“To Mr K, the Z-car should be simpler – styled like a thoroughbred, but with a price accessible to young people,” says Nunn. “It should offer the same kind of character and involvement that you can get from a Mazda MX-5, or even a Caterham.”

What interests Katayama in the motoring world nowadays? He likes the idea of an electric hybrid Z, but is concerned about the weight of the batteries. What about the Tesla? “No interest!” said Katayama. Without any sound, maybe they will have to use a bell.”

Katayama has been impressed with the Toyota FT-86 concept, which he saw at the Tokyo motor show. A Subaru-engined, rear-drive coupe “is something like a new Zed should be”, he said.

Katayama, who himself drives a Nissan 350Z, has been a frequent visitor to the UK. “Driving with the top down in Britain is fantastic,” he said with a smile. “That’s the place to drive a sports car.”

This little puppy will lack power, but keep in mind the 240Z produced 150 hp at 2,355 lbs.

Looks promising...maybe?

Pharmacist · 04-01-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

To Mr K, the Z-car should be with a price accessible to young people

yeah, just what we need. more high school punks buying z cars and wrapping them around light poles. my insurance company would love that

fullmonty · 04-02-2010, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

yeah, just what we need. more high school punks buying z cars and wrapping them around light poles. my insurance company would love that

I drove sports cars in highschool and I feel that it taught me to drive with more responsibilty

Matt · 04-02-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

yeah, just what we need. more high school punks buying z cars and wrapping them around light poles. my insurance company would love that

Yeah, just what we need. More old people buying Z cars, reaching for their vitamins or bifocals and wrapping the car around a light pole. My insurance company would love that.

See what I did there?

I'm a "young person" who isn't in High School and I've never wrapped a tree around a light pole. Saying that a car should be affordable to more people than retired guys with no house payment isn't a terrible thing.

Although I disagree about the current Z being too expensive, if that is what he's implying. How much more affordable can our car get before we start sacrificing even more power or comfort?

SkyZ · 04-24-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Although I disagree about the current Z being too expensive, if that is what he's implying. How much more affordable can our car get before we start sacrificing even more power or comfort?

he's saying there shouldnt be this much power or comfort, instead it should be simpler and lighter. thats what hes trying to say the design philosophy of this car should be.

SmoothZ · 04-24-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullmonty

I drove sports cars in highschool and I feel that it taught me to drive with more responsibilty

You are a rare breed. I know they exist, but most teens have no respect or appreciation for automotive history.

PapoZalsa · 04-25-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmoothZ

...but most teens have no respect or appreciation for automotive history.

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