Discussion Topic: What is the next Z-car?

[MinisterofDOOM]

For new cars, Hyundai sells v6 RWD sports car called the Genesis coupe. You can also include the Mazda RX-8, and even the Miata as direct Z competition. Don't forget add the BMW Z4, base Audi TT, and VW R32.

The only one of those that comes close to competing directly with the Z is the Genny coupe, and the volume seller for it is the 4-banger. RX-8 seats 4. Miata's a 4. Z4 is twice the price. TT is fwd/awd and 4-cylinder. R32 is a family car.

No direct competition. I wasn't suggesting there's nothing out there that people might cross-shop with the Z, but saying an R32 is direct competition for the Z is like saying the Panamera is direct competition for the Ferrari California.

The point I was getting at with my original comment is there's no other car out there that could force the Z into a cut-throat pricing war like you see with the Z's 4-seat brother the G, meaning there's no real need for a "250z" or other entry model. Where the G had Lexus' IS straddling its pricing and presenting itself as the perfect target for an undercut courtesy of a G25, I just don't see that doing any good for the Z. The Genesis coupe is the possible exception, but I still don't see it happening.

[simmode1]

The Genesis coupe is the possible exception, but I still don't see it happening.

If Hyundai ever decides to put the Sonata's 274hp 2.0L turbo GDI motor in the Gen Coupe, the Z will have a very real problem on its hands.

[95zenki man]

Man, I am really talking myself into getting myself a 350z right now...

I've been thinking about getting one after college for DD duties.

Do it! You wont regret it...its definitely a fun car but I have l noticed over the past few months that the original thoughts of having it and loving it start to fade and it just becomes another car. Its like something is missing that I can't put my finger on...don't get me wrong I still love my 08 but I'm definitely considering going and looking at a used 370.

[MinisterofDOOM]

If Hyundai ever decides to put the Sonata's 274hp 2.0L turbo GDI motor in the Gen Coupe, the Z will have a very real problem on its hands.

I don't think THAT powerplant, of all things, is what the Z should fear. The Genesis coupe already has a 300hp V6 option, and even that is 30hp behind the Z. If the hottest Genesis can't scare the Z, a lesser model sure won't. Though with the turbo magic Hyundai worked on the 2-liter, it's certainly possible that with a little more displacement they could get 300 or 330hp under the coupe's hood for reasonably cheap.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I would buy the s*** out of a genny coupe with that turbo 4 banger. THE s*** OUT OF IT!

[simmode1]

^^^Exactly. Hyundai could get over 300hp out of the 2.0L, but that would make the V6 pointless. I think the 274hp mark is great for the base level car if they insist on having the V6 in the line up.

I really disagree that the Z have nothing to fear from the Hyundai 2.0L engine. Looking on Genesis boards, those motors are making really nice numbers pretty easy. Like swapping on an Evo X manifold and turbo yielding 350ish whp and 380ish ft/lbs. That motor is really torquey.... More than KA-T could dream of being. I think the 2.0L makes power eaiser than the 3.8L V6 and could easily exceed what the 370Z can produce short of a major (and expensive) forced induction project.

If Hyundai adds the GDI technology and turbo to that motor, acheiving those numbers will likely be even easier, maybe even on the stock turbo. Not to mention the gas mileage too...

[krash]

I would buy the s*** out of a genny coupe with that turbo 4 banger. THE s*** OUT OF IT!

The s*** costs like 20k. So paypal me that, I'll go buy the car, and then ship you some s*** from inside.

[mmkeller]

I would like to see the new Z lower, wider, and have a mid engine, eehhh, NOT going to happen I believe.

[95zenki man]

Why no talk about toyota coming out with the FT-86 or what about mazda and the rx8?

I know the rx8 is slow as piss but you do have to say the new one's are hella sexy. And i bet you 95% of the people that have a Z ( apart from the track guys and people that like speed) only have the Z because they like the look of it more. Over 70% of Z owners are over the age 35 and are buying it because they are single trying to get chicks.....


as for the FT....Oh good lord that thing is going to be sick!!! i would sell my Z in the blink of an eye if i hear that thing is as good in the real world as it looks on a screen.

[asoomal]

It's a Scion now

[95zenki man]

It's a Scion now

Oh now im just pissed....





Your telling me toyota cant ....






f*** it.

[dasoupdude]

Imagine a z with the same engine as the GTR,

Nismo 380rs basically.

I'd give it two months before a twin turbo kit comes out, and then gtr sales drop dramatically.,

Turbo kits have been on the market for awhile, even for the 370. Just a basic twin turbo 370 running even on just wastegate springs can put down power almost as much as an R35..but who just leaves it at that right? Gtr sales seem to be doing quite fine so far..

Point being, just because its a variant of the motor doesn't necessarily have to make it piece by piece rod for rod exactly as its flagship engine. You don't see the quest, max, pathfinder, Z, G, etc all using the exact version of the vq.

I see the Z as more of a purist car than the R35, rwd manual, etc. Which explains why there are so many meatheads are behind the wheel of those gtrs.

[orangeNblue]

@ Zenki man

Its actually called the Scion FR-S now....personally I don't care which brand Toyota carries it under. It's just a name. It's still going to be a suby wrapped in a pretty toyota body. And with a turbo option, I think that it'll be sick.

In all honesty it kinda makes sense for toyota to put it in the Scion devision. Especially since scion is more geared toward tuners....

[Ace2cool]

Eh, I'm not concerned about the next Z until I get ready to buy a new one in 2020.

...go smaller chassis
...Make it a high redlining,
...cornering monster!
...I want to see a 9,000rpm redline.
I know it probably won't happen, but I can dream, right?

You're not dreaming, you're remembering.

No, not entirely. What I'm envisioning would sound more like an F1 car or sportbike than a sport tuner at redline, and would have an I6T(T). Similar, yes. The same? Hell no. The difference? Z style.

Wow that sounded cheesy.

[95zenki man]

@ Zenki man

Its actually called the Scion FR-S now....personally I don't care which brand Toyota carries it under. It's just a name. It's still going to be a suby wrapped in a pretty toyota body. And with a turbo option, I think that it'll be sick.

In all honesty it kinda makes sense for toyota to put it in the Scion devision. Especially since scion is more geared toward tuners....

Yeah I have seen some reports on it and other then a few small things it will be everything and more I hope. I just hate every scion I have ever driven and I worked at Toyota for 6 months so I have had plenty of time behind the wheel of them.

[simmode1]

Why no talk about toyota coming out with the FT-86 or what about mazda and the rx8?

I know the rx8 is slow as piss but you do have to say the new one's are hella sexy.

RX8's are all sexy. But that motor has got to go. I'd rather turn the Mazdaspeed 3's engine the right way and put that in. I'm not down for the LSx swaps...

[300ZXttZMAN]

here's what Road and Track recently said about the next generation Z.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/2013-nissan-z


Could be a hybrid, might have a Mercedes diesel option. nothing is confirmed yet. but whover said the Z has no direct competition, that's wrong.
For new cars, Hyundai sells v6 RWD sports car called the Genesis coupe. You can also include the Mazda RX-8, and even the Miata as direct Z competition. Don't forget add the BMW Z4, base Audi TT, and VW R32.

gold find on that article very interesting!

[95zenki man]

Why no talk about toyota coming out with the FT-86 or what about mazda and the rx8?

I know the rx8 is slow as piss but you do have to say the new one's are hella sexy.

RX8's are all sexy. But that motor has got to go. I'd rather turn the Mazdaspeed 3's engine the right way and put that in. I'm not down for the LSx swaps...

I hear ya man but even the rx7 (13b) would be killer in a rx8...i have mazda people around me all day (5 rx7 fc and fd owners) saying 13b street port or even 3 rotor would kill in the rx8

[simmode1]

^^^Probably, I just think rotaries are black magic and I don't mess with that shizz...

[95zenki man]

^^^Probably, I just think rotaries are black magic and I don't mess with that shizz...

I help my friend pull his out at least 2 times a month.....there defiantly funnky things. i mean it turns on a little stick and somehow it makes amazing power? s*** just ant cool man....


Back on topic!

420 Z its coming guys. they have never used a 4 or a 20 so its gotta be next.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

They definitely used a 4 in "240".
...just sayin.

[Jesda]

Expect AMG-powered Zs in the future now that Nissan and MB have partnered up.

Hopefully it won't be a Crossfire #2.

[mmkeller]

If the Z is to progress to the next level I think a new chassis is in line, then mid engine, a twin turbo. Get rid of the back seat(what back seat?) Keep elements of todays body styling intact. Also, why attach a number, just call it the "Z", everyone else does. Does anyone see the Z in the roof line of the NSX? I'd give a left testicle for something like this.....

[asoomal]

@ Zenki man

Its actually called the Scion FR-S now....personally I don't care which brand Toyota carries it under. It's just a name. It's still going to be a suby wrapped in a pretty toyota body. And with a turbo option, I think that it'll be sick.

In all honesty it kinda makes sense for toyota to put it in the Scion devision. Especially since scion is more geared toward tuners....

But when someone asks you what do you drive, and you say Scion, it makes you look like a typical high school douche...

[PapaSmurf2k3]

But when someone asks you what do you drive, and you say Scion, it makes you look like a typical high school douche...

This man. He has a point.

[simmode1]

If the Z is to progress to the next level I think a new chassis is in line, then mid engine, a twin turbo. Get rid of the back seat(what back seat?) Keep elements of todays body styling intact. Also, why attach a number, just call it the "Z", everyone else does. Does anyone see the Z in the roof line of the NSX? I'd give a left testicle for something like this.....

Yeaaaah... Nothing about any of this says "Nissan Fairlady Z". Sounds more like next gen NSX specs, which will skyrocket the Z's price to GTR levels. No thanks.

They need to keep the numbers in the Z's name because it's not the only car referred to by the name Z. Remember the BMW Z4 and the Z06 Vette.

Again, instead of just growing in displacement, I'd rather see some advancements/refinements to the current Z34 chassis and suspension (which is damn near perfect in many opinions), paired with the current Stagea's VQ25DET using some kinda GDI technology to further increase gas mileage. Slap a new body on it and call it a day. I wouldn't change too much of the current formula, its pretty good. Should save Nissan some money to go this route too.

Anybody see any problems with this route?

[95zenki man]

RIP Z...one less lonly girl....


Side note, they need to work on reinforcing the rear ends....also making sure air bags go off when you slap a wall doing 30mph.

Just saying they need to work on there crash test ratings first.


Sorry im heavily mediated right now..

[Razi]

I don't think the rear ends are supposed to be solid, and are supposed to act as crumple zones.

[orangeNblue]

But when someone asks you what do you drive, and you say Scion, it makes you look like a typical high school douche...

I guess...the actual word scion means descendant or heir, so I've always thought of it as Toyota's little brother. Plus anyone who drives the FR-S is never going to say "it's a scion"....their going to say Toyota or Suby, since they're the ones that built it.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Even though the Geo was a Toyota/suzuki, everyone still called it a Geo dude.