Discussion Topic: What is the next Z-car?

[300ZXttZMAN]

I figure I should make an interesting discussion topic I myself have been wondering this for quite some time now. What is the next Z-Car, that Nissan will roll off the assembly lines??? Im sure im not the only one thinking about this...

I mean are they going to stay with the traditional 6 Cylinders?

Are they going to start over at the 240Z but keep the similar body and chassis just more modernized?? Or a completely new design? possibly make it turboed? Woud Infiniti carry a similar line if the 240z was reproduced?? (for example: Z33 and G35)

Will they start over but go to a 2.5 L6?? Would it be turboed?? What would they call it??

Would they make a 390z V6 Supercharged??

Or the most dreaded and feared by me personally is the z car going to die out so to speak??? < seems that it would be very unlikely just because of the fact that it would upset so many people...

REMEMBER THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN OPEN DISCUSSION!!! I love open discussions ! So lets make this topic a good one!
Let your ideas/wishes/ and opinions flow onto the screen.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The Z is already pretty well-priced. I don't know that there's room for an "entry level" model. And even if there was I doubt it would sell much. I also don't expect to see cylinder count vary from 6 cylinders. While it does seem Nissan is slowly remembering how to make sporty-focused 4-banger, they still have a long way to go before anything they make is worthy of a sports car. And a V8 Z might work as a top-end limited production model, but it probably wouldn't work as the bread-and-butter setup. I know I'd love to see a Z56 though.
Even a smaller 6 doesn't make much sense to me. The only purpose for it would be to pull a G25: an outright attack on the competition's entry model pricing. But the Z doesn't really need to do that. There's no direct competitor that the Z needs to fight a pricing war with to be successful. There's "smaller" stuff that only competes with the Z through top-end models (That new Scion thing, the Genny Coupe) and then there's bigger stuff that competes with the Z in entry models (newer V6 pony cars) and then there's more exotic stuff that challenges the Z performance-wise but is in a different world price-wise (like the Cayman). There's nothing else that sits right next to the Z and can say "I cost $2000 less than you and it matters." There's no IS250 to the Z's G37.

As for the car itself, Nissan has shown they understand that smaller and lighter is better when it comes to the Z. The Z34 is arguably the best Z ever, and that is because it went on a diet and sharpened itself up.

As for dying out...I wouldn't worry about that now of all times. There's plenty of competition for it, and more approaching every day it seems. The Z is economical by sports car standards, and that gives it staying power. This is the best time ever for Nissan to keep their head in the game and get the Z right, and definitely not the time to pull the plug.

[krash]

I really don't think the Z is going anywhere anytime soon. Like MOD said, its has no direct competition so its kind of just relaxing where it is.

I doubt they'll make a new 240z as they'd have to make a new 2.4 power plant with it. Plus the Z's have been equipped with a V6 3.0L+ since the z32. So they're staying with that. I have doubts if the Z will ever hit 4.0L, but it could happen.

However I don't think they'd ever come out with a twin turbo model, it would start to rival the R35, power wise, and they'd have to jack up the price, unless they did a small turbo setup just to release another generation of Z.

My guess is maybe we'll get a 380z or 390z with its G38 or G39 counter part sometime in the future.

[300ZXttZMAN]

I really don't think the Z is going anywhere anytime soon. Like MOD said, its has no direct competition so its kind of just relaxing where it is.

I doubt they'll make a new 240z as they'd have to make a new 2.4 power plant with it. Plus the Z's have been equipped with a V6 3.0L+ since the z32. So they're staying with that. I have doubts if the Z will ever hit 4.0L, but it could happen.

However I don't think they'd ever come out with a twin turbo model, it would start to rival the R35, power wise, and they'd have to jack up the price, unless they did a small turbo setup just to release another generation of Z.

My guess is maybe we'll get a 380z or 390z with its G38 or G39 counter part sometime in the future.

Yea very good point i agree with both of yall.. Now that im thinking about it.. Your right in order for them to make a turbo set up like the z32 it would directly put the car at rival with their own R35.

But here is an idea nissan could consider: Would if they went to a 3.8 L6 Dual Cam that way its not then same motor as a GTR although it would be the same displacement, it would still be completely different (obviously)..

If they did make a 3.8 L6 it would be much more cost effective to have them N/A cause like said before if it were a forced induction motor then it would be a direct rival to the GTR's VR38DETT.. So it would have to be in an N/A form... But for just s*** and giggles picture this: _ _ 38DET or _ _ 38DETT hmmm would definatley be interesting to say the least also would grab alot of attention..

[95zenki man]

I love my 350 and have no plans of swaping it out anytime soon. the 370z will run for another 2 or 3 years before nissan even thinks about looking into another one.

as for what i think.

New body style keeping with the 350 /370 look.
New V6 putting down in the range of 350-375 hp ( the vq is a beautiful motor but lacking on some ends. so i think we will see a new v6 and hope for the best. )

[sx moneypit]

I have owned several S30s (5 to be exact) and i would love to see Nissan do a retro Z as like Ford did the Mustang.

[Kompresshun]

I don't think we will ever see an I-6, as the current V6 has proven to be quite reliable and can make stupid amounts of power. I don't think we're anywhere near seeing a replacement either, I'd say the Z34 still has another 3-4 years before we see a successor, based on previous generations.

There was talk at one time of offering a limited edition model with a V8, but it would be a Mercedes derived V8, so I'm not so sure about that. I would be fine with a limited production run of a really powerful model, even if it were comparable to the R35

[Kompresshun]

I have owned several S30s (5 to be exact) and i would love to see Nissan do a retro Z as like Ford did the Mustang.

The Z33 was supposed to be the "retro" version, with some S30 styling cues. I doubt we will see anything closer than it came.

[krash]

There was talk at one time of offering a limited edition model with a V8, but it would be a Mercedes derived V8

Mercedes Blutec diesel, right?

[ScrapMetal]

To the average car enthusiast, no the Z has no direct competition but to the average car buyer who's actually willing to cough up $35k+ on a sporty new coupe the Z has plenty of competition, some that are both more powerful and cheaper. I could see the average car buyer looking at both a Z and a 5L Mustang and possibly a Genesis Coupe which gets a restyling next year and more powerful engines. I absolutely love the 370Z but if I had $40K of my hard earned cash laying around I'd go with the Mustang.

My question is, with the ToyoBaru twins and a newer Gen Coupe right around the corner when's Nissan going to build me a new generation S chassis? I'm realistically going to buy a new car in about 5 years and if by then there hasn't been any talks at Nissan about building a sub $30k RWD sports coupe I'm jumping ship and buying a Scion FRS.

Cliff notes: The 370Z is less powerful and more expensive than other sport coupes

[hitbychance]

hopefully they add turbos to whatever they make, a stock tt 370z would be golden

[orangeNblue]

I think coming out with a twin turbo option would be a great "next step up" for the Nissan Z family. The chances of them doing that is probably slim, but it would be really cool for them to keep the VQ37 motor and change the body form a little and add twin turbos.

I also think if they were going to release a new 2.4 motor, they'd re-release the 240sx and make it sporty 4 cylinder, to provide a more economic option for those interested. It would give nissan a chance to compete with the Scion FRS

[simmode1]

Whatever they do, I hope they put the Stagea's VQ25DET in it, beefed up a little bit. Less HP than the current VQ37, but more torque and easier power potential. But not quite easy enough power potential to threaten the GTR.

Unfortunately, I don't see the S-chassis coming back until the Z's run out of steam, which ain't gonna happen anytime soon. Nissan doesn't have room for both of them in the stable. Besides, Nissan knows that S-chassis fans are generally broke, penny-pinching, lowballing misers and more likely to buy hand-me-down Z's instead of ponying up for a brand new Silvia at the dealership.

[TurboSauce]

I think it may be possible to see a 390z coming up next, and they may drop a bombshell with a turbo version, but they'd most defiantly drop the displacement. maybe back to 3 liters or 3.5 liters.

[dasoupdude]

I always imagined the next Z to have an na variant of the VR38..

[TurboSauce]

^ nice dream, but i highly doubt nissan would put their flagship car's engine in something, smaller and lighter, even if it's not twin turbo or turbo at all. Imagine a z with the same engine as the GTR, i'd give it two months before a twin turbo kit comes out, and then gtr sales drop dramatically., unless nissan ups the ante for the gtr.

Not trying to offend, just stating my view.

[Gold Digger]

I doubt they'll make a new 240z as they'd have to make a new 2.4 power plant with it. Plus the Z's have been equipped with a V6 3.0L+ since the z32. So they're staying with that. I have doubts if the Z will ever hit 4.0L, but it could happen.

Actually, it would be the Z31. Had the VG30ET as the best engine option in the turbo model.


As for the Z, I think it's at it's peak this very moment. Everything about the Z34 is, in my opinion, PERFECT...well, except the convertible. That needs to never come near me.

It's body lines are reminiscent of the S30, and it's got the ca hones to back up the look. Hell, a stock-ish one with a nice set of filter, exhaust/headers and an ECU tune would probably give me a run for the money if not take me. They are no slouch.

Every time I see one, I seriously consider selling my GT-R and getting a first year Z34 when they get to around $20k used or so...but then again, I will never get out of turbo vehicles unless I have no other choice.

[300ZXttZMAN]

To the average car enthusiast, no the Z has no direct competition but to the average car buyer who's actually willing to cough up $35k+ on a sporty new coupe the Z has plenty of competition, some that are both more powerful and cheaper. I could see the average car buyer looking at both a Z and a 5L Mustang and possibly a Genesis Coupe which gets a restyling next year and more powerful engines. I absolutely love the 370Z but if I had $40K of my hard earned cash laying around I'd go with the Mustang.
My question is, with the ToyoBaru twins and a newer Gen Coupe right around the corner when's Nissan going to build me a new generation S chassis? I'm realistically going to buy a new car in about 5 years and if by then there hasn't been any talks at Nissan about building a sub $30k RWD sports coupe I'm jumping ship and buying a Scion FRS.

Cliff notes: The 370Z is less powerful and more expensive than other sport coupes

Man you would regret that so much.. Think about this: there is a reason why a clean 1990 TT sells for 10k and a clean 1999 mustang gt sells for 6 < i know this because i have friends that have them

But anyway back to subject...

[300ZXttZMAN]

Whatever they do, I hope they put the Stagea's VQ25DET in it, beefed up a little bit. Less HP than the current VQ37, but more torque and easier power potential. But not quite easy enough power potential to threaten the GTR.

Unfortunately, I don't see the S-chassis coming back until the Z's run out of steam, which ain't gonna happen anytime soon. Nissan doesn't have room for both of them in the stable. Besides, Nissan knows that S-chassis fans are generally broke, penny-pinching, lowballing misers and more likely to buy hand-me-down Z's instead of ponying up for a brand new Silvia at the dealership.

Yea that makes since your proabably right (no sarcasm)

[300ZXttZMAN]

I doubt they'll make a new 240z as they'd have to make a new 2.4 power plant with it. Plus the Z's have been equipped with a V6 3.0L+ since the z32. So they're staying with that. I have doubts if the Z will ever hit 4.0L, but it could happen.

Actually, it would be the Z31. Had the VG30ET as the best engine option in the turbo model.


As for the Z, I think it's at it's peak this very moment. Everything about the Z34 is, in my opinion, PERFECT...well, except the convertible. That needs to never come near me.

It's body lines are reminiscent of the S30, and it's got the ca hones to back up the look. Hell, a stock-ish one with a nice set of filter, exhaust/headers and an ECU tune would probably give me a run for the money if not take me. They are no slouch.

Every time I see one, I seriously consider selling my GT-R and getting a first year Z34 when they get to around $20k used or so...but then again, I will never get out of turbo vehicles unless I have no other choice.

Yea i have to have boost.

[Ace2cool]

I've said this before in the Z forums, but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see a new 240Z. Except with this one, go smaller chassis, go back to the I6, and turbo that beast. Make it a high redlining, boosting, cornering monster! Make it another redefining sports car. That's what the original 240Z was, if you think about it. Everyone else, when you thought of Sports Cars, you thought of big engines, big cars, goes fast in a straight line. The 240Z brought similar performance in a much different package. I want to see a 9,000rpm redline. Hell, with a modern 2.4L I6, you could probably make 10K rpm redline reliable. That's my personal opinion. I know it probably won't happen, but I can dream, right?

[krash]

Actually, it would be the Z31. Had the VG30ET as the best engine option in the turbo model.

Whoops, completely forgot about that guy for some reason.

I've said this before in the Z forums, but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see a new 240Z. Except with this one, go smaller chassis, go back to the I6, and turbo that beast. Make it a high redlining, boosting, cornering monster! Make it another redefining sports car. That's what the original 240Z was, if you think about it. Everyone else, when you thought of Sports Cars, you thought of big engines, big cars, goes fast in a straight line. The 240Z brought similar performance in a much different package. I want to see a 9,000rpm redline. Hell, with a modern 2.4L I6, you could probably make 10K rpm redline reliable. That's my personal opinion. I know it probably won't happen, but I can dream, right?

I feel like what they would do instead of making a new Silvia or a new 240z, they'd come out with a car that is both. I dunno what they'd call it, whether it'd be a 240sx or a 240z would probably be a big debate. But I'm sure it will happen when Toyobaru comes out with that fr-s/ft86 thing.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

It'll probably stay some VQ variant, but hopefully it gets direct injection and a price drop.
The Z with a few options is dangerously close to the cost of a Corvette.

[simmode1]

I feel like what they would do instead of making a new Silvia or a new 240z, they'd come out with a car that is both. I dunno what they'd call it, whether it'd be a 240sx or a 240z would probably be a big debate. But I'm sure it will happen when Toyobaru comes out with that fr-s/ft86 thing.

Precisely! Thats what I've been trying to tell ppl! The Z33 pretty my IS the new Silvia in just about everything but name, IMO. Nissan knows S-chassis enthusiasts would just rip out the back seat of a 2+2 anyway, so they saved us the trouble. They set a nice price point, so that when the Z33 hit the second and thrid hand market, it'll have that same inexpensive, disposable aura that the S13 has...

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

[300ZXttZMAN]

I've said this before in the Z forums, but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see a new 240Z. Except with this one, go smaller chassis, go back to the I6, and turbo that beast. Make it a high redlining, boosting, cornering monster! Make it another redefining sports car. That's what the original 240Z was, if you think about it. Everyone else, when you thought of Sports Cars, you thought of big engines, big cars, goes fast in a straight line. The 240Z brought similar performance in a much different package. I want to see a 9,000rpm redline. Hell, with a modern 2.4L I6, you could probably make 10K rpm redline reliable. That's my personal opinion. I know it probably won't happen, but I can dream, right?

+ Infinity

[krash]

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.

[BusyBadger]

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.

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.

Mine's been nothing but good to me, even in some of the crappy weather I have to drive through in winter.

[300ZXttZMAN]

^^^ no not like the s2k

I want the next z to be a Boosted, 2.4L L6, 8k Rev limit, wide a**, (dont really care for the smaller chassis) and of course a 6spd, Handling beast!

Yet all the while still luxurious/classy like the z32

[simmode1]

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

Mine's been nothing but good to me, even in some of the crappy weather I have to drive through in winter.

I'd love to get a Z33, but I'm getting older and I can't rationalize acquiring a car note for yet another toy car. Soon, I'm gonna be needing something bigger for hauling family around and taking long trips. I'm more likely to stick with one SR'd S13 and finance a 2003 FX35 instead. Best of both worlds...

[Bubba1]

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.