So, I was reading (yet another) post about a "new 240SX". Since we've beaten that topic to death, I'm just curious to know if there's going to be anything exciting happening to the Sentra Spec-V over the next few model years.
As much as I've wanted to appreciate this car, I find it under-whelming compared to the competition (the SRT-4, Saturn Ion Redline, Cobalt SS). I read the recent comparison between the Ralliart Lancer and the Spec-V.
Honestly, if that's the target Nissan is shooting for in the Sport Compact wars, then we've got problems. It's a said day when GM has IMO, a more viable entry in the Market (the Cobalt SS) then Nissan does.
So, any plans on giving the Spec V some balls? Nissan has always been errr...generous with their horsepower numbers, so the Spec V is officially going to be getting it's *** handed to it by a Saturn.
I desperately want the Spec V to be competitive in the market...anyone have any info on updates to the Spec coming up?
Future of the Spec V?
Re: Future of the Spec V? (BadMojo)
i would like to see another rwd 20k car. Yes, they can do it look at the miata.
<~~ not a Z fan or i would own one
<~~ not a Z fan or i would own one
Re: Future of the Spec V? (w1ngzer0)
I'd be happy with a ~$20K car with better styling and power in the Cobalt SS, SRT-4 territory. I think Nissan could definitely come up with something that wouldn't step on the toes of the 350Z. Hell, it could be FWD and I'd be happy with 210-220hp (something like the RSX-S).
The rather optimistic 175hp on the Spec is anemic compared to other cars in the segment.
The rather optimistic 175hp on the Spec is anemic compared to other cars in the segment.
Re: (jdmfreak)
made from nissan. The S2000 and the IS300 used is 20kjdmfreak wrote:Hmmm....I say 20K, and RWD like every1 else wants. I dont need turbo, but it'll be nice.
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SDRonEbay
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The new 240 would have to be a 250 or a complete name change. The wouldn't be able to call it a Sentra because, if I had my way, there would be a body change. Leave Sentra's alone and move up a step. Maybe we can all get together draw up a design for Nissan. They can call it the Nico Rally and pay us all a grip. Of course, it was my idea so I'd be Head Coordinator on the project. Any takers?
Re: (nsrZ32)
I'm not hopeful enough (or deluded enough) to think Nissan will have a suitable RWD platform for a competitive sport compact car. *Unless* Nissan decides they want to compete with GM's Kappa platform cars (Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Curve) or the Miata, I don't see RWD happening.
A Spec V that:
a) Doesn't look like complete crap (sorry Spec Owners). IMO, the Sentra is in desperate need of a new front end. Just not digging the Gap Tooth look. The interior is cool, the car has a decent stance, but the rest of the exterior is just so damn bland.
b) Has *at least* 200bhp. As I said, it's sad when a Saturn and a Cavalier replacement have more power available then Nissan's supposed top of the line sport compact car. I don't care if it's supercharged, turbo or NA...just give us more power!
c) Minimize torque steer. Dodge did it with 230hp/240ft lbs of torque on the SRT-4, I'm sure Nissan can do it too.
d) How about a *fully* independent rear suspension? This *is* 2004 and the car is *not* a Mustang.
e) Price it around $20-22K...sold!
This car might have been a good match up compared to the torque-deficient Focus SVT (which probably outhandled the Spec anyway), but the SVTF is gone and the bar has officially been raised.
A Spec V that:
a) Doesn't look like complete crap (sorry Spec Owners). IMO, the Sentra is in desperate need of a new front end. Just not digging the Gap Tooth look. The interior is cool, the car has a decent stance, but the rest of the exterior is just so damn bland.
b) Has *at least* 200bhp. As I said, it's sad when a Saturn and a Cavalier replacement have more power available then Nissan's supposed top of the line sport compact car. I don't care if it's supercharged, turbo or NA...just give us more power!
c) Minimize torque steer. Dodge did it with 230hp/240ft lbs of torque on the SRT-4, I'm sure Nissan can do it too.
d) How about a *fully* independent rear suspension? This *is* 2004 and the car is *not* a Mustang.
e) Price it around $20-22K...sold!
This car might have been a good match up compared to the torque-deficient Focus SVT (which probably outhandled the Spec anyway), but the SVTF is gone and the bar has officially been raised.
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VCthuglife
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Re: (w1ngzer0)
i don't think it could hurt to send a crapload of emails to Nissan USA and ask for them to bring a new silvia stateside
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HashiriyaS14
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s13sr20chris
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Re: (HashiriyaGDB)
=s13 that the rest of the world got. how about getting back to your roots nissan? how about a car in the line of the old fairlady roadster but with a hardtop model side by side. that would satisfy us 240 owners i think. heck, it could share a platform with the new sentra. rwd/fwd platforms have been done before(examples escaping me now). use the 350z platform but cheapen up on it and use smaller engine.
Re: (s13sr20chris)
Nissan really seems to be leaving a lot on the table with the Spec-V being the best they've got to offer in the Sport Compact market.
Perhaps the success (or failure) of GM's Kappa cars will motivate other manufacturers to come up with an affordable RWD small car platform.
Check this out...maybe GM would be able to share with poor Nissan.
NEW KAPPA REAR-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE HAS GLOBAL INFLUENCE, SPORTING FOUNDATION
DETROIT - Twenty-seven months could be considered overnight when it comes to developing a new vehicle architecture, and that’s how long it took a team of enthusiastic engineers to develop the rear-wheel-drive platform for the Pontiac Solstice - a concept-to-reality sports car coming in 2005.
The new Kappa architecture is the foundation for the Solstice production model as well as several exciting concept vehicles that demonstrate its adaptability. GM introduced the Solstice production model, as well as the Chevrolet Nomad and Saturn Curve concepts, at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
In addition to sharing the Kappa architecture, the concept vehicles reflect GM’s global design and engineering resources. With cultural backgrounds from many corners of the world, designers came together at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Great Britain, as well as GM Europe’s Advanced Design Studio in Sweden to collaborate on the concept vehicles’ designs. Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina also helped assemble them.
“These vehicles have global appeal that translate well in any language,” said Anne Asensio, executive director, Advanced Vehicles. “From the shape of the bodywork to the colors and interior materials, they each represent contemporary design.”
Starting from scratchThe impetus for the Kappa architecture’s world-class platform was the Pontiac Solstice. A strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept car helped green-light the vehicle for production even though a compact rear-wheel-drive platform for it did not exist. A core team of engineers was assigned to develop one - and quickly. This efficient team collaborated globally to develop a flexible platform that would enable future production work for a distinct set of GM brands.
“We knew from the start that we would do it right or not do it at all; the support for that decision came from the very top,” said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM’s small cars. “It has been an experience whereby the size and strength of GM was mobilized on a global scale to get the job done immediately.”
To maintain the Solstice concept’s aggressive stance, the chassis was developed to support the vehicle’s short overhangs, long wheelbase and wide stance. This “wheels at the corners” design enhances handling and the overall feeling of stability. It also allows for a more comfortable interior, with increased legroom and hip room.
To ensure the lithe proportions of the Solstice were complemented with a firm foundation, engineers developed a lower-dominant tube structure for the chassis. Hydroformed frame rails, which run the length of the vehicle, are the basis of the chassis, while additional stampings form a rigid structure onto which the bodywork is attached.
The hydroforming process uses pressurized fluid to form each frame rail from a single piece of steel, rather than several pieces of steel welded together. This creates a stronger frame rail and requires less time to form it. Additional components and stampings are added to the frame rail during vehicle assembly.
A tunnel at the center of the chassis, which houses the transmission and driveshaft, is enclosed at the bottom to enhance stiffness. This built-in strength reduces chassis flex and cowl shake in a vehicle designed from the outset as a convertible.
“Convertibles typically are less stiff than vehicles with a fixed roof, so we set out to create the stiffest possible platform for a vehicle this size,” said Queen.
The Kappa architecture’s rigid structure also permits more precision when it comes to tuning the suspension. The Solstice features independent, SLA-type suspensions in the front and rear, along with coil-over springs wrapped around Bilstein monotube shock absorbers. The short-long arm suspension designs feature forged aluminum upper and lower control arms that are both strong and lightweight. The rear suspension also features a toe control link and the rear differential housing has an optimized three-point mounting design.
The Kappa’s suspension design and geometry are not shared with any other GM vehicle architecture.
The Solstice also features four-wheel disc brakes, including 11.7-inch ventilated front rotors and 10.6-inch rear rotors, which combine with optional ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning to provide superior stopping stability. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.
Dynamics perfectedIn addition to the robust chassis architecture and suspension components, Kappa engineers sweated dynamic details to produce a world-class platform, including:
- Near 50/50 weight distribution for a balanced handling feel - Hydraulic engine mounts to provide a smoother engine feel - Optimized acoustic barrier and sound absorption package to provide world-class levels of interior quietness - Exterior components, such as mirrors, wind-tunnel tested to minimize wind noise - Tires selected for handling performance and low noise.
The Kappa chassis also was designed for the all-aluminum Ecotec four-cylinder engine. In the Solstice, the 2.4-liter version of the sophisticated DOHC powerplant features twin balance shafts to reduce engine-sourced noise and vibration. Technologies including intake- and exhaust-cam phasing and electronic throttle control are employed to maximize volumetric efficiency, boosting the smoothness and performance of the engine throughout the rpm range.
Clear mission Development time and cost were reduced by leveraging existing GM components where possible. The Solstice’s rear differential, for example, is borrowed from the Cadillac CTS. Other proven component selections also aided Kappa architecture’s development time.
“It makes sense to leverage proven parts that fit the application,” said Queen. “The parts are adapted to the Kappa architecture and do not compromise the vehicle’s design or function.”
Knowledge that the Solstice would be offered with a version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine allowed the chassis team to design for the specific powertrain from the project’s start. Because the Ecotec engine had not previously been used in a longitudinal layout, several accessory drive components required redesign to fit the new chassis.
“Knowing these challenges at the beginning helped us design it right the first time,” said Queen. “We had a very clear mission on how to proceed with the architecture’s design.”
Although the primary focus of the Kappa architecture was the development of the Solstice, its platform is adaptable - as demonstrated with the Chevrolet Nomad sport wagon and Saturn Curve 2+2 coupe concept vehicles. The Nomad rides on a longer wheelbase than the Solstice for added rear passenger room, while the expressive Saturn offers a sophisticated, performance-oriented driving experience with a fixed roof.
“The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe,” said Queen. “Two years ago it didn’t exist, but as the other concepts show, the additional possibilities are tantalizing.”
Perhaps the success (or failure) of GM's Kappa cars will motivate other manufacturers to come up with an affordable RWD small car platform.
Check this out...maybe GM would be able to share with poor Nissan.
NEW KAPPA REAR-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE HAS GLOBAL INFLUENCE, SPORTING FOUNDATION
DETROIT - Twenty-seven months could be considered overnight when it comes to developing a new vehicle architecture, and that’s how long it took a team of enthusiastic engineers to develop the rear-wheel-drive platform for the Pontiac Solstice - a concept-to-reality sports car coming in 2005.
The new Kappa architecture is the foundation for the Solstice production model as well as several exciting concept vehicles that demonstrate its adaptability. GM introduced the Solstice production model, as well as the Chevrolet Nomad and Saturn Curve concepts, at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
In addition to sharing the Kappa architecture, the concept vehicles reflect GM’s global design and engineering resources. With cultural backgrounds from many corners of the world, designers came together at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Great Britain, as well as GM Europe’s Advanced Design Studio in Sweden to collaborate on the concept vehicles’ designs. Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina also helped assemble them.
“These vehicles have global appeal that translate well in any language,” said Anne Asensio, executive director, Advanced Vehicles. “From the shape of the bodywork to the colors and interior materials, they each represent contemporary design.”
Starting from scratchThe impetus for the Kappa architecture’s world-class platform was the Pontiac Solstice. A strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept car helped green-light the vehicle for production even though a compact rear-wheel-drive platform for it did not exist. A core team of engineers was assigned to develop one - and quickly. This efficient team collaborated globally to develop a flexible platform that would enable future production work for a distinct set of GM brands.
“We knew from the start that we would do it right or not do it at all; the support for that decision came from the very top,” said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM’s small cars. “It has been an experience whereby the size and strength of GM was mobilized on a global scale to get the job done immediately.”
To maintain the Solstice concept’s aggressive stance, the chassis was developed to support the vehicle’s short overhangs, long wheelbase and wide stance. This “wheels at the corners” design enhances handling and the overall feeling of stability. It also allows for a more comfortable interior, with increased legroom and hip room.
To ensure the lithe proportions of the Solstice were complemented with a firm foundation, engineers developed a lower-dominant tube structure for the chassis. Hydroformed frame rails, which run the length of the vehicle, are the basis of the chassis, while additional stampings form a rigid structure onto which the bodywork is attached.
The hydroforming process uses pressurized fluid to form each frame rail from a single piece of steel, rather than several pieces of steel welded together. This creates a stronger frame rail and requires less time to form it. Additional components and stampings are added to the frame rail during vehicle assembly.
A tunnel at the center of the chassis, which houses the transmission and driveshaft, is enclosed at the bottom to enhance stiffness. This built-in strength reduces chassis flex and cowl shake in a vehicle designed from the outset as a convertible.
“Convertibles typically are less stiff than vehicles with a fixed roof, so we set out to create the stiffest possible platform for a vehicle this size,” said Queen.
The Kappa architecture’s rigid structure also permits more precision when it comes to tuning the suspension. The Solstice features independent, SLA-type suspensions in the front and rear, along with coil-over springs wrapped around Bilstein monotube shock absorbers. The short-long arm suspension designs feature forged aluminum upper and lower control arms that are both strong and lightweight. The rear suspension also features a toe control link and the rear differential housing has an optimized three-point mounting design.
The Kappa’s suspension design and geometry are not shared with any other GM vehicle architecture.
The Solstice also features four-wheel disc brakes, including 11.7-inch ventilated front rotors and 10.6-inch rear rotors, which combine with optional ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning to provide superior stopping stability. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.
Dynamics perfectedIn addition to the robust chassis architecture and suspension components, Kappa engineers sweated dynamic details to produce a world-class platform, including:
- Near 50/50 weight distribution for a balanced handling feel - Hydraulic engine mounts to provide a smoother engine feel - Optimized acoustic barrier and sound absorption package to provide world-class levels of interior quietness - Exterior components, such as mirrors, wind-tunnel tested to minimize wind noise - Tires selected for handling performance and low noise.
The Kappa chassis also was designed for the all-aluminum Ecotec four-cylinder engine. In the Solstice, the 2.4-liter version of the sophisticated DOHC powerplant features twin balance shafts to reduce engine-sourced noise and vibration. Technologies including intake- and exhaust-cam phasing and electronic throttle control are employed to maximize volumetric efficiency, boosting the smoothness and performance of the engine throughout the rpm range.
Clear mission Development time and cost were reduced by leveraging existing GM components where possible. The Solstice’s rear differential, for example, is borrowed from the Cadillac CTS. Other proven component selections also aided Kappa architecture’s development time.
“It makes sense to leverage proven parts that fit the application,” said Queen. “The parts are adapted to the Kappa architecture and do not compromise the vehicle’s design or function.”
Knowledge that the Solstice would be offered with a version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine allowed the chassis team to design for the specific powertrain from the project’s start. Because the Ecotec engine had not previously been used in a longitudinal layout, several accessory drive components required redesign to fit the new chassis.
“Knowing these challenges at the beginning helped us design it right the first time,” said Queen. “We had a very clear mission on how to proceed with the architecture’s design.”
Although the primary focus of the Kappa architecture was the development of the Solstice, its platform is adaptable - as demonstrated with the Chevrolet Nomad sport wagon and Saturn Curve 2+2 coupe concept vehicles. The Nomad rides on a longer wheelbase than the Solstice for added rear passenger room, while the expressive Saturn offers a sophisticated, performance-oriented driving experience with a fixed roof.
“The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe,” said Queen. “Two years ago it didn’t exist, but as the other concepts show, the additional possibilities are tantalizing.”
Re: (Chingon)
I'm not sure how it's doing in SCCA, but IMO it's really lagging behind the competition as far as power goes. Out muscled by a Saturn...not good!Chingon wrote:i thought the spec v was doing fine in some scca competitions, including solo events. Maybe i'm misinformed here? hell, I'd be happy if nissan brought out a rebadged clio sport v6...
The Clio Sport V6 would kick ***...snap oversteer and all. I'd be all over that thing. Man, I'd love to drive that car.
Sadly, we'll never see this car either.