This just in, Car & Driver says we will have a new Z in 2015

[300ZXttZMAN]

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/20 ... 58_8516558

Interesting to say the least.. I hope Nissan doesn't give it a 4 cylinder not even as an option. I wonder if anymore in-dept details will be released about it soon?

Thoughts?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Just in time to look sad next to the new smaller, lighter, faster Camaro with its vastly superior powertrain options.

[300ZXttZMAN]

The sad truth.

But then again only time will tell.

[gwoods]

What if the turbo 4 is a diesel?

[300ZXttZMAN]

^no comment haha.

[alphapig]

Just in time to look sad next to the new smaller, lighter, faster Camaro with its vastly superior powertrain options.

(Citation required)

I don't see a point a relevance between the Camaro and Z. There is no market overlap unless the new Camaro is a 2-seater and weighs 700lbs less.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The 2-seater point is totally valid, but only some buyers look for SEATING capacity. PLENTY of other Z and Camaro buyers are looking for something much less specific: a 2-door coupe.

But your weight comment highlights what I was getting at. The next Camaro will not be based on the large Zeta architecture, but the compact and designed-specifically-to-be-ultra-lightweight Alpha architecture. To put things in perspective: The current Z weighs in at about 3300lb. That's the same as the Cadillac ATS, which shares the future Camaro's architecture. That's a LUXURY SEDAN that weighs the same as a Z. The Camaro's going to lose a lot of that weight. The platform is also a lot smaller than Zeta.
Those two facts mean that suddenly the V6 Camaro, which was once relegated to duty as the affordable version sought by image-conscious buyers who didn't care about performance, will become relevant as a genuine sports car. So we could end up with a Camaro that's similarly sized, lighter-weight, more powerful, more fuel-efficient, more affordable, and with arguably more appealing styling than the Z (Nissans are getting fuglier by the day and everyone's eating up the retro Camaro, regardless of what you or I may think of it).

The current Z and Camaro absolutely don't compete. But the next models will, whether Nissan likes it or not. And, where the Z is VQ-only, for a few grand extra you'll be able to get an LT1 or LF3 in the Camaro...suddenly Nissan's in trouble. Mid-range Camaros will be shooting for the GTR for 1/3 the price, and the hot ones will be making it look like a joke for a little more than that. LF3 is every manufacturer on earth's WORST NIGHTMARE. 400+ ft-lb out of an efficient, affordable, mass-produceable design. Even the VR38's quakin' in its pricey, low-production-yield, hand-assembled boots. GM seriously has the capacity to make a $40k, 400hp Camaro that weighs under 3000lb and gets 30mpg. The new Z is SCREWED.

[DrewH]

That last post is chock full of numbers that I don't put stock in but I agree that GM has finally put their big boy pants on and the new Camaro will take a good portion of the market away from Nissan if they don't respond in kind with the New Z.

[MinisterofDOOM]

That last post is chock full of numbers that I don't put stock in

There are only two numbers in that post that are not hard fact: the 30mpg estimate and the $40k pricepoint guess. Both of which are based on current pricing and actual EPA estimates though. For instance, there's a big gap between the $36k SS V8 model and the $54k ZL1 model, which leaves spots at $40k for a TT 6 and $45k for the 7 liter V8 (Z28). And the LF3 is rated at 19/25 in the CTS, which is a lot bigger than ATS or Camaro.

LF3 is going to be a serious winner for GM. It's going into a TON of cars, which means parts will be plentiful, aftermarket support will be huge, and repairs and manufacturing will be cheap. XTS, ATS, CTS, Impala, Grand National, SS, and Silverado 1500 are all either officially confirmed or expected but unconfirmed candidates for the motor.

[frapjap]

This is the first I have heard of the LF3.

Other features include piston oil-jet capability, forged and fillet rolled crankshaft, sinter forged connecting rods, a variable intake manifold, twin knock control sensors and coil-on-plug ignition.

If this thing ends up in a wide variety of GM cars & trucks, I think it'll also end up being a very good contender for swapping into my F Body when the engine finally gives up.

[frapjap]

And holy crap, Batman! It even looks simple for routine maintenance with a solitary serpentine belt and easy oil filter & alternator locations. Check out that low profile oil pan!

[Ace2cool]

....That's a pretty engine.

[RBishop85]

I just want my S-chassis back... no more fugly over-weight new Z-cars are GT-R's

[nissangirl74]

I just want my S-chassis back... no more fugly over-weight new Z-cars are GT-R's

You do realize that this isn't going to happen, right?

[alphapig]

I just want my S-chassis back... no more fugly over-weight new Z-cars are GT-R's

B-but you already have your S chassis. In all it's no-nanny and limited safety glory.

I'm with Nissangirl, the 90's are long gone and will never return, not even in spirit (Although BRZ/FRS tries).

Enjoy the crap out your old, derelict S chassis platform. I'm enjoying my long-obsolete 91 Miata

[TurboSauce]

They brought the GTR back.. Sorta?
In nomenclature at least.
But I doubt there is any reason significant enough to warrant Nissan to build another S-Chassis.
So My plan is to wait until the Z33 drops in price to under 10k ( I mean well under 10k), because parts are plentiful, and the chassis is wonderful, atop of the proven ability to swap multiple different motors in, as well as the VQ being a potent power plant as well.
But hey, Maybe s-chassis lovers simply want their s-chassis not something better.

[float_6969]

I think you're right here about the Z33. I think most of us S-Chassis guys will end up in Z33's. I don't see that happening for me for at least 5 years though. My old S14 still has a lot of life left in her!

[TurboSauce]

If I could find me a z33 for a good price right now, I'd jump on it faster than a hare can copulate.

[kouki munster]

I think you're right here about the Z33. I think most of us S-Chassis guys will end up in Z33's. I don't see that happening for me for at least 5 years though. My old S14 still has a lot of life left in her!

I looked into getting a z33 as a fun dd while I pull my 16 year old s chassis off the road so I can take care of/upgrade a few things(more like a lot of things).............
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Then I bought this instead:


400hp ls2 v8 backed by a 6 speed manual with a nice comfy leather interior, and its fun to toss around curvy asphalt.

[dre1507]

Nice. My cousin is interested in picking up a G8 as his next car, and I'm telling him to definitely go for it......Mainly so I can drive it too. A GXP would be even sweeter.

Telling Nissan that they need to figure out what they want the Z to be, and fast, is just a waste of time. Look how long it is taking Nissan to address the BRZ/FRS issue. The ToyoBaru twins were creating a lot of buzz long before they hit dealerships. The fact that they're doing extremely well, and Nissan still uninterested in joining that competition tells us all we need to know. Their mentality now is: "Fun is only for those who are willing to pay what we think it's worth."

[float_6969]

I actually had a customer that sold his Z for a GTO and loved it. He said the GTO didn't handle nearly as well as the Z, but it was still tossable and WAY more fun to drive.

What I find annoying about Nissan's current path is that they went down this road in the 90's. Then they did it because they were broke. Now they're doing it because they're doing well. It doesn't make any sense to me..... I still blame the Frenchman, LOL!

[MinisterofDOOM]

GTO would probably handle as well as the Z if GM hadn't cheaped out and given it strut suspension in front and semi-trailing arms in back. Way to fail.

This is how suspension is supposed to look:


Not struts. Not torsion beams. Not "control blades". Double wishbones or bust.

[jbracy7]

In my dreams,I see a 2800lb 2-seat vq n/a powered(throw a ecu flash and bolt ons for nismo package) bland lines bland shape, we niconauts won't like it but, some will buy it, sales will fizzle,nissan will be on there knees begging us for direction then we will point to a s-chassis,and simply say bring it back,lighter,faster,stronger, clean lines, even if it has a juke turbo engine. Sales rise and nissan will be saved.then they will turn form us again,follow The trends,untill we are needed again niconaut out

[Rager]

all i have to say is i love my Z32. and when im in the market ill be buying a TT z32

my first nissan was a 90 240sx hatch back and that what got me into nissan cars.

if i could design the new Z this is what i would do......


keep everything from the front for the 300zx ( lights, hood, curves. basically the front half)

interior keep everything same as well just upgrade it with todays tech. what make the Z32 so great is that all the controls can be reached from the streering wheel.( why take your hands odd the wheel if you dont have to)

clean lines inside

must be rwd with TT power

one thing i do like about the new 350/370 is the rear end of the car.

so if a 300zx had sex with a 350z/370z off spring that would be a nice car.

take the best of all the Zs and build a new 4.0ZTT

idk but if nissan decided to make and another aneveristy Z32 and keep the original Z32 concept it would be win win

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

I heard rumors about a Mercedes collaboration and a possible mercedes V8 for the next Z...is that still going around?

[Bubba1]

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/20 ... 58_8516558

Interesting to say the least.. I hope Nissan doesn't give it a 4 cylinder not even as an option. I wonder if anymore in-dept details will be released about it soon?

Thoughts?

After reading the article, it sounds like C&D is suggesting Nissan is planning mostly evolutionary changes. Yes, a new, slightly smaller body, but shared platform with an infiniti cousin, probably sticking with the same ol' VQ with about the same power figures as before and not drastically increasing the MSRP. That suggests to me they're trying to position a V6 Z to as a torquier/faster alternative to the BRZ/FRS and NOT try to compete against the big horsepower thirstier V8 American pony cars. And that value is evidently worth about $5K more than a BRZ/FRS. That seems somewhat logical. And before the inevitable "my corvette gets 30 mpg on the highway" line gets tossed yet again, you all know CVT crazy Nissan has abandoned V8's in their car models in their quest for higher EPA mileage ratings. Expecting them to suddenly do a 180 flip and develop a new a big hp, torquey V8 with very tall overdrive gearing seems unlikely. So fuggetaboutit.

And if the rumors are true about an S16 coming, I don't see a 4 cyl option coming for the Z as it would be "too close" to the S16. I do agree with C &D as I don't think Nissan is THAT stupid to put a CVT into the Z, but I suppose we better wait and see. After all, this is the same company that brought us the Murano Cross Cabriolet

[dasoupdude]

The current Z weighs in at about 3300lb. That's the same as the Cadillac ATS, which shares the future Camaro's architecture. That's a LUXURY SEDAN that weighs the same as a Z. The Camaro's going to lose a lot of that weight.

My neighbor just got an ATS a few weeks ago. I don't know anything about the alpha platform but at first glance the ATS it made me think of how much of a boat this car would weigh despite how much smaller it was than a cts. (They traded in their cts) The fact that this boat weighs even remotely close to a 370 is Incredible. Hate to admit it but Nissan's Z department is going to have to have some serious soul searching to overcome this one.

Already the Infiniti Q50 is about to roll out on the streets (if it hasn't already, I have no idea.) and we already know the next Z will most likely be based off of that Q platform. But who knows, after witnessing the Production of the Juke Vert I think anything is possible. (You hear me Ghosn?!)

NIssan Premium/ Infiniti Q50 - approx. 3574lb Sport model: 3675 Sport AWD: 3849

[themadscientist]

Not even CVT-crazy Nissan is nuts enough to nix the Z's six-speed manual,

Don't bet on it.

Its thirsty V-6 could turn off buyers wanting to drive their playthings daily

Then those wannabes should buy an Altima and quit pretending they can stunt. People DD Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers so what's wrong with Z buyers?

[IBCoupe]

Then those wannabes should buy an Altima and quit pretending they can stunt. People DD Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers so what's wrong with Z buyers?

You just named three cars that have back seats and a trunk.

[nissangirl74]

I don't think Nissan is THAT stupid to put a CVT into the Z,

We never thought they'd put one in a Maxima either. Or a Pathfinder.