smaller, lighter Nissan Zcar?
 

http://www.motortrend.com/future/fut...35_in_pipline/

Looks like the next Z might actually take a step in the right direction:

While the car will feature a low-slung, swooping body, it will be downsized from the current 370Z to dimensions that resemble the original's. That means the car will lose around 2 inches in width from the current 72.6 inches. Our insider mentions that lightweight high-tensile steel will be used to further reduce the car's curb weight by up to 420 pounds to a class-leading 2866 pounds.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/fut...#ixzz2dCcyDrEg

2886 with that V6... hehe, that'd be tire-shredding fun.

According to a source close to Nissan, the Z35 will be powered by a choice of V-6 and four-cylinder engines at first. Company bosses want to phase out the V-6, though a small but strong fan base might lead engineers to retain it.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/fut...#ixzz2dCflwpMU

I'd love to see this. Even a 280 hp 2.5l turbo in a 2800lb RWD z would be quite a sweet package. Imagine if they kept it under $30,000!

the twins are doing something very good. they're getting the competition to move in the same direction. :)

this

I'm very happy that car manufacturers are really stepping up their game. From Ford's angle, the rumored changes are due to "fuel mileage" but I definitely think the strong sales from the 86 platform is pushing them over the edge to get something hopefully lighter than 3000 lbs.

From the way I look at it, either Toyota & Subaru should do this as well (and I definitely think they should) other manfucturers will and that will just lead to awesome competition in the cheaper end of the sports car market.

I'm sad the rx-7 is more upscale but that might be better as the original was so awesome.

The fuel mileage and emission is definitely a big part of it. But I agree Toyoburu has proven that you can build a smaller, lighter, RWD sports coupe that does not put out massive power and be very successful.

It sounds like Nissan is moving towards this 240z, Mazda is serious about an RX-7, and I would not be surprised to see Honda, and Chevy throw their hats in the ring along with Ford and Hyundai.

Good stuff :)

Toyota and Subraru did a great service to the enthusiast community. Soon we will have competition in this cheap rear wheel drive market which will make all the car better.

They just dropped the price of the current Z34 to $29,990 USD. If the new Z35 does get smaller, coming in around 2800lbs, with a 280hp turbo 4, I'm assuming the price will drop slightly as well. I'm seeing a direct price competitor to the the BRZ limited.

Subaru will definately have to pull out that mid-life cycle power upgrade to compete.

2866? I'll believe that when I see it...

As an owner of an original Z (I've owned 240Z's since 1983) I say too little too late Nissan. Those of us who have carried the torch for the 240Z have been clamoring for a car closer to the 240 then the bloated crap Nissan has been turning out for 30 years.

The first time I saw the -86 car concepts I thought to myself "someone finally decided to make a modern 240Z". Quite frankly, Toyota and Subaru have done what Nissan isn't capable of doing. Nissan thinks the friggin' Juke is a desirable car. They have completely lost their way.

The parameters for the car mentioned in that piece are extremely promising, I'd definitely be interested - with 2 provisos:

1. The car look nothing like that horrific concept rendering in the article - looks like something a Chinese car company would cook up.

2. They port over the wonderful Rev-Match system from the 370Z, making it an available option.

I dunno know why you guys are thanking the twins, light RWD cars have been around for a while.

I still want an I6, it'd build up a cult fanbase if they went with that route...

Interesting to see the impact that the twins have on the market