smaller, lighter Nissan Zcar?

[Kido1986]

Originally Posted by Trashed675

Even BMW is going away from I6's. The bottom range engine is a turbo'd 4, not a NA I6 anymore. Top range is TT V8's and 12's. I believe the only I6 you can get from BMW is the single(do they still have a TT?) turbo 3L I6 in the 335/135/640 etc.

TVR used to do a big nasty I6 but they have kicked the bucket all together.

The 4.7L I6 in the eagle speedster isn't mainstream enough.

Ram/Cummins is the only other I6 that comes to mind.

Nah, there are a number of BMW I6s still available. However, the number is shrinking, you're right about that.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by Trashed675

Even BMW is going away from I6's. The bottom range engine is a turbo'd 4, not a NA I6 anymore. Top range is TT V8's and 12's. I believe the only I6 you can get from BMW is the single(do they still have a TT?) turbo 3L I6 in the 335/135/640 etc.

TVR used to do a big nasty I6 but they have kicked the bucket all together.

The 4.7L I6 in the eagle speedster isn't mainstream enough.

Ram/Cummins is the only other I6 that comes to mind.

They've gone to a turbo i4 over a N/A 6 in most of the *28 models simply due to the increased efficiency a small turbo engine has over a larger NA engine of the same power output - this has nothing to do with the inherent desirability of the engine configuration. The 128i still has the N/A 6 though. As for the other models, I think you're right that the turbo i6 in the *35i, *35is, and *40 models is the only one left. That's a pretty substantial chunk of BMWs overall sales though, and they're great engines.

[thill]

Most companies are going to have to go lighter and offer smaller engines to meet emissions and fuel standards. CAFE is really going to start kicking in in the upcoming years. Four cylinder bangers with and without turbos (as well as being hybrid) will be more of the exception than the rule. Especially as car manufacturers desire to have platforms that can be sold globally coming off the same assembly line. Example the FT86 platform which shares the same engine in the NA, EU, AP, etc.

[zigzagz94]

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...for_tokyo_show

New rumors suggest we'll get an early preview of the next Nissan Zed at the Tokyo Show this year:

"Nissan Z fans rejoice – your new hero is almost here. A new smaller, lighter, faster replacement for the 370Z is on its way to the Tokyo Motor Show. Nissan executive vice president, Andy Palmer said in an interview with Auto Express about the Z car: 'Do I know what it looks like? Yes I do. Have I driven it? Yes I have. When will you see it? Come to Tokyo.'"

Take this with a grain of salt as Auto Express hasn't exactly been the most reliable source of information in the past. At least this time they included a name for their "inside source".

Update: apparently there are multiple sources stating they talked with Andy Palmer and he indeed said new Z35 concept for Tokyo:

http://www.egmcartech.com/2013/09/13...8egmCarTech%29

"Palmer described the new version as a more toned down version of the current model, particularly in the size and weight department. There will also be a smaller turbocharged engine with the possibility of even an electric or hybrid drivetrain. Though if anything, such a radical change will most certainly take place with the concept.
Much like the current Z sports car, the new generation model will also offer a Nismo version to keep the car’s market reach wide.
“I don’t want to position it as a Toyota GT86 style car though,” Palmer said. “That traditional sleek sports car is nice but not the market I want to address. I want to address the issue of a next generation sports car.”

http://www.autospies.com/news/Nissan...Brutish-77979/

"The Tokyo show carr is likely to be a concept, and is set to completely redefine the Z car concept away from its current brutish application. Palmer confirmed the new model would be “smaller and lighter”, but no less powerful than the current model with power set to come from a downsized turbocharged engine."

[serialk11r]

I6 doesn't have a distinctive sound if we're talking about exhaust. You get the same sound with an even firing 60* V6, which also has pistons reciprocating at the same time relative to each other compared to an I6. The only difference is that the V6 has more rocking motion because the banks of 3 aren't in the same plane.

[Gary in NJ]

Originally Posted by zigzagz94

"Palmer described the new version as a more toned down version of the current model, particularly in the size and weight department. There will also be a smaller turbocharged engine with the possibility of even an electric or hybrid drivetrain. Though if anything, such a radical change will most certainly take place with the concept.
Much like the current Z sports car, the new generation model will also offer a Nismo version to keep the car’s market reach wide.
“I don’t want to position it as a Toyota GT86 style car though,” Palmer said. “That traditional sleek sports car is nice but not the market I want to address. I want to address the issue of a next generation sports car.”"

Expect another strange offering from Nissan. Further, it seems inconsistent to say that the car will be lighter AND be a hydrid. The weight of batteries is much greater then the weight of 2 cylinders.

[bestwheelbase]

Well nothing could be worse than the Murano convertible so there's some comfort in that.

Lighter, cheaper, yes please!

[strat61caster]

Shit, the things going to have like a 12" touch screen in it and all that shit that they cram in a Renault Clio like engine noise simulators.

Do not want. Someone will buy it though which is good as Nissan is becoming more and more irrelevant outside the GTR every year.

[Noble713]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Shit, the things going to have like a 12" touch screen in it

What is inherently bad about a 12" touch screen? I like being able to clearly and easily see my navigation directions (when I use them, which is rare here in Okinawa). If anything it should make it easier to replace the "head unit" with a Android tablet and get improved gauges and other functionality via software like Torque Pro. Probably weighs less than a conventional double DIN unit too.

[ZDan]

Weight gain for a mild hybrid wouldn't have to be much at all while still giving a massive boost in city mpg. A 1.5kW-h Li battery should be less than 50 lb, 25hp assist motor + motor controller maybe 50 lb., with alternator, flywheel and starter motor eliminated saving at least half that much. So net +75 should be possible. Added to a smaller lightweight platform, could be in the 2800 lb. range. Still, strongly think this should only be an *option*. I'm a big fan of higher fuel mileage, but a bigger fan of lower-cost and lighter-weight and less complexity.

[m.wood0213]

Originally Posted by GTB/ZR-1

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

Ya I agree. Ive never looked at Nissan to be a "handling" brand.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Noble713

What is inherently bad about a 12" touch screen? I like being able to clearly and easily see my navigation directions (when I use them, which is rare here in Okinawa). If anything it should make it easier to replace the "head unit" with a Android tablet and get improved gauges and other functionality via software like Torque Pro. Probably weighs less than a conventional double DIN unit too.

I buy cars to drive, not play with gadgets or have computers tell me where to turn. I bought an FRS solely because of the simple head unit, I would have bought a BRZ if it came with something similar, the price difference was irrelevant in my mind. To me, fancy electronics and "features" are just distractions that tell me money was spent on market research and software instead of developing the motor, chassis, or suspension. To each their own, but Nissan's partner has a new Clio out that I personally find disturbing, I wouldn't be surprised if the tech gets used in a new "z" car.

Can't find a link but see Top Gear Season 20 Episode 1. It's got an option to simulate engine noises from Renault Alpines to the new GTR.

Originally Posted by m.wood0213

Ya I agree. Ive never looked at Nissan to be a "handling" brand.

What? They've been stagnant the last decade (so have Honda and Toyota) but Nissan have put out some of the best handling cars for the price.
B13 Sentra ('91-'94) (came standard with a LSD)
240SX (Do I need to explain?)
Datsun 240Z-280Z (Same suspension setup as Ferrari's of the time, fraction of the price, nothing else compared at the time)
Datsun 510 (Full independent rear suspension, known as the poor man's BMW 2002 and very competitive, still used to this day for autocross and track duty)
Not to forget the Skylines and GTRs

That's a list of cars some would consider legendary.

Edit: Removed the calling out of other manufacturers, I don't know enough to back that up.

[sato]

Originally Posted by dem00n

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...

With a nose that long, I don't see why they couldn't build one.

[Diode Dynamics]

I hope that front nose doesn't make it into production, but I'm willing to accept it if they put an I6 in!

Nick C.