Original creator of the 240z is impressed with the FT-86

[zigzagz94]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...n-370Z/246307/

Autocar’s Japanese correspondent Peter Nunn recently spent some time with the creator of the original Nissan Z-car – the Datsun 240Z - Yutaka Katayama.

Nunn took Katayama out in the Nissan 370Z Roadster to see what the 100-year-old thought and you can see the pictures from his visit by clicking on the link below.


Katayama was initially a fan of the car, but felt it was overly complicated.
“Two hundred years ago we were riding horses, but we’ve lost that feeling of uncomplicated freedom nowadays,” said Katayama. “A horse has no tachometer or whatever, but man can still control the speed and enjoy riding the horse. Keep it simple – that’s the way it should be.”

Katayama, who recently renewed his driving license for another three years, also bemoaned the price of the new model. Nunn describes what Katayama’s ideal modern Z-car would be.

“To Mr K, the Z-car should be simpler – styled like a thoroughbred, but with a price accessible to young people,” says Nunn. “It should offer the same kind of character and involvement that you can get from a Mazda MX-5, or even a Caterham.”

What interests Katayama in the motoring world nowadays? He likes the idea of an electric hybrid Z, but is concerned about the weight of the batteries. What about the Tesla? “No interest!” said Katayama. Without any sound, maybe they will have to use a bell.”

Katayama has been impressed with the Toyota FT-86 concept, which he saw at the Tokyo motor show. A Subaru-engined, rear-drive coupe “is something like a new Zed should be”, he said.

Katayama, who himself drives a Nissan 350Z, has been a frequent visitor to the UK. “Driving with the top down in Britain is fantastic,” he said with a smile. “That’s the place to drive a sports car.”

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The FT-86 isn't even in production yet and it's already racking up praise from a lot of very influential people in the sportscar world. I can feel it folks this thing has the potential to be legendary.

[Axel]

Great Post!! That's an amazing complement from a legend!

[Kenji]

Having someone like Mr. Katayama say that the FT-86 is what the modern Z is really saying something we all know and hope for - that this car's philosophy is a throwback to a simple lightweight small RWD sports car that's little fuss and all about driving! Thanks for the article.

[OldSkoolToys]

Getting props from a legend like Mr. Katayama is exactly what this concept needs!! Makes the wait for this car even more unbearable.

Its unfortunate that we can never get an opinion/statement from Mr. Sakurai, Keiichi Tsuchiya's personal AE86 and N2 TRD mechanic. He was a pioneer of 4AGE tuning and was part of the N2 series back in the 80's. He was a legend in AE86 tuning. Passed away last year.

[4agze]

man this FT86 is getting better and better a top engineer like him gives me a smile great post, love this quote "Keep it simple – that’s the way it should be.”

[Doty0588]

I couldnt agree with him more, cars like the new GT-R are nice and all but i think all the electronics and everything just seperate the driver from the car.

[Lexicon101]

I disagree about electronics. Driving assistants are no fun, but having info presented cleanly and quickly is definitely a good thing. Not to mention, stereo systems are a must for me. Drive-by-wire separates the driver from the road, but clean gauges and lap times are just good clean fun.

[enc0re]

Some more choice words from Mr. Katayama. Linky.

Originally Posted by Autoblog

Talking about the new 370Z, Mr. K calls it, "So-so." He continues, "Very different from the 240Z. First, it's very heavy, and it's also very expensive."

And not only does Mr. K feel the car new Z is too expensive, but that it's not actually living up to the Japanese sports car legacy laid down by the 240Z, "I'd like to have a sports car like the Miata. The Miata is taking the place of the 240Z." Harsh. But check this out, "Katayama has a 350Z in his garage but prefers to drive the family's Versa compact."

[Axel]

Good post. Thanks enc0re. Its amazing when a person so involved in one company over his lifetime can speak his mind when he sees something he doesn't like... even if it means promoting another company's cars.

[RRnold]

Excellent read, thanks for sharing! :happy0180:

[Dark]

Nice article. Another Legend praises the FT-86.

[[es vi: eks]]

I really liked that artical.

[Myka]

I want a tachometer, but I understand what he was saying - I agree.

Weight + Price + Electronic "nannies" = BAD

[[es vi: eks]]

I really hope Yutaka Katayama gets a chance to drive it.