New 240Z Confirmed for Nissan's 80th Anniversary! [Video]

[Linseal]

Innnnnnteresting....

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/n...aller-lighter/

Nissan is reportedly hard at work on its next-generation Z. According to Inside Line, designers are already churning away on a concept version of the 2015 Z that may bow at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The report notes that Shiro Nakamura, head of design for Nissan, says the new Z will be both smaller and lighter than the current 370Z.

The model will also be geared toward a wider audience, and Nissan may be investigating the possibility of ditching the tried-and-true 3.7-liter VQ V6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder, a move that would almost certainly help fuel efficiency. The current Z is saddled with a lackluster 26 mpg highway, and strong early sales of cars like the Scion FR-S certainly indicate certain buyers are willing to drop a few ponies for a machine that's engaging to drive and at least somewhat fuel efficient.

Blasphemy? Maybe, but the thought of an engaging, lightweight turbo four sports car is the stuff dreams are made of – it's the "wider audience" part of the discussion that has us concerned as enthusiasts. A smaller Z would likely mean abandoning the Z's FM platform which also underpins machines like the Infiniti G Coupe and Sedan as well as the FX softroader. Inside Line says Nissan may turn to its corporate partner Daimler for some help in the chassis department.

[Snoopyalien24]

Originally Posted by Linseal

Innnnnnteresting....

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/n...aller-lighter/

LOL @ the comments of "MOAR POWER"

These people.... smh

[Guff]

I sure do hope they release it instead as a Silvia...

[S2kphile]

[Exhaust]

Holy hell, will we finally have a REAL discussion when it comes to discussing the twins & the Z?

[shadoquad]

I'll be very interested to see how this goes down. I love Z's. A lighter Z isn't necessarily a bad thing.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I'll be very interested to see how this goes down. I love Z's. A lighter Z isn't necessarily a bad thing.

A lighter Z is EXACTLY what needs to happen. The current one is at least 200-300lbs overweight. They need to move it away from a GT cruiser type car, unless they introduce a new model to take the light sports car spot.

[Asterisked Accolade]

I personally think that with a lighter chassis and possibly a lighter, smaller V6 they could do well with fuel efficiency. Or even a Turbo/Twin-Turbo set up like the 300ZX. But i think the key thing is light-weight. Nissan needs to recognize that.

[RRnold]

Good call Nissan! :happy0180:

[BRAWL]

I still own a 300zx until my 86 arrives and will always have a soft spot for the Z. As long as it looks like it should (think 240Z), then I might even consider trading in my 86 for it!

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

A lighter Z is EXACTLY what needs to happen. The current one is at least 200-300lbs overweight. They need to move it away from a GT cruiser type car, unless they introduce a new model to take the light sports car spot.

The current one is a hoot to drive. A lighter version, without sacrificing much on power, would be incredible. Even if they lose power or go to a turbo four, it's still gonna be great fun, especially if they follow the model of the Miata and the twins.

[Draco-REX]

We may be standing on the threshold of a sportscar renaissance.

This is exciting.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

We may be standing on the threshold of a sportscar renaissance.

This is exciting.

If only!

[Ichito240]

I have been waiting for a revival of the Silvia platform and if Nissan can come up with a great design like that of the new 86, then I would pre-order for sure.