With the 'going green' reality and strict emissions requirements coming into effect, expect the next gen Z to be smaller displacement with forced induction. While some manufacturers are coming out with hybrid performance systems, I think it's a long shot for the Z given the price-point.

The turbos were not the reason they stopped producing the cars! You said it yourself: SUV mania. It also killed the RX-7 and quite a few other sports cars.

I'd like to see a straight-six with FI

I'm hoping the next gen Z goes on a strict weight reduction diet using more lightweight materials. They should fine tune the driving characteristics for a more connected & lighter feel. Although the Z drives like its on rails around the bends, it "feels" heavy.

The V6 is almost a guarantee (might even have a Merc. engine) but the VQ is close to its limits. A new Nissan n/a V6 engine churning out close to the 400hp mark isn't impossible given the amount of time before a re-design. Electric motors might show up if the Leaf takes off, although probably limited to a boost type setup. I'm just hoping they refine the engine & transmission sounds. As much as I love the power the 370 has, the engine sound/noise at high rpm's sounds like a tin can filled with rocks & giant fan blowing in the back. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm the type that would rather listen to a good sounding engine than a pimped out stereo system any day of the week.

Price point is going to be the biggest hurdle. Keeping the price affordable while increasing performance & quality can make or break the Z legacy.

Curb weight - 3300lbs
Twin turbo 6 - 370hp/350ft-lb TQ
A proper mechanical LSD
Brake cooling vents
Oil coolers
Revised gauges
More space in the back (See Porsche Cayman)

I doubt this will ever happen, but I want to see a 400Z with a 4L V8 that revs to at least 8,500rpm and makes 380+ hp with a true dual clutch manual as an option.

Am I the only one that prefers supercharging?

From the factory I much prefer the TT. TT has more potential. But if I went FI with my Z I would probably get a GTM SC kit just because it is cheaper.

sc is nice but it wouldnt give the efficiency that a TT would give.

i could imagine a TT sport model that bypasses the turbo's for cruising/normal driving upping the mileage / efficiency. hrmm

How about the VK50VE out of the FX50? 390hp and that CUV sprints to 60 in 5 seconds. I don't see why that wouldn't at least match the Mustang 5.0 in terms of fuel economy. Trouble would be weight balance, push it as far back as possible and put the whole car on a diet. Would be a cool name too, 500Z!!!

weight distribution i dont think is a major issue. If they put a massive engine in the front they can move the whole transmission to the rear. From a physics perspective I like this better in terms of efficiency (less power loss)

I think nissan has just about gotten all there gonna get out of the v6
that being said not that they need to or won't to but to compete with the
mustangs and camaro's how about a good old american v8.

i'll think twice before buying another z if they only give lip service to the power train. you get use to certain sounds and the z still can sound bad xss
but i rode in a camaro ss the other day and damn that v8 sounded sweet.

Not sure where the VK50 is made but the VK56 in the Titan sounds sweet and it's built in Tennessee. I've seen some mad 350s and a G35 with a VK56 swapped in, makes for a good drift car.

I saw this article while I was researching the Z's before I bought mine.
I have no idea if it is true, but I know it's NOT what I want!

Report: Next-generation Nissan Z may get Mercedes powertrain - egmCarTech

There are rumors around the net on the same subject, and for the Infiniti line as well. However, it surely does not demonstrate any confidence in Nissan by Nissan itself that they cannot design for both emissions and performance if all this comes true. Scary.