What can we expect from 2012 Z?

280z/300zx · 12-20-2010, 03:25 AM

A v8 would be pointless and ruin the Z at the same time. They could just as easily go with a smaller displacement motor and TT set up to get the power needed for the future as well as possibly gain a few mpg which will be needed given all the new government mandates regarding mpg. I mean look at the GTR. A 3.8 TT that puts out over 500hp stock. Why go with a V8?

However, regarding the 370z I see the usual minor exterior tweaks and perhaps small bump in hp for 2012. The 370z is due for it's mid model update and I think we can expect just minor tweaks to the looks and power. I doubt we will see any drastic changes. Expect to see a new front bumper and maybe even wheels. Of course we'll see another silver/grey color from Nissan as that is all they seem to be doing these days. I also see power going to 340-350 for the Z and maybe 360-365 for the Nismo. Aside from that, not much else

ImportConvert · 12-20-2010, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

A v8 would be pointless and ruin the Z at the same time. They could just as easily go with a smaller displacement motor and TT set up to get the power needed for the future as well as possibly gain a few mpg which will be needed given all the new government mandates regarding mpg. I mean look at the GTR. A 3.8 TT that puts out over 500hp stock. Why go with a V8?However, regarding the 370z I see the usual minor exterior tweaks and perhaps small bump in hp for 2012. The 370z is due for it's mid model update and I think we can expect just minor tweaks to the looks and power. I doubt we will see any drastic changes. Expect to see a new front bumper and maybe even wheels. Of course we'll see another silver/grey color from Nissan as that is all they seem to be doing these days. I also see power going to 340-350 for the Z and maybe 360-365 for the Nismo. Aside from that, not much else

Why?
Because it's heavy as heck compared to a large-displacement V8 and doesn't make any more power and gets worse mileage?

theDreamer · 12-20-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Why?
Because it's heavy as heck compared to a large-displacement V8 and doesn't make any more power and gets worse mileage?

Are we comparing the LS7 here?
Because the GT-R (R35) gets 15/21 and the LS7 gets 15/23 I believe, wow.

Also, the weight factor is in the XX difference which is very minor considering the GT-R is loaded with extra piping for its TT kit. Throw in some extra money on using lighter material and the VR38 is perfect.

On the topic of the 2012 370z, I expect no real changes. I think Nissan is trying to figure out what to do with the car. Does it want to make the first sub 40k electric sports car? Do they want to go all out, since the GT-R just got a nice power bump it gives room for the Z to have closer to 350-400HP from factory now.

ImportConvert · 12-20-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

Are we comparing the LS7 here?
Because the GT-R (R35) gets 15/21 and the LS7 gets 15/23 I believe, wow.
16/25
Also, the weight factor is in the XX difference which is very minor considering the GT-R is loaded with extra piping for its TT kit. Throw in some extra money on using lighter material and the VR38 is perfect.
good luck shaving off 200#. The LS7 only weighs 45X# compared to the nearly 650# of the VR38&Turbos

On the topic of the 2012 370z, I expect no real changes. I think Nissan is trying to figure out what to do with the car. Does it want to make the first sub 40k electric sports car? Do they want to go all out, since the GT-R just got a nice power bump it gives room for the Z to have closer to 350-400HP from factory now.

Would be neat if they made a 375bhp or so Z. I don't think it will happen, though. At least, not with the VQ.

The V8 really is where it's at. There are a lot of great engines, but the old cam-in-block V8 continues to be near or on the top of the heap when it comes to power/weight ratio.

shadoquad · 12-20-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Would be neat if they made a 375bhp or so Z. I don't think it will happen, though. At least, not with the VQ.

The V8 really is where it's at. There are a lot of great engines, but the old cam-in-block V8 continues to be near or on the top of the heap when it comes to power/weight ratio.

But if you look at the trends recently, IC, a lot of companies are going with turbos, even BMW. Mostly because they can inflate performance numbers and mpg's at the same time. So, if anything, I could see Nissan going that way with the VQ. Don't know if they can get 375-400 out of it.

theDreamer · 12-20-2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Would be neat if they made a 375bhp or so Z. I don't think it will happen, though. At least, not with the VQ.

The V8 really is where it's at. There are a lot of great engines, but the old cam-in-block V8 continues to be near or on the top of the heap when it comes to power/weight ratio.

Sorry, 15/24, so really basically the same minus highway.
VR38DETT with engine/oils plus cats weight 608lbs (VR38DETT engine weight | 2009 Nissan GT-R) Compared to a LS7 which is 458 with just the engine (no oils, etc.) I would say it is pretty close.

Power/weight is out the window now though. It is about fuel efficiency & power.
Power/weight is being left for the 100k plus cars only where anything below that needs to meet a higher MPG but still provide X amount of power.

ImportConvert · 12-20-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

Sorry, 15/24, so really basically the same minus highway.
VR38DETT with engine/oils plus cats weight 608lbs (VR38DETT engine weight | 2009 Nissan GT-R) Compared to a LS7 which is 458 with just the engine (no oils, etc.) I would say it is pretty close.

Power/weight is out the window now though. It is about fuel efficiency & power.
Power/weight is being left for the 100k plus cars only where anything below that needs to meet a higher MPG but still provide X amount of power.

Right you are. I could have sworn the 2006's were 16/25, but then, the heavier trans, etc. in the new Z06 would probably suck another mpg out of the equation even if that were the case.

Factor in 10.5qts of oil for the LS7, and it probably closes the gap.

Either way, you are right. The EPA/OPEC is calling the shots and a lot of people (BMW included) ARE! going to FI. FI technology has advanged greatly. I am sure a factory FI VQ would do the job (400bhp), but why would Nissan do that to an old platform? No, if they do that, it will be on a new platform I would think.

I still prefer a V8 to an FI engine. Less junk to break, and it does just as well. Simpler is better if the results are the same. All that complicated stuff is fun to brag about until it sharts the bed and you have to fix it.

shadoquad · 12-20-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Right you are. I could have sworn the 2006's were 16/25, but then, the heavier trans, etc. in the new Z06 would probably suck another mpg out of the equation even if that were the case.

Factor in 10.5qts of oil for the LS7, and it probably closes the gap.

Either way, you are right. The EPA/OPEC is calling the shots and a lot of people (BMW included) ARE! going to FI. FI technology has advanged greatly. I am sure a factory FI VQ would do the job (400bhp), but why would Nissan do that to an old platform? No, if they do that, it will be on a new platform I would think.

I still prefer a V8 to an FI engine. Less junk to break, and it does just as well. Simpler is better if the results are the same. All that complicated stuff is fun to brag about until it sharts the bed and you have to fix it.

I'm a fan of NA over FI, too, for the most part, for the same reason.

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12-20-2010, 03:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
280z/300zx Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 689 Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette Rep Power: 274	A v8 would be pointless and ruin the Z at the same time. They could just as easily go with a smaller displacement motor and TT set up to get the power needed for the future as well as possibly gain a few mpg which will be needed given all the new government mandates regarding mpg. I mean look at the GTR. A 3.8 TT that puts out over 500hp stock. Why go with a V8? However, regarding the 370z I see the usual minor exterior tweaks and perhaps small bump in hp for 2012. The 370z is due for it's mid model update and I think we can expect just minor tweaks to the looks and power. I doubt we will see any drastic changes. Expect to see a new front bumper and maybe even wheels. Of course we'll see another silver/grey color from Nissan as that is all they seem to be doing these days. I also see power going to 340-350 for the Z and maybe 360-365 for the Nismo. Aside from that, not much else