Why is our car so heavy?

bvl

The renesis engine likely saves 100lbs alone. The RX8 chassis is quite capable and a great performer for what it is.

The Z is a *big* car. I liken the 'light car' discussion to cell phones. People have gotten so used to the crappy voice quality they can say this new phone sounds 'great' compared to the previous one. Hop on a land line and you are introduced to real clarity. Again.

Today's cars have arguably too much required safety items, leather, power this and that, 17-20" wheel sets, larger rotors to help with the growing mass. So if a car is < 3500lbs we think 'its not heavy'. No. It is heavy.

The fact that a car like a GTR can get around a track so well is a testament to good chassis engineers.

Hop in a NA6 miata, Lotus Elise or many other mid-90's sports coupes and you will remember what a lighter car feels like. My '92 miata with FM Turbo and 15" wheels weighed 2250. My 1995 GS-R 2500.

2010 ZR is over 3500 lbs but I get larger everything, a honkin' V6, thicker, heavier doors, leather interior, power everything including top. I can't expect that to be sub 3000 lbs. Kudo's to nissan engineers for trying to save weight where it makes sense. They shaved 20lbs or so with the CF shaft and Ray's wheels just to name two areas. AL hoods are common on sports cars.

Coming from a car 1200+ lbs lighter sports car its still an adjustment for me. The Z is very well planted, and extremely solid. No more go kart feeling I was used to. Doesn't mean its bad...I just wish Nissan did make a 3000lb 2.6-3l6 narrow Z car, which is what I personally was dreaming about before the 350 was released

- b