Next Gen Z will likely have smaller engine.

zguynate

Not exactly true. Supposedly the 2014 Mustang will be a smaller boosted motor in an all around smaller car.

2014 Ford Mustang to Become a "World Car", Lighter and Smaller with an IRS? (The Torque Report)

Also Dodge is supposed to be getting rid of the Challenger and replacing it with a smaller lighter "sports" car. EPA regulations are getting real tight in the next few years so I think the American car companies are pushing out the biggest motors they can before that happens.

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2009 370z touring w/sports package

m4a1mustang

Ford is focused on weight reduction on all new platforms. The 2014 Mustang is said to be at minimum 250 lbs lighter than the current platform (meaning 3,350 maximum weight) while using a more efficient direct-injected 5.0 V8 in the GT model and a turbo I-4 in the base model. The V8 will probably be a North American option while the smaller engine would be in the European car, most likely.

GM obviously has a different approach with their cars. They still like to throw power at a chassis and call it a day. Granted they are equipping their cars with world class suspensions these days, they need to work on cutting down the weight.

Back to the Z... I often wonder if Nissan will increase the performance of the Z to compete with the V8 cars while they develop a smaller sports car to compete with the likes of the FRS/BRZ. Or will they just downsize the Z to compete with the lower performance tier? Who knows. It will be interesting to see how it develops over the next couple years.

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- Steve

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ZMan8

I am hoping nissan just releases a silvia/240sx to compete with the frs and keeps making the Z competitive with 5.0, porsche, bmw z4, etc. I would like for them to put a TT 3.0 in the next z that puts out 400+ hp from the factory and is easily upgraded. (Maybe im having wishful thinking)
Then make a 250 hp small, light sports coupe (240sx) to compete with FR-S and others in that range.

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2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee