Next Gen Z will likely have smaller engine.

Originally Posted by 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.