Mr. Randy Rodriguez (370z Designer) Bio + 370Z design history

Saber Rider · 07-05-2009, 10:52 PM

AK, you Filipino?
=)

AK370Z · 07-06-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber Rider

AK, you Filipino?
=)

Negetive.

370ZRR · 07-06-2009, 04:52 PM

Hey thanks Guys! I grew up in Z's so to have been apart of the the 370 means more than I can put into words. The S30 was always the love of my life but you can imagine how I smile when I look at or drive my 370.

My good friend designed the 350 and he told so many stories of how people bashed on it when it first came out. Design is very subjective and some get it, some don't and some never will. The car is still very new and most havent seen it much or at all in person to get used to it.

Like the designer of the 350 we both didnt get to follow it in the final production phase so there are things that have been 'modified' where I didnt have any say. Overall I think the car as a whole is a pretty amazing feat by Nissan to make a kick *** car like the 350 and up the game in all aspects with the 370.

Thanks AK for posting up the link and I've been lucky that Nissan has acknowledged me as the designer and allowed exposure in the media. There is another half to that interview that was aired on 'Adobo Nation.'

check out these links to some news from the motherland

YouTube - VIAS Global April1

YouTube - VIAS GlobalNoon March 31short

antennahead · 07-06-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZRR

Hey thanks Guys! I grew up in Z's so to have been apart of the the 370 means more than I can put into words. The S30 was always the love of my life but you can imagine how I smile when I look at or drive my 370.

My good friend designed the 350 and he told so many stories of how people bashed on it when it first came out. Design is very subjective and some get it, some don't and some never will. The car is still very new and most havent seen it much or at all in person to get used to it.

Like the designer of the 350 we both didnt get to follow it in the final production phase so there are things that have been 'modified' where I didnt have any say. Overall I think the car as a whole is a pretty amazing feat by Nissan to make a kick *** car like the 350 and up the game in all aspects.

Thanks AK for posting up the link and I've been lucky that Nissan has acknowledged me as the designer and allowed exposure in the media. There is another half to that interview that was aired on 'Adobo Nation.'

check out these links to some news from the motherland

YouTube - VIAS Global April1

YouTube - VIAS GlobalNoon March 31short

Excellent, great work. As a former 350 owner I never bash the 350, I think it is a great design as well. Everyone that sees my 370 in person loves the new design, you have a winner!

John

Carl Beck · 06-26-2010, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZRR

Like the designer of the 350 we both didnt get to follow it in the final production phase so there are things that have been 'modified' where I didnt have any say. Overall I think the car as a whole is a pretty amazing feat by Nissan to make a kick *** car like the 350 and up the game in all aspects with the 370.

One major element of success associated with the Datsun 240Z was that it made it though the Design to Production hand-off with its Styling in tact. This is a very very rare occurrence - in any field. The Datsun 240Z was a clean slate design and the original designer did get to follow it though at least the Automotive and Manufacturing Design phases. Of course Nissan Motors Ltd. was a much smaller corporation then.

I was at the Detroit Auto Show when the new 350Z was introduced. As you can see by the pictures below - the Styling Concept Drawings show a quite beautiful design.

When I had an opportunity to talk to Mr. Shiro Nakamura, I ask him why the production car was so much thicker/fatter than the concept drawings. His answer surprised me at first... but then it made perfect sense. Mr. Nakamura said "we couldn't get the height of the firewall any shorter". I looked at him with some question still on my face, so he continued...and said "G35".

Oh.. I see!! The 350Z was built on the existing G35 platform - just shortened. That explained it - and I thought almost at once of the AM-X that I had owned so many years ago. A AMC Javelin with the rear seat cut out!.

At that time - Nissan was just recovering from a near bankruptcy and couldn't afford an entirely new platform for the limited production Z Car, as was originally promised by the previous President of Nissn, Mr. Hanawa.

If the 370Z sells well in this depressed economy - perhaps at some point in the future - Nissan will once again be able to afford to develop a new platform strictly for another Z Car. If that happens, you'll see a car that get though the Manufactureing and Production phase with its original styling pretty much in tact.

Nonetheless - the 370Z is a beautiful job.

FWIW,
Carl B.

onzedge · 08-27-2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Beck

One major element of success associated with the Datsun 240Z was that it made it though the Design to Production hand-off with its Styling in tact. This is a very very rare occurrence - in any field. The Datsun 240Z was a clean slate design and the original designer did get to follow it though at least the Automotive and Manufacturing Design phases. Of course Nissan Motors Ltd. was a much smaller corporation then.

I was at the Detroit Auto Show when the new 350Z was introduced. As you can see by the pictures below - the Styling Concept Drawings show a quite beautiful design.

When I had an opportunity to talk to Mr. Shiro Nakamura, I ask him why the production car was so much thicker/fatter than the concept drawings. His answer surprised me at first... but then it made perfect sense. Mr. Nakamura said "we couldn't get the height of the firewall any shorter". I looked at him with some question still on my face, so he continued...and said "G35".

Oh.. I see!! The 350Z was built on the existing G35 platform - just shortened. That explained it - and I thought almost at once of the AM-X that I had owned so many years ago. A AMC Javelin with the rear seat cut out!.

At that time - Nissan was just recovering from a near bankruptcy and couldn't afford an entirely new platform for the limited production Z Car, as was originally promised by the previous President of Nissn, Mr. Hanawa.

If the 370Z sells well in this depressed economy - perhaps at some point in the future - Nissan will once again be able to afford to develop a new platform strictly for another Z Car. If that happens, you'll see a car that get though the Manufactureing and Production phase with its original styling pretty much in tact.

Nonetheless - the 370Z is a beautiful job.

FWIW,
Carl B.

Good points and excellent post. 240z, you have, huh? That is ok by me.

FricFrac · 08-28-2011, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Beck

One major element of success associated with the Datsun 240Z was that it made it though the Design to Production hand-off with its Styling in tact. This is a very very rare occurrence - in any field. The Datsun 240Z was a clean slate design and the original designer did get to follow it though at least the Automotive and Manufacturing Design phases. Of course Nissan Motors Ltd. was a much smaller corporation then.

I was at the Detroit Auto Show when the new 350Z was introduced. As you can see by the pictures below - the Styling Concept Drawings show a quite beautiful design.

When I had an opportunity to talk to Mr. Shiro Nakamura, I ask him why the production car was so much thicker/fatter than the concept drawings. His answer surprised me at first... but then it made perfect sense. Mr. Nakamura said "we couldn't get the height of the firewall any shorter". I looked at him with some question still on my face, so he continued...and said "G35".

Oh.. I see!! The 350Z was built on the existing G35 platform - just shortened. That explained it - and I thought almost at once of the AM-X that I had owned so many years ago. A AMC Javelin with the rear seat cut out!.

At that time - Nissan was just recovering from a near bankruptcy and couldn't afford an entirely new platform for the limited production Z Car, as was originally promised by the previous President of Nissn, Mr. Hanawa.

If the 370Z sells well in this depressed economy - perhaps at some point in the future - Nissan will once again be able to afford to develop a new platform strictly for another Z Car. If that happens, you'll see a car that get though the Manufactureing and Production phase with its original styling pretty much in tact.

Nonetheless - the 370Z is a beautiful job.

FWIW,
Carl B.

Nissan has commonly shared parts/platforms with other Nissan vehicles. The 280ZX suspension is very similar to the Datsun 510 with many of the parts being interchangeable or adaptable. The Maxima and Z cars also share a common line. The S130 (280ZX) and the 810 (Maxima) had virtually the same platform. The Maxima has shared the engine from the Z cars since it's origin in 1977. It was common practice to use similar parts or chassis with both the Datsun and Nissan lines even before there was any economic crisis...

trema · 07-06-2009, 06:04 PM

I fell in love with the 350 right at the end of its production cycle. I had always admired them from afar, but after finally getting to drive one for a weekend, my mind whirred trying to figure out some way to get ahold of one. In the midst of my research, I caught the first wave of info regarding the 370 redesign. Every little bit of leaked sheet metal kept me going till the big reveal, and eventually my purchase.

Just wanted to congratulate and thank Randy for a job amazingly well done. I love all the little details that tie the 370 to the Nissan family history. I'm sure I speak for many of us when I say I can't wait to see what's next!

ssqpolo · 07-06-2009, 06:10 PM

rep point added! thanks for a great car. love the design!

alexanderb · 07-06-2009, 09:32 PM

Hi Randy

it would be great if we could setup a thread where we Z owners could post questions about your work on the 370Z and maybe you could answer them?

370ZRR · 07-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexanderb

Hi Randy

it would be great if we could setup a thread where we Z owners could post questions about your work on the 370Z and maybe you could answer them?

You can tell by my number of posts that I am more of a lurker and like to keep it a little more low key and I am just crazy busy. I am a representative of Nissan so I can have some fun but remain professional in what I say.

Dont be offended if I dont answer every question or if I take a little while to.

I appreciate the comments of those of you who share my design taste and if you want to see a little more of my work check this out. My theme was chose for the exterior of this plane and you can see a bit of the 370 in there.

Actually if you pick up this months 'INTERSECTION" magazine there is an interview/ photoshoot of Zachary Quinto (Spock in new Star Trek) and it has the 370 and A5 pictured together just by pure coincidence.

YouTube - ICON A5 Wingfold Studio Video

ICON Aircraft: Sport Flying Revolution

semtex · 07-07-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZRR

I am a representative of Nissan so I can have some fun but remain professional in what I say.

So I guess you can't randomly chime in on some thread with "How dare you defile my design with that gaudy rice wing???? You are unworthy of my creation!!" huh? LOL. That'd be hilarious.

NewlyIMPORTed · 04-15-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexanderb

Hi Randy

it would be great if we could setup a thread where we Z owners could post questions about your work on the 370Z and maybe you could answer them?

VCuomo · 07-07-2009, 12:26 PM

Randy - Great job! My interest in Zs goes back to the early 70's 240Z. It was too expensive for a poor highschool kid, but I'm sure glad that after all these years I've finally got one of its descendants!

azn1515 · 07-07-2009, 02:04 PM

How many automotive forums can lay claim that the designer of the particular car they worship is a member of forum? This is awesome. Welcome to the forum, Randy!!!

07-06-2009, 06:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
trema Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 91 Drives: 09 370z K51 R Rep Power: 597	I fell in love with the 350 right at the end of its production cycle. I had always admired them from afar, but after finally getting to drive one for a weekend, my mind whirred trying to figure out some way to get ahold of one. In the midst of my research, I caught the first wave of info regarding the 370 redesign. Every little bit of leaked sheet metal kept me going till the big reveal, and eventually my purchase. Just wanted to congratulate and thank Randy for a job amazingly well done. I love all the little details that tie the 370 to the Nissan family history. I'm sure I speak for many of us when I say I can't wait to see what's next! __________________ 'Lesca'-2009 370z Touring 6MT w/Sports & Nav- Platinum Graphite/Persimmon. FLO,IKP,SCG,TMA

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07-05-2009, 10:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
Saber Rider Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Manila Posts: 43 Drives: '94 S14K Rep Power: 17	AK, you Filipino? =)

07-06-2009, 06:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
ssqpolo Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 882 Drives: '12 Black Nismo Rep Power: 268	rep point added! thanks for a great car. love the design!

07-06-2009, 09:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
alexanderb Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Manila Posts: 171 Drives: PG 370 Tour/Sprt/Nav Rep Power: 271	Hi Randy it would be great if we could setup a thread where we Z owners could post questions about your work on the 370Z and maybe you could answer them?

07-07-2009, 12:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
VCuomo Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 887 Drives: BMW 335i Sport Rep Power: 18	Randy - Great job! My interest in Zs goes back to the early 70's 240Z. It was too expensive for a poor highschool kid, but I'm sure glad that after all these years I've finally got one of its descendants!

07-07-2009, 02:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
azn1515 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 20 Drives: Lexus IS-F Rep Power: 17	How many automotive forums can lay claim that the designer of the particular car they worship is a member of forum? This is awesome. Welcome to the forum, Randy!!!