I hope Nissan ditches the Z for a few years. Make my current model keep its value and if I decide to get the Supra TT then bye bye Z and not lose a ton of money.

I think the biggest "problem" with the Z's right now is that they have hardly any competition. What other car company mass produces a fairly lightweight V6 sports car with a good amount of HP and has great handling right out of the factory? Not to mention the amount of stuff you can do to it. And it's only $30,000! The closest competitor I can think of would be V6 mustangs--but they're no competition for a Z, like at all. That mustang gets 240 HP at the wheels while we get around 275. Even the STI gets 250 at the wheels.

In my opinion, Nissan needs to take a few years off from the Z's to really make a comeback. A big one. By all means, Z's should have V6's as always, but Nissan needs to make them more in competition with other cars. A Z, out of the factory, with around 300 HP at the wheels? That'd be perfect! As long as it isn't breaking the bank, I see no reason why Nissan wouldn't have their V6 sports car compete with the V8's Ford and Chevy are rolling out. Just my opinion, though.

And another thing... A lot of you will likely disagree with me on this one, but I just don't think the differences between base model, sports package, and Nismo are that dramatic. Base model Z's get 275 HP at the wheels, and Nismos get around 290-295 or so with the extra 20 HP in the engine. Honestly, the suspension is what makes a Nismo a Nismo. But why couldn't Nissan release a 300 WHP base Z and a 350-375 WHP Nismo? That's a significant difference, and I think that would really put the Z's back on the map, as far as competition goes. Then, the Nismo would be competing with the Mustang GT (385 WHP) and Camaro SS (350 WHP). This way, Base/Sports Z's would be competing with the new Supra, and the Nismos would be competing with the Mustang GT, Camaro SS, and whatever else will be in that bracket. I'm assuming the new Supra will have a 400 hp engine and stuff, but I could be wrong!

What do you guys think? :)

Your post completely summarizes why there is no new Z.

The casual buyer can only talk about horsepower. The Z has never been about horsepower - it has been about the driving experience and the total package of the car. It has been about putting it all together. The sum of parts is the reason why a heavier Nismo GT-R with less horsepower and torque can beat a Corvette Z06 around Streets of Willow - it's the sum of parts working together. Nissan's sports cars have always been that way.

What happens to cars like this when the casual buyer looks and sees a more practical, more powerful Mustang for the same price as a 370Z Sport Touring? He buys the Mustang because more horsepower, and maybe he can't afford a DD plus a sports car, so he buys the Mustang because it's the best bang for the buck he can buy.

That makes the Z a niche car. A special, unique car, but niche. The entire automotive landscape has changed in the last 10 years - what was a sports car to the masses then isn't necessarily the same thing that makes a sports car these days. The Z is now a dinosaur niche vehicle. Nissan doesn't seem to give two ***** about niches these days, because niches don't break profit records. They don't seem to know what to do to make the Z have a wider appeal, and I'd rather them just kill it than bastardize it.

The only thing I can see Nissan (lazily) doing if there is actually a Z35 is base/sport = 300hp 3.0tt from the Q50 sport and Nismo = 400hp from the Q50 Red Sport with fresh sheet metal on the same chassis. I can't even see Nissan doing that right so hopefully they just end the Z line for now.

Well said!!! I agree. I laugh when people start comparing horsepower numbers and nothing else. I used be a muscle car guy and it took me a while but I finally understood what makes a good sports car. The complete package!!!

On my previous Corvette C5, I spent loads of money trying to make that car handle like a true sports car. I finally discovered that as my grandmother used to say.....you can't make a racehorse out of a mule no matter how much money you throw at at! Once I test drove my '16 Nismo, I understood instantly and traded in my more powerful Corvette.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was under the impression that the corvettes (not sure if it applies to all generations) handled great.

I am pretty sure that is a newish development for the corvette. Only the C6 and C7 handles well. Especially the C7

Hey, I can actually confirm this! My grandparents (especially my grandfather) is very much a Ford guy, but he owns a business and all that and he likes to buy his dream cars. He's also a pretty nice guy and lets me drive them from time to time. He once had a C5 Corvette (fire engine red exterior, same color interior.... it was weird :rofl2:), and that thing sucked to drive. Yeah, it was fairly quick off the line, but boy did it feel sluggish in the corners. He traded that in for a C6, and it's a lot better. Since he bought it new in '06, he's only put 6000 miles on it. Why? Because it doesn't feel like a "sports" car to him, just a regular car that goes fast... I think that's more of a compliment to Corvette than anything else, considering that when he wants to drive something fast he'll drive his Cobra or Boss 302. About a year or so ago, though, he got a Z06 and oh man does that thing handle phenomenally. If you've never been behind the wheel of a Z06, let me just tell you: it has incredible power and handling, more so than what it seems (at least to me, anyways). I've always assumed it would just be like the new-era Vipers, which are fast no doubt but handle like track cars (because they are). Nope. The closest thing I can relate a Z06's handling to is that it's somewhat like a 650 HP go-kart: everywhere you want it to go, it will go. It's kind of hard to explain, but I hope you get the gist. :)

Nope. Only the C7 and some iterations of the C6 such as Z06 handle well. The C5 handled ok if you had the Z51 package but even then, the car chassis was too long and the steering was absolutely horrible, like something you'd find on an old Buick. The steering ratio was way off for a sports car. We won't even talk about the poor excuse for seats that C5's had. My seats were next on my list before I traded it in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sounds like my car lol. TBH havent really thrown it around corners, but doesnt feel like a Z's steering at all. My seats though... MMMmmmm....

I never really cared for the corvette line, the stingray has caught my eye though. But now they're so common I cant bring myself to even consider it for the next purchase.

I have always hated corvettes (until the C7), but if I could I would buy a C7 no doubt.

Yeah the new corvettes look great, but I literally see 5 a day. IDK about you guys, but seeing a car too often kind of ruins the cool vibe.

BTW....still any word on the next gen Z?? :/

Yup, thats why I don't think I'll ever consider one. Literally one on every corner here in Orange County.

Nope the next word will be at the Tokyo Auto Show but I doubt there will be anything then either.

Since the Z kept its same drivetrain for this long, do you guys think there is a possible chance that theyll throw a stock boost in there and make it a 4banger? 4 banger boosted Z that throws down more power than NA now.. what are your opinions should
this happen?
I mean..if i can recall.. mustang ecoboost sitting on 2.3l? 4c and the audi a6 going from a 3.2 to a 2l boost?


Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

350 hp out of a boosted 4 cyl is a lot and they don't have that engine yet. As far as I figure they won't be developing an entirely new engine for the next Z.

They will most likely use the new engines from the Q50/Q60

Z has always had 6 cylinders. If they must use a 4, they should consider bringing back the 200SX or 240SX.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifogio uses a 2.9 Twin Turbo V6 with 505HP, and 443 lbs of torque. Can't see why Nissan will not do something like that. And market it like the Alfa Romeo does with the Giulia.

I wish they would've don the 4C headlights how they did on the Quad.

From what I read. They are changing the headlights on the 4C. More like LED strip.

The alpha is a luxury sports sedan. The q50 competes with that. They wouldn't market their sports coupe to compete with a luxury sedan. Not to say I don't any to see a 500 hp TT v6 in the next z. That's exactly what I want them to do. 400 hp base Z 500 hp Nismo. Price it in the 30-45k range and they will have a solid competitor.

If they don't show us anything at the TAS its official that they don't care about the next Z they have the tech and money its right there in the Q60 project Black S, that's what the new nismo should be based on but they will find a reason not to. I guess Nissan's "priority" is chasing heavy luxury coupes with the infinity emblem on the front instead of staying true to their own.. lmao

I guess an upgrade is an upgrade for the Z.. even if theyll have to swipswap the Qs in here. I know someone here or elsewhere will bite. I hope they make the packages different or atleast make a drivetrain upgrade on the nismo!

When i had my car serviced, they asked if i wanted to trade/UPGRADE my 09 chicane base touring for a red 16 nismo that had sat since day 1. I politely declined after the salesman tried to sell me a nismo bodykit and suspension. I told him one day, when nissan decides to keep up or i can sell my life away for a gtr ill be back.


..or theyll suprise us with a GTR setup in the Z. Jk nissan wont do that..ever..maybe



Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Did you ever watch the Alfa Romeo Giulia commercial? Where they have it zipping around the country side. Hearing the exhaust. That's the type of commercial Nissan needs. I didn't mean to compare it with the Giulia or any luxury sedans. Just that type of commercial that catches your eyes and ears with speed and noise.

Oh yeah those commercials are fantastic. Commercials aside though, every reporter that has driven that car loves it. THAT is what the next Z needs. When you watch a z review it's typically "good" or occasionally even great, but it's not the type of car that has the reviewers go "wow" and the Giulia is.

Unfortunately I think Nissan may have boxed themselves into a corner when they came out with the GTR. An engineering marvel at a reasonable price when it first arrived, however it was not a high volume seller or big money maker.

So now this has forced Nissan to make a tough decision, which halo or sports car do they keep? Both aren't really money makers. Plus R&D and updates cost more for a sports car versus a sedan. So why would Nissan, who cares about profits, like any well managed company do this for two low volume sellers?

I have a feeling, one is going to go and it may be the Z. I never used to think like this before, as I felt the Z35 would incorporate engines and other parts from the Q60, and Nissan would continue to do what they've done from the past into the future. But the reality is sports car sales suck. New C7 Vettes can be had for thousands below MSRP, used ones even more! This, plus the delays on any teaser release of info to the auto press, has me very concerned.

Suv/crossovers, trucks, hybrids, electric and eventually autonomous vehicles have become and will become the automotive battlefield. The sports cars that survive will most likely have 4 seats, with just a couple of exceptions.

I have loved the Z ever since I got my first one in 1978 and will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Z. But I made a decision awhile back not to wait for the Z35. I'll hang on to my current Z for several months but will eventually just keep the new car. Hope I'm wrong and the new Z35 be a killer!

They can do the noise thing pretty well. You ever heard a Rogue at full throttle? There's a lot of noise there... not much of any of it is good... but they can do noise!

Guys, honestly though...

What're the odds of the Z35 being a raw sports car?? It'll mostly likely have all the tech gizmos to keep up with the market.

Why am I writing this post? I think I'm trying to make myself feel better LOL

Do you consider the Z a raw sports car now? I think it's a nice balance of power and handling; faster than a FRS or BRZ but doesn't match the handling 'out of the box' (at least that is what I have heard); but not as fast as the stop light warriors of Mustangs and Camaros but handles and drives better than those cars.

I think with all the new requirements we have for all cars, it's hard to produce a low weight fun car to drive that will make everyone happy. I do agree with you, I think the next Z will be something similar to having the same tech as the Infiniti so it will be heavier ride to begin with. I wonder if Nissan is having an internal fight of adding a bunch of tech **** to make the people happy but at the same time, fighting about HP not being needed to be increased because it's a 'drivers car'? Personally, I would love to have them keep the cabin simple and then add about another 50HP under the hood.

I have a hard time believing anything that comes equipped with Prius tires handles better than the z


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

IDK man, tech is nuts now... some skinny *** PS4S tires probably do better than some meaty normal tires

The Prius tires limit grip but don't hurt the balance or reflexes of the car. The FRS/BRZ's handle better than Z's.

I could see that

The Z's are "good" at almost everything and "great" at almost nothing. (Good all-around sports car)

The FRS/BRZ's are "great" at handling and "meh" at acceleration. (More of a nitche sports car)

Yes, and what I mean by that is: I LOVE how you can literally just get in the Z and drive. Let's take my brother's golf R as an example...do you know how many settings he has to drive?! I know some people like that, but I hate it. To contradict myself for just a second..I have to admit I love the SRM :tup:

The Z is a work of art, from every angle. The FRS/BRZ are an optical abomination.

:iagree:

Z's get that same "great" handling rating too when going FRS/BRZ 10 miles per hour.

I like the way the flat 4 allows for a lower, thinner front end on the twins, but I still miss the Z's @$$.

:facepalm: