There’s always the butt fugly Supra for $65,000+

I leased a 2016 GTI. Turbo power, added JB4, even more turbo power. Amazing DSG. Amazing handling. With the JB4 it could out-accelerate BMW 340i. Lots of "tech" in that car. Headlights that swiveled, adjustable suspension, Android Auto at a time only Hyundai had AA. Amazing car to drive.

2 miles from picking it up from the dealer, check engine light. Was in the shop 10 times over 33 months. Trust me, I loved driving that car. But as my lease was nearing an end, I actually chose a less complicated, obviously "old-school" under the skin car to replace the GTI. I bought my 2014 CPO Q60 to replace my 2016 GTI knowing: everyone hates the 7AT, under the skin the car is actually 18 years old, the VQ has been out "forever" and I'd be giving up my Android Auto.

I gained AWD traction, and in 2 years of ownership never ONCE needed any repairs.

So, the whole "it's outdated" argument falls on deaf ears with me. I. Could. Care. Less.

If I can get a 400HP Turbo 2 seater, I am likely going to keep it a long time. I can guarantee I will keep it so long it will undoubtedly be considered outdated no matter what kind of "but only if" tech they could cram into it in 2021.

For the OP, I would suggest the C8 Corvette. If a high-tech cutting edge affordable 2 seater is what they are after, that's probably the best choice if going solely by the metrics.
BMW Supra would be another choice.
Any Lexus coupe is actually "outdated" too.

Choices are good. I am glad to not be hung up on "needs to be the newest tech". Just being physically new even if older engineering is OK by me as long as the quality is good (Made in Japan please) so I can forseeably keep it 20+ years.

Underwhelming in some ways, but also a lot of something

Nissan kept it theirs. Made it manual. Both those together are actually not safe business moves on top of being a sports car in general. Yes they're leaning on reusing resources, but it's hardware that is expected to be thought-out with time, and simple fact is, they didn't have to do this. At all. But they did.

I was trying to poise myself for a C8 or C7, and bottom line keep my 370Z, but if something happened unplanned, I'm probably going to be in line for a 400Z to keep moving on in sports car life.

Let me know when you get to your point. They clearly unveiled a Z. Whether or not it's available for purchase doesn't change the fact that the product they DID show was unimpressive to me...

Again...the new z is not even out yet, don't judge the proto, hence the word "proto" as the final production is not unveiled.

The C8 in my opinion is a great example of innovation and styling. I wouldn't call it affordable though lol. I have a Q60RS and I like it quite a bit but there's still things about it that I'm like..."c'mon you could've thought this out better, or this could at least be on par with other cars in it's class". I don't think it needs to be the newest tech...just not tech I can get from a car they made in 2009.

Do you like it?

I love the side profile, the rear needs some work, the front square definetly needs work, but over I love the clean design, more so than the Supra and even more that it is a manual.

The spirit is there but no money to lift that spirit. Which is OK. Can't expect too much given current conditions and how the industry is headed towards EVs and how its partnership with Renault hurt it in the long run (yes I know they needed their money to survive). With their current struggles, going cheap was the right course using whatever they can from existing parts bin.

For me, what was innovative and ahead of the curve was the S30,and its variants and the Z32. My brother had a white Z32 TT, T-Top, and four-wheel steering. That was when I said, I got to have a Z some day. In less than 2 years, it was squashed when his apartment landed on it during the Northridge quake.

So you can like it even though it's not out yet, but I can't not like it. LOL got it.

Damn, that's a shame about the earthquake. Crazy how quickly things can change in life.

Again....didnt say you or anyone can like it, but if you see my sentence as the "front and rear needs work", I know there is room for improvements and I am not to make quick negative judgement.

Didn’t read all the post on this thread; but this is a “Throwback” body style, so it’s not gonna have everything brand new on design :ugh2:

Chevy,Ford,Dodge did it in last 10yrs....so Nissan is giving it a whirl :tiphat:

I think it’s best to wait till the vehicle arrives and we start seeing reviews on performance etc. The way I look at it is while the proto was underwhelming since we only saw and heard about the design aspect but no mention of what was added underneath that design - but it was a GREAT surprise to see that Nissan is actually doing a new Z - i think all of us have been complaining about ‘where is the new Z - been 10+ years’.

When you look at a car like the Supra, lets not forget that the car is over $55k and this new Z ‘SHOULD’ be priced well below that to allow for the aftermarket to take care of things that we want to replace all for less than a stock Supra. Also at least the new Z will offer a manual which is great for enthusiasts. As for looks - it’s subjective - but I want to wait to see one in person and then make my decision - at least the interior looks better than what we currently have in our Zs (just my .02).

As far as performance vehicles - what vehicles come to mind that you feel are full filling the promise of performance + tech? The only vehicle that is REASONABLY priced is maybe the Civic Type R - but even that car has an outdated interior, subjective looks and an infotainment that everyone on their forum complains about - seems all the tech was added to making a FWD vehicle perform. As for the Supra - it required teaming with BMW and use THEIR engine and basically their interior as well; it feels like the only thing Toyota did was add a shell and a different tune. While I do like the design - its a hefty price for new and I don’t consider a $55k to $60k (after TTL) reasonable.

I know we all want to act like our Zs are still relevant but get real. This new Z will be a massive upgrade. Just the engine change puts it in a completely new class. What “technology” do you care about that is putting you off? You’re worried it won’t have Apple car play?

Come on now.