Not meant to stir it up
 

Not trying to stir anything up. But read that Ford will be bringing out a new
Shelby gt500 says it will be the first muscle car to top 200 mph in 2013.

as well as the rest of the mustang line will be tweaked.

i know you can't compare one to the other. but what is nissan REALLYING
planing for the next Z. in the next couple of years some of us will be looking
for our next sports car. and i really love the z but if things keep going this way will it just become a sexy looking 6 banger. jmho though.

I'm lovin' it....

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 and 2013 Mustang Lineup First Look - Motor Trend

Camaro.....your move! :eek:

double post, sorry

op- honestly, i dont really care. :icon17:

totally agree. With Ford pushing the mustang further with 420hp and their V6 stang actually being competitive Nissan should be taking note. Take into account also that the Genesis is now coming with 350hp and 295 torque for less money than the Z and again you have to wonder why Nissan keeps sitting idly by. While the Camaro isn't really pushing forward with the SS it's still a competitive car for the money. I mean Nissan keeps pushing the GTR forward while letting the Z get passed by. Honestly I think at best we will see a small increase in power for 2013 with a carry over to 2014. That will be the 370z's 6 year streak. Then we'll see the new Z after that. Honestly I'm not sure that in it's current state it can last another 2 years (3 if you count upcoming 2012) with everyone else moving forward. The VQ is already pushed near max so I think the best we can hope for as a mid model refresh is 350hp out of the standard 370z and maybe 365 from the Nismo. I think Nissan should stop fooling around and just add FI already or close the 370z down early and bring forth a new model that will actually be competitive. The way it sits now the 370z is arguably the better looking of the cars in it's class as well as the more expensive, while at the same time being at the bottom of performance.

Personally I like the idea of maybe keeping the Z where it's at while at the same time bringing out a baby GTR. Something along the lines of a G37 coupe AWD with detuned GTR motor AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION. Price it around 50k to fight the vette, GT500, and ZL1

All very good points. IMO all things considered seems like all the
other manufactures are making plans for the future with there cars.
I could see the z going away. There not selling that well
anyway. if your going to sell a 2 seater for north of 40 grand
you better bring something to the table

that's a badass mustang

The gtr is still quicker with less hp. The z is not and will never be about being the quickest car. Just take a look at the porsche cayman. There is a market for a car like the z and there always will be.

The sales numbers on the Z certainly have to call into question any next generation at all. Nissan accepted the Z project on the assumption of 30k unit sales in the first year. It's been three years now and the cumulative total of Zs sold has just hit that goal.

Given economic conditions a 2 seat sports car in the $30-45k range is a tough sell. Especially when you have stiff competition from other potentially more practical cars that go for roughly the same price. This has to be weighing on the minds of the bean counters at Nissan. They know we are in for a long and jobless economic recovery here in the US, so they know selling Zs as they are now would likely be a tough sell for at least the next 5 years.

I tend to think the Z will either be cancelled after the 370's final model year, or the next generation will be some sort of hybrid. Something to differentiate from the competition and help advance the brands green initiatives. We all know the world is heading the way of alternatively fueled vehicles, so this would be a good time for Nissan to get ahead of the curve with the Z and offer the first affordable hybrid sports car to the public. They did something similar in 1969 when they brought us the first truly affordable everyman's sports car.

But who knows what will happen. We are only 3 years into the 370. The 350Z went for 7 years if you include the 2009 roadster. The Z32 went for something like 11 years in Japan and 6 in the US. So the 370 could still have 3+ model years ahead of it. Nissan could be planning just to make as many as they can sell for now and if the world looks like it's changing for the better in a year or two maybe they will reevaluate and decide what they want to do for a next generation car.

All we know is that the future is very uncertain for the Z, especially considering it's in a difficult spot right now. Stiff competition and a crappy economy can really make life tough on a sports car.

Nissan doesnt understand the american market. We like more. For a low price. The 370z is a great car but with what it offers they need to lower the price substantially to stay competitive and on the minds of potential buyers. Or at present prices release a 400+hp Z. Instead of 332hp how about 432hp...thats what they need to do. And if they release a 500hp nismo version for around $40k...that would be competitive and people wont think too much about other options.

One less Z on the road.

Infinti has so far this year sold about 80,000 cars and suvs combined. The z has sold about 7,000. The z shares the same engine, platform and transmission with the g, g coupe, fx, and ex. The z shares nothing with the Nissan line, not the 3.7 engine, fm platform, or the 7 speed transmission. I don't see Nissan getting rid of the g or the infiniti line and I don't see the z disappearing either.

:iagree:

I agree about the next gen Z very likely being some sort of hybrid everyman sports car. I'm not opposed to that at all if they can keep the driving dynamics and power up to par, the extra mpg would be a nice bonus.

This gen Z will probably go until 2014, maybe 2015 (6-7 years seems normal for this cars lifecycle). If we're lucky, the last couple years will get DI assuming the G gets it. That could provide a small bump in hp and mpg. Other than that, I suspect very little if any improvements since the car doesn't sell well.

Then most likely a few years off, and then the intro of the first hybrid affordable sports car--ie the new Z35.

I can't see the Z taking a permanent vacation simply b/c of the hole left in Nissan's lineup, it's a big jump from maxima to GTR not only in price but in sporting persona. Then again, the GTR bows out in 2016 or so, right after the Z most likely will.

Perhaps Nissan is just going to start sucking like Honda and Toyata (at least until the FT 86 comes out, maybe they won't suck quite as bad) and just focus on boring people movers. That gives the Americans the lock on affordable fun sports/performance vehicles in every category, would be a shame if that comes to pass.

IMO, The Japanese manufacturers are sitting back now that they earned a rep for cheap reliable cars and have stopped taking the risks with fun cars like they did when they were getting established. Now it is Ford and GM making the cheap, fun, reliable cars as they try to get back the market share they lost while they made crap cars.

I don't understand.

All you have read about the 2013 GT500 and Mustang is from a sneak preview, everything it says in the article is only plan numbers, no actual test drive nor actual test had been done.

You saw the numbers, then you conclude this is a better car, you don't even know how its actual driving experience is like.

We don't know the reliability of the 2013 model, we don't know how does it handle the road and we know nothing but the numbers.

Yes, it does make more horses than the Z, but remember its engine is supercharged, the VQ is a N/A. Honestly, I'd be more appreciate the later since it is much more difficult to squeeze more horses from a N/A.

I think it's not only the American market, ALL markets are looking for more with less money, right?

You pay for what you get, will you be confident to buy something that says 400hp with a price tag of $30k??

Back to the 2013 models, there's this concern I have in mind. With the shape of the Mustang, quite a boxy shape, aerodynamically, what do you think about the stability of the ride when it's really going at 200mph??

How many cars on the market nowadays are capable to do 200mph?? And how much do they cost??

I have nothing against the Mustang or Ford, in fact, I think they are doing much better than the other two US car makers.

However, only had read a brief preview, I think it is too early to make such conclusion saying one is better than the other.

just my $0.02

cheers

Here ya go bud... 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Specs and First Ride- 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Release ? RoadandTrack.com

I can only speak to the GT and a good bit less speed, but the "boxy" Mustangs definitely are stable at big speeds.

They've done a lot of aero work to the '13 GT500 so I'm sure it will be fine at that speed. Just because a shape is "boxy" doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be unstable under heavy aero loads.

Comparing the '13 GT500 to a current Z doesn't make much sense, but considering how the Z and 5.0 perform relative to one another, the GT500 will blow both miles out of the water.

Not to veer too far off topic, but it seems to me that Korean automakers are now taking the risks that the Japanese manufacturers used to. Look at Kia and Hyundai. They're directly competing (although largely through imitation), but they are daring other companies with their warranties, their pricing, and their on-paper performance. Isn't that what Honda and Toyota did to become huge?

Yep. The Korean crew is taking a page from the Japanese tactics from the 80s

this has always been my biggest beef with Nissan, other than the flagship, all they do is worthless little megar power increases just to barely stay competitive. Table scraps, its ******* pathetic...

Honeslty i dont know where the Z is really going to go from here

A) Hybrid v6- no thanks for me
B)its already a 3.7...how big do they really plan on making the V6 at this point?? the flagship is 3.8 anything larger than that is small block v8...nissan do a v8 Z...that would cool, that would be the day
C) Turbo Z---that will hike the price way out of the current demograph

If i had to make a prediction....this is going to be the last Z for a long time

Nissan / Infiniti have been consistently increasing market share for the past decade. Nissan has three manufacturing plants in the USA, and one of the most highly-regarded design centers in the world located in California.

No offense, but I deleted the comments about moar powah, etc since they really don't make any sense. Low sales numbers for the Z reflect the economy, not the vehicle. It is regarded by all automotive writers as the best bang-for-the-buck sports car available.

If you want more power, the engine is very well-suited to mods and forced induction. I love the fact that I almost never see another 370Z on the road around here. If they stopped building them tomorrow I would not shed one tear.

ibtl

Everyone here might find this article as an interesting read: Nissan Z - 2013 Nissan Z - Future Sports Cars from Nissan at RoadandTrack.com




and hello, I recently bought a 370Z Nismo and I've been lurking around reading up on what I can. Thought I would say hi and join the community

really why?? I think this is a great discussion amongst guys who love nissan(me) who are just frustrated that nissan isnt thriving like it needs to

Because this is the internet. At some point, this "discussion" will deteriorate into an acrimonious argument that will inevitably be closed. You know, bad feelings etc.. Happens all the time when someone brings up a thread topic full of opinions.:twocents:



ibtl

The most truthful thing said in the thread.

Really, the Infiniti brand was made to sell expensive Nissans to the US, because the US tends to be very brand conscious.

The Z is basically a G that's lighter and harsher, and as long as the two share so many parts, the Z acts as an affordable halo car for the company. I doubt they make money on the car, but I know they sell a ton of Gs.

more affordable or not, i like the 370z more than the g37 coupe. if their prices were switched around, i would still get the 370z before the g37 coupe. Test drove a g37 coupe 2 weeks ago with a friend of mine that was considering one, he ended up getting a subaru wrx instead.

The G is more practical and luxurious than the Z, although I also value the Z more.

But for many people, the necessities of a back seat, higher seating position, and possibly AWD might push them toward the G instead.

:iagree: That's why it sells more than the Z.

Its a bit more practical but those back seats are practically worthless. The trunk space of the g36 coupe is a joke as well. My friend picked the g37 over the Z untill we went and checked it out. Im 5'8" and i had a hard time sitting in the backseats of a g37.

I do like the g37s sedans though, but i wouldnt buy 1 just because im not really into luxury cars.

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Not really. You can easily fit kids in there. Space may be tight in the backseat, but it does exist and can be used if needed.

Thought i'd point this out....i think a lot of people choose the G because of its "wow" factor. Its all hype and everyone and their mom owns one around where im from. I remember when the g35 first came out, everyone was hopping on them thinking it was the ****.

Never gonna never gonna never gonna stop the fvcking hate train no!
-the meteors

Obviously joking around and somewhat hating
Smiley face (dont know how to add one in tapatalk)

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The new Z’s wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter than the previous generation Z (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches), accomplished by moving the rear wheels forward in the 2nd generation FM platform, while overall length is reduced by 2.7 inches (167.1 inches versus 169.8 inches). At the same time, the overall width been increased by 1.3 inches, the rear track by 2.2 inches and overall height reduced by 0.3 inches, giving the 370Z a much more aggressive stance.

The 350z and g35 used 1st generation fm platform
The 370z and g37 use 2nd generation fm platform

http://www.nissannews.com/pressrelea...oupe-press-kit

Are you questioning wikipedia?

If so, then you are an ignoramus, which is defined on wikipedia as:

"Ignoramus is a college farce, a 1615 academic play by George Ruggle. Written in Latin (with passages in English and French), it was arguably the most famous and influential academic play of English Renaissance drama. Ruggle based his play on La Trappolaria (1596), an Italian comedy by Giambattista della Porta (which in turn borrows from the Pseudolus of Plautus). Your mom looks like Darth Vader. Howard Stern Baba Booie"

I am sure Nissan has something in the works for the next gen Z. I can see the bumps in power of the GTR for the next 2 years being a sign they are paying attention to the competition for the Z. I feel like they are trying to open up some room to grow the Z's power without it competing with the GTR in any way.

There are a lot of options they have available, but I would like to see them just add an electric motor that is good for 80 to 100 hp and keep the 3.7L engine. Maybe throw on DI as well. That should send the mpg up pretty considerably while at the same time bumping overall performance provided they stay on top of the suspension.

That or they need to drop a good 200 pounds. :D

most of you are sharp car guys and love the sport.....

i might be way off base and i hope i am because i realy love the Z. owned 2
the 350 and now the 370. but within the next 2 year models if nissan can't catch up to a base level mustang or camero im looking else where.

any one remember what happened to the fiero years ago.
when GM gave up on it. and no im not comparing the two cars.
the worst z made would kick any fiero's axx.

the next z needs to have some minor tweaks and some major hp added
or it won't even sell 7000 units.. everyone has an opinion.

Right or wrong, people in the US are all about the numbers. Personally, I think the Z is fine performance-wise the way it is. (really, unless you are going to track it, how much power do you need?) However, when people see the HP numbers of the Mustang GT, Camaro SS and the Z, and then the price tags of each, the Z will get passed up almost every time due to it's higher cost and lower power. The way the Yen is currently out of whack isn't gonna help companies like Mazda and Nissan going forward either.