That was what, 40 years ago? They are just trying to get back in because Toyota did well last year at LeMans. Are you going to tell me Infiniti's sponsorship to the Redbull F1 team is commitment to motorsports?

Porsche did okay without the SUVs, now they just have more cash to crazy things with cars. With everything said, 911 is still around after all these years as one of the car to have in different types of racing.

Super GT 2013: NISMO Eyes New Season - YouTube
You're being a little rough on Nissan. And it sucks that we can't talk about what upsets us about Nissan without attempting to make an onslaught of over-bashing. In spite of my personal complaints and being upset with certain aspects of Z progress... It's still a sick performer on the road regardless.

Race History 1

HISTORY OF THE NISSAN SKYLINE

Drivers, Teams & Suppliers Eye 2013 Super GT Start - Nissan Online Newsroom

Fact that Ford is being debated here vs Nissan is a real testament to the company.

They're doing great things nowadays and consumers are starting to realize that.

Sent from my SC-03D

Are you serious? Nissan has always had serious commitment to motorsports? From Datsun Roadster, to 510 that dominated series to 240 Z to 260 to 280 to the 300 to 350 and now 370. many many wins all over the world in many different series. they make totyota look silly in that respect. Then there were all skyline GTRs over history. Very significant heritage of being a car company involved in motorsports and they have announced even more support now.

Porsche ....uhhh I mean VWs recent commercial success hasnt been from its sports cars. If German government hadn't given Porsche 1.7 billion loan and VW hadn't bought them they wouldn't be here right now! Porsche was also on brink of bankruptcy in 90s. Now they are VW brand selling way more SUVs, Sedans not what made Porsche the sportscar namesake in 1950s to 1980s.

Good news though VW/ Porsche are about to introduce a new more affordable sporty spice SUV.:roflpuke2:

You're right, but VW and porsche started off from the same designing crew anyway. They found a way to sport up the world war 2 beetle design and that's how porsche was created.

If I was buying a car today all I can tell you is that I wouldn't be visiting a Nissan showroom. That isn't because they don't make good cars, it's because as of right now they are behind the competition.

What do you think is so innovative about Nissan? I'm curious. The GT-R? Because the Evo X is basically technologically identical. The Leaf? Because while I don't have the same hate everyone else does for electric cars, it isn't exactly a leap forward in technology (if it was you'd see more of them on the road).

Likewise, I don't give two ***** about a car being a true "sports car." I don't care. I don't care at all. And really, the reality is that anyone who trashes a car for the sole reason of "it isn't a TRUE sports car" is... well, the nicest thing I can say is silly.

All I care about is fun. What car offers me fun? If I walk into a Ford showroom I can find cars that I can afford that are fun.

If I walk into a Nissan showroom I can find fun, too. But I can't afford it or it is outdated.

Also -- I don't get this racing legacy talk. What does it matter? If we are comparing Nissan and Ford, then Ford likely even wins there.

Explain to me "behind the competition"? Last time I checked, getting 38mpg on a 2.5L gas engine is pretty good. And amongst the 4 cylinder mid size, it's been tested to be the fastest along with the Accord. VVEL is still a technological marvel few companies can produce. Getting something like that to operate effectively at 7500rpm is impressive. 350hp from a 3.7 liter engine without the use of direct injection is also unheard of. Sure Porsche engines of similar displacement are pushing 400hp, but again, $80k+ and direct injection. The car wasn't made to compete with the Mustangs and Camaro's in the world, it was the Cayman S. The only thing comparable is the price range. The Juke is selling damn well, they created that market. Your comment about the Evo X having the same tech as the GTR is crap. Last time I checked, the Evo dual clutch tranny didn't last long when power was boosted. the AWD systems are similar, but I would still venture to say that Nissan's electronic diffs react much faster. Aero on the GTR is in a league of it's own, and how is it the GTR achieves similar mpg and makes 250 more hp? 500hp EVO's have been tested against the GTR, they lost. The Leaf, I don't care for, but it's been around longer than any other full electric car. First to market also means first to age. The Titan and Armada are laughable compared to competition, but the Frontier is still competitive with the Tacoma. Outside of that, there aren't any small truck options. Pathfinder is brand new, it's gotten good reviews. Engine is a bit long in the tooth though. The Quest is a good Minivan, but ugly as sin and massive. The Versa is terrible looking, but I wouldn't say it's a bad car, consumers agree, and they are buying them. They do get 40mpg. Sentra gets 39, it's refreshed, again, it wasn't considered crap when reviewed. There are things about Nissan that need updated. V6's do need refreshed, but they are still competitive. The Maxima faired well in it's last comparo and the only things they really complained about was rear seat space and trunk space.

Ford has it's sour apples. The Flex and the Expedition come to mind. The Taurus doesn't sell all that well and the entire Lincoln brand is a sinking ship they are finally trying to save. They made the 13' GT500, an engine so under matched by it's chassis and tires that are woefully inadequate. Last time I looked, it was owned repeatedly by the ZL1, the car it was supposed to stomp to the ground. Their super special Boss got it's @ss handed by the Camaro 1LE at VIR. A car that is 200lbs heavier, longer gearing, and less horsepower.

I can go on and on about each car manufacturer and their issues. I do not believe you are correct when you say Nissan as a company is "behind the competition".

You can't seriously compare the Evo x to a gtr...

Styling is what sets them apart.

Ford (and all of the other American companies) lack in artistic capabilities - proven by their "retro" designs of their most popular cars.

Are you seriously marketing your higher-end cars to an older crowd? You're going to lose your fan base quickly.

The new Mustang body style is awful, and don't even get me started on the interior.

Same with the Camaro, Charger, and Challenger. Do they perform? Probably, but I wouldn't be caught dead in any one of them due to their ugly looks. Even the CTS-V Coupe has an ugly rear-end.

There isn't anything out there that compares to the Z's styling in or below it's price bracket - The Genesis Coupe is the closest.

As for legacy, Ford doesn't have much of one outside of NASCAR and post-GT40 era (and Australia). It's all been the other manufacturers (Dodge and Chevy) in the LeMans circuit, Daytona, etc.

Well looks are really subjective.....

What series did the 370 or 350 or 300 dominate? 350 Spec Class? Skylines were great, but they were in limited marketing and had limited exposure. I am curious to see how it performs in GT3 with the McLaren.

You said it yourself, Porsche tried true and hard in selling just sports cars and it had a tough time. There is no way Nissan would dump the Sentras and Altimas and just sell Zs and GTRs. Even with all the struggles, they never stopped making the 911.

This whole argument is...

I just wanted to be a part of it. ;)

I just checked on the ford website and they have a sports car
http://i.imgur.com/WbEAx3P.jpg

Pretty much :icon17: