TTAC Photochop: Nissan Z
The new GT-R from Nissan is a media darling, and deservedly so; a gran turismo with enough usable performance to tackle the Porsche Turbo. My question: does the GT-R still leave room for a smaller sports car like the Z-Series? The 350Z's decreasing sales and the increasing age (five years) tells us that the car will need a replacement soon. Hence Nissan test mules showing slightly longer and wider bodies. This "up-sizing" game has always amused me; the spot left empty by an enlarged car is often filled by a new "compact" model. Anyway, it seems the sixth Z will be a bigger, badder sports carl. I imagine the trademark sharp lines of the Z mixed with carbon-fiber parts (a CFRP roof would make sense), eye-catching LEDs and just a bit of GT-R. Enough to tell the two are brothers but not so much as to make the Z a GT-R wanna be. Let's see if fame runs in the family.
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I am a fineschmecker! Give me a Nissan Gt-R v-spec sibling under infiniti . The weight you save on v-spec, could be used on infiniti version luxury gizmos! I guess, I am toooo pervert.
Autocar says the new 370 Z will have a shorter wheelbase. Also, Nissan is planning a $25k RWD Silvia replacement to take on the Toyobaru coupe. So, it's actually getting somewhat smaller in the name of improved handling, despite the development of a smaller, cheaper RWD offering. I'd say the signs point to Nissan heading in the right directions.
@Edward Yeah, I heard the same thing as well about the Z getting a shorter wheelbase. Nissan did the same thing with the Maxima and resisted increasing all but the width of the car to enhance the driving dynamics. I hope Nissan does the same with the [370]Z.
@ Paul Niedermeyer In here it looks longer and wider. @ incitatus The Z models are usually quite distinct. I sure hope the lights of the future Z will look nothing like those on the new Maxima. That's an example of highly perishable design.