How will Nissan update the aging Z-car?
With Nissan's 350Z beginning to get a little long in the tooth when it comes to looks, Edmunds' Inside Line has some insider speculation about what the redesigned Z will look like in 2009. The above image is part of a short video clip that Edmunds put together to illustrate what changes will likely find their way to production.
The design is an evolution of the current model's silhouette, which smoothes out some of the coarse lines, sharpens the headlights and adds more pronounced wheel arches to accommodate a wider track. Within those wheel-wells, expect to find a slightly softened suspension that will give the new Z a more forgiving ride, hopefully without losing its tarmac molesting abilities. Hopefully Nissan will be careful not to add too many pounds in the process, as the Z car is not known for being light on its feet.
Much like the exterior, the interior will benefit from a few focused design tweaks, mainly centered on ergonomic and material improvements, with the addition of more storage space and, generally, a more refined cabin.
Since the VQ35 3.5-liter V6 remains one of the most capable sixes available, the only change that will take place under the hood is an increase in power, upwards of 325 HP, while still retaining its beefy torque curve.
Edmunds speculates that the new Z will make its debut at dealers in late 2008, as a 2009 model.
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
james 3:19PM (10/11/2006)
How to update?
Just do two things. Bring in the G35 new V6 and fix the back styling.
A high rpm 337hp 3.5 V6 would be good. Its only 31 hp more than G35.
And the Z looks good but the back is ugly.
And thats all.
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Bill Maher is an Idiot 3:24PM (10/11/2006)
'09 model year...new Camaro, Challenger, Z, redesigned Mustang...not bad. I only hope this Z actually looks different from the old one, as opposed to the lame G35 "makeover."
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fordman 3:22PM (10/11/2006)
Why is the Z so heavy? Regular ones weigh 3416 pounds. Convertibles weigh 3782 pounds. This is rediculous.
Nissan should use some aluminum and shed about 200 lbs off.
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DPC car videos 3:46PM (10/11/2006)
They need to add a turbo engine to the lineup.
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JW 8:45PM (10/11/2006)
Where will the Z be placed when the Skyline comes in?
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Ken 3:41PM (10/11/2006)
The Z is so heavy beacause it's built on the FM platform, a chassis that designed to support the mass of an SUV (ala FX35 and FX45)
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claude ranupas 9:38PM (10/11/2006)
It seems that we, the "poor" customers, are trapped in a neverending race set in a kind of malitious way by the automobile industry,(similar to the computers one: new today-old tomorrow), since a brand new car bought today with a great deal of finantial effort, becomes "old fashioned" right away, with a very significant loss in its re-selling value...
This is discouraging! Let's stop buying "new cars"
for a while and let's see what happens!
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The other Bob 3:58PM (10/11/2006)
How about a car that doesn't look like s**t? That has got to be THE ugliest sports car on the market. Place it next to a Sky, Solstice, S2000, Mustang...ANYTHING and its just looks horrible. The proportions are really bad. The person who designed those door handles should be killed.
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Finished Law School 4:11PM (10/11/2006)
I hope the update does not look like that drawing...
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cars specifications 4:11PM (10/11/2006)
I don't think it's need an update now because the car looks god as it is now.
http://www.cars-specifications.com/
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Keith 4:24PM (10/11/2006)
"opposed to the lame G35 "makeover.""
I disagree :) I thought the previous sedan was just okay because parts of it just looked awkward or boring. The coupe was better, but still not perfect. I saw the new G at the OC autoshow, and I was just amazed how they tweaked everything just enough to get rid of the awkwardness I saw in the last one. So Infiniti deserves some credit for the redesign, because I went from not even thinking about cars in that class to lusting over the G.
I decided to check out the 3 series while I was at the autoshow to compare it to the G. I like the 3 series on the outside and it is nice to drive, but "I" think the interior looks like it is from an early 90's bimmer and just looks boring/borderline ugly compared to the G - especially the center stack/radio. I think it is the amber color backlighting which really turns me off since I'm really fond of Audi/VW's color schemes.
I really hope I can kick this infatuation with the G, because I don't want car payments and a car that gets half the mpg of my current car.
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Evan Hayden 4:23PM (10/11/2006)
It's weird, I know that the 350Z has been around for a while, but it's one of the few designs out there that I love more and more as time goes on. I think they're gorgeous, and wish I could have one. Hope the next version comes out well...
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tcc3 4:28PM (10/11/2006)
I like it the way it is now. I just hope they dont make mistakes with the Z like before. Up until the Zx it had its own unique style. The 280 Zx - 300Zx they made it blander and blander until it was just a generic looking sports car. I thought the 350 brought back the "soul" for lack of a better word.
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slicecom 4:33PM (10/11/2006)
#9: "It's weird, I know that the 350Z has been around for a while, but it's one of the few designs out there that I love more and more as time goes on. I think they're gorgeous, and wish I could have one. Hope the next version comes out well..."
I totally agree! I've slowly grown to really like their look over the years.
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Tal D 4:41PM (10/11/2006)
Styling was a major dissapointment when Z was re-introduced. I thought the purpose was to produce an updated retro-classic 240Z-look. The current Z just does not resemble the 240Z at all.
Perhaps as the designs evolve , the Z will take on some of the classic looks of the old 240.
Even though it is not in the sanme category,the Z will be battling major competetion in the forms of Camaro,Challenger,Mustang and who knows what else by the time this is introduced. So, it needs to be done right.
Comfort and more power(even though not necessary) are good steps.
Hopefully as it evolves, Nissan will not follow same pattern that was used from the late 70s to late 80s and produce some very heavy, slow and forgettable rides.
If Pontiac, Saturn, Alfa, Peugeot can design gorgeous cars , so can Nissan.
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DC_1 4:50PM (10/11/2006)
I also agree that the Z is a very looking car that has aged very well.
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David 4:55PM (10/11/2006)
Does anyone see the similarity bw. this and the first draft of the revised TT?
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Lucas 5:19PM (10/11/2006)
"Why is the Z so heavy? Regular ones weigh 3416 pounds. Convertibles weigh 3782 pounds. This is rediculous. Nissan should use some aluminum and shed about 200 lbs off."
Depends on the model. My 2005 base model weighs 3188lbs. Not much more weight than any other car in its performance category. Even if it is a bit porky, it's hard to deny that the Z is one of the best sportscar values you will find. Almost anything that weighs less or is faster/handles better(overall) is also more expensive. I paid $23k for mine, including an extended warranty, GAP insurance, and a few minor options. That's half of a 'vette. That's sport compact territory. The low price also leaves lots of room for self-improvement.
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MustRace 5:22PM (10/11/2006)
The new Z should be about 3,000 lbs.
Also get rid of the luxury stuff like power seats and heated mirrors. If you want luxury get the G35 coupe.
Then make the roof a T-top. Nobody does that anymore. 14 cars did it in the 80's but no one now.
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Lee 5:30PM (10/11/2006)
I'm with #9, #12 and #14, I think the Z still looks great. It also still holds the performance crown next to its competition.
The car definately has very bold styling, which is why I understand how anyone would also hate it. I think this is preferable to a bland, generic look ala Pontiac GTO.
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