Bring back the 240! Nissan developing new sports coupe, redesigned 350Z
For some time now, Nissan has been lacking in the entry-level sports car segment both here and abroad. The 350Z and Skyline/G35 have proven successful, but only to those able to afford the cost of entry, and although the upcoming GTR will redefine the iconic marque, its price tag will put it out of reach for the average enthusiast. Sure, the new SE-R is something, but it's neither sporty, a coupe, or – more importantly – rear-wheel drive.
According to Autocar, Nissan is actively developing a new sports coupe, drawing inspiration from the Urge concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. Since mechanical specifics are nil, the powertrain is open to speculation, and speculate we will. Ideally, we'd like to see a turbocharged version of the SE-R Spec-V's QR25DE sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual (Nissan 250 anyone?).
The article also sheds some light on the next generation of the 350Z, which will share its profile with the current car, but will receive a variety of design tweaks to smooth out some of the more awkward elements (read: door handles, tailgate, etc.). The possibility of swapping out the current VQ35 V6 for the new VQ37VHR should also be on the table, effectively changing the name from 350Z to 370Z. Viva la evolution!
[Source: Autocar via Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nick Blanchard 5:17PM (6/07/2007)
Long time coming, in my opinion.
I've been saying for years that auto makers need a small, cheap, RWD car...and of course, they keep innundating us with wrong-wheel drive piles of crap...Sentra SE-R? Cobalt SS? SRT-4? Mazdaspeed3? Sure, they're snappy, but FWD just doesn't cut it to be a real sporty car.
HOPEFULLY this other automakers will take heed and we see some more life in this market.
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james fear 1:02AM (6/08/2007)
I'd agree except in the case of the speed3. Fresh from rwd ownership the speed3 and its excellent torque management system was the only new and affordable(for me) sporting car that lit my tires up. I was a harsher of all things wrong wheel drive before a test drive myself I'd stringly encourage you to do the same. Its no dorifto mobile but she sure will rotate! Not much is out there, but the the speed 3 is no penalty box and will easily take many by surprise in the straights and the corners. Short of this potential 250sx/Silvia s16 or perhaps if the kabura concept ever materializes. Then there would be some other real viable options for the budget sport driver.
Tyo 5:55PM (6/07/2007)
I totally agree. The sentra Se-R motor in a small rwd coupe or sedan would make a really nice car. Ive been asking for one since the 02 SE-R Spec V when that motor debuted here.
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Big Mike Wood 5:27PM (6/07/2007)
I was wondering how long it would take for us to get a new Porsche 914. Oh wait....
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srivendel 5:48PM (6/07/2007)
Forget the turbocharger and anything fancy. Just make it small, light, RWD, and easy to work on. The Urge was brilliant, but needs a coupe counterpart to really differentiate itself from the Miata, Solstice, and Sky.
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jjs 5:55PM (6/07/2007)
I agree as well. Love to see 21st Century version of the original Datsun 510 -- with RWD.
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glitched 5:56PM (6/07/2007)
like i have said for a while as well, nissan needs a 250 car... 250sx 250z whatever they call it...
but i think it should use the 25VQHR available in the new japanese skyline and not the QR25DE.
The 25VQHR already has the right orientation, and should be good for about 215hp. make it weigh less than 3k and price it under 20k and you have a winner!
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Ben Levy 2:20PM (6/08/2007)
I wish you worked at Nissan. All they need to do is ignore the crap that isn't needed. I just hope they don't try to design it too much like the Urge. That car was ugly as sin.
stefan 6:03PM (6/07/2007)
I don't think they will use the QR25DE or the heavy VQ25HR V6, it's probably gonna be the JDM SR20VET.
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66coronet 7:29PM (6/07/2007)
370Z would be a good choice.
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Sherief 6:54PM (6/07/2007)
So, a new, modern Silvia basically.
I'm so there.
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Andrew 7:18PM (6/07/2007)
S16? I'll trade in my S14, sold! lol
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Azrael4h 9:26PM (6/07/2007)
I think not only is this a good idea, but they should use the platform to build a RWD compact sedan and wagon/hatch. This market is non-existent, and has been abandoned completely. A volume seller will ease costs on the coupe, and put in even further towards being in the hands of those who'd buy one.
Nissan, are you listening?
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MikeW 10:00PM (6/07/2007)
VQ25HR over the QR25 anyday.
The Rx-8 days may be numbered. A nice 2+2 lift back (just like the supra) maybe T-top or targa would be nice, especially if Hyundai is serious with the tiburon.
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c. baines 11:33PM (6/07/2007)
All we need now is an all wheel drive turbo hatch and they will be set up for financial ruin just like the 90s. Well, no, I just wanted to talk some shiz. I hope they actually go through with it this time, and not have it look like the weird 2+2 RWD concept they had (not the urge).
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naggs 12:55AM (6/08/2007)
this is great news/rumor
hopefully this actually happens, its about damn time.
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doglet 1:05AM (6/08/2007)
i hope it doesnt look like the urge. convertibles are done to death and that thing is not a vehicle i would buy, no matter what it drove like.
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hans 4:47AM (6/08/2007)
so basically this is the 240sx again. the last US 240sx had the 2.4 L i-4 from the 1st and 2nd gen altima. the qr25 is also the i-4 from the 3rd and 4th gen altima.
hopefully they do it. I've had some nissans in the past and though they have a slight lack of refinement in some things (i've had the 2nd gen altima and a g35 coupe) at the worst this will force other manufacturers to make cheap rwd cars. because nothing beats rwd in terms of fun.
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John R 7:48AM (6/08/2007)
A NA and turbo version of Spec V motor (turbo in limited quantities) doesn't sound like too much to ask.
A high revving 200bhp motor and RWD in a car that weighs nearly identical to a Mazda MX-5 is winner. But a targa top would be SWEET! 300zx looked so nice with the roof off.
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gerard Vandenberg 8:30AM (6/08/2007)
No Man!
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