Spy Photos: Mystery car following 350Z mule?
Several photos have popped up in the last week of a Nissan 350Z –based mule that has been circulating on public roads. The prototype is clearly based on the existing car but with a shortened greenhouse. World Car Fans has a bunch more photos of this car today, but in the first photo the mule is followed by a second mystery car that may in fact be more interesting. Featuring a single blade wiper and what may be rear quarter air scoops, this one may not have turned up before. If anyone has any clues as to the identity of this other car, please chime in the comments or send us a tip.[Source: WorldCarFans]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Chris 1:07PM (6/18/2007)
That's the Lexus LF-A prototype.
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Shibbyutman 1:20PM (6/18/2007)
Yeah it is the LF-A if you look at the pics of it up on worldcarfans.com
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tim 1:12PM (6/18/2007)
I concur
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Jruhi4 1:18PM (6/18/2007)
I agree as well.
British_Rover 1:16PM (6/18/2007)
Yeah I think you are right. I think it is the Lexus.
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stefan 1:19PM (6/18/2007)
Its the LFA.
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dustin 1:26PM (6/18/2007)
How would Nissan get their hands on an LFA? I can't see lexus allowing that. But I agree this is the LFA.
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BLS 1:29PM (6/18/2007)
I guess the question is the Nissan a Nissan Mule or is Toyota using Nissan sheet metal? I think that Lotus was using M5 sheet metal on the Esprit.
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JayP 1:47PM (6/18/2007)
Engine testing for the Lexus in a Z? A Supra under the Z?
MG/Rover used Minis and MR2s when developing the MGF. Strange cars...
Joncarfan 1:36PM (6/18/2007)
can it be possible that both are on the track at the same time?
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BLS 1:51PM (6/18/2007)
I thought these were just on some random public roads. Doesn't look like the ring. No spray paint on the road. (BTW what is the deal with that?)
polar 1:37PM (6/18/2007)
Engineer/Test Mule Races!
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Todd 1:47PM (6/18/2007)
That would be hilarious if Toyota was using the 350Z sheetmetal to test out the next Supra on the 'ring.
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bmoredlj 1:57PM (6/18/2007)
What's next, a production Camaro mule wearing Mustang duds???
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CMDR 2:10PM (6/18/2007)
Nope, the 2008 Impreza WRX in Hyundai clothing!
Oh wait, thats already happened.
Insight 2:02PM (6/18/2007)
Yes it is the Lexus, but so is the car under the 350Z body - it is the new supra - maybe hybrid as well.
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Celly 2:10PM (6/18/2007)
If you look at the calipers on the "Mystery 350z" -- They look more like stock "beefy" Toyota Calipers than Nissan Calipers.
Also Both Toyota/lexus and Nissan use 5/114.3 for their wheels -- so that's an easy swap.
And most likely a Supra would be on something similar to the IS chassis?
IS Specs
Length 180.1
Width 70.9
Height 56.1
Wheelbase 107.5
350Z Specs
Length 169.8
Width 71.5
Height 52.1
Wheelbase 104.3
Could be possible....
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Chris 2:17PM (6/18/2007)
The location of the Nissan in relation to the Lexus has no significance. Many test cars at the Nurburgring use the same access roads around the track and around the various OEM garages.
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Brandon 2:44PM (6/18/2007)
I disagree to the "no significance."
Assuming that the Mystery Car is the LFA and the other is a next-gen 350Z: As much as Toyota would want to check out Nissan's performance offering, Nissan would want to check out Toyota's. But, they would equally like to hide their prototypes from each other and would not get so close as to identify themselves.
I agree with Celly.
It appears that the main changes on the 350Z are just the "Prototype Bra" and a different (no lines) hood (perhaps to accomadate a different powerplant underneath).
With the great low-drag properties of the 350Z shape, it may very well be a mule with a Toyota based engine for some intense testing. If Toyota can improve the 350Z with a different, but similarly sized powerplant, then they can transplant it into a different shaped vehicle and set it side-by-side with the 350Z (or the rumored forthcoming 400Z). I don't see the pictures as showing a wider/taller car.
As for the LFA in back? If they are going to make a vehicle to compete with the 350Z for sales, they may as well throw some extra performance into a 350Z and give the new toy a whirl.
glitched 2:54PM (6/18/2007)
so... let me get this string of nissan rumors strait
first there was that rumor of a smaller RWD coupe,
then there was the spy shots of this supposed smaller RWD coupe AND a new 350z
now, wich one is this? the new 350z?
can you guys do a roundup/clarification?
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