It’s definitely not among the most in-demand sports cars today, having been largely forgotten even in enthusiast circles. Remember Nissan’s Z-car? It has been around in current 370Z form for over eight years now, and we’re thankful/surprised that Nissan hasn’t already culled the brawny RWD sports car.
Not just that, but a new one is coming to refresh the franchise. Car and Driver reports that a concept previewing the next-generation Z-car will be revealed at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
The motoring rag says that the future production Fairlady will have similar proportions to the outgoing coupe, which means a wide stance, long hood and pushed back cab (2011 Esflow Concept pictured above, illustration only). It adds that the next Z will sport edgier styling, including a gaping front end that takes cues from the GT-R facelift. Apparently, it will ride on a shorter wheelbase courtesy of the Infiniti Q60’s FR-L platform.
It is said that of the three powertrains that will be available, a twin-turbo 3.0 litre V6 from Infiniti’s Red Sport cars will be the flagship motor. The new VR engine makes 400 hp at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm in the Q50 and Q60. It will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
This boosted V6 engine is 700 cc smaller than the 370Z’s naturally aspirated VQ V6, and it’s lighter too. C/D mentions the Porsche 718 Boxster S and BMW M2 as possible rivals for the hottest Z. A tasty proposition.
The report adds that in addition to the flagship motor, an entry-level 3.0 litre V6 with 300 hp and a hybrid variant – expected to use the same V6 alongside an electric motor for up to 500 hp – are on the cards. Expect a new Fairlady Z in 2019, the report says. If correct, this is good news.
GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Esflow Concept
GALLERY: Nissan 370Z Nismo
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wow looks like a kei car like honda s600 ^^
Can we have the Fairlady back…an icon of yesterday together with the Supra and GTO…these 3 are the best of japanese sportscars in the 90s…the 3 are still gorgeous to look at even until today…even though during that time most Malaysians could only afford the Prelude but hey its not wrong to dream of driving one of these 3 machines…i still do…
Last time, in the 90s, I bought brand new CBU Nissan 300ZX Turbo for below RM100k. You think now you can buy at that price?
Wake up Malaysians. We are all being conned big time by our gomen. Car prices past 30 years have only risen slightly. Hardly a 30% increase in global prices the past 30 years.
So ugly like Savvy Coupe.
Sack the designer!
The problem with the 370Z is the GT-R.
It doesn’t need to be. The Z needs to simplify and distance itself from the technowonder GTR. There is a refreshed purist movement as evident in the GT86 and the new Miata and that means there is still a place for the Z.
The japanese killed themselves when the made thier sports cars flagships and made them too complicated and too heavy.
There isn’t t a middle weight contender in the pure rwd sports car arena for some time now with Mazda pulling the plug on the Rx7 program. Given that the Silvia has also gone the way of the dodo, the Z should move down and fill the gap.
Given Nissan always had a niche in carving out markets in between other marques’ segments, i think the sports car world has space for a car between the GT86 and the LC500. (probably where the new smaller Supra would be aiming for)
I completely agree. The Z has to evolve downwards into an 86, BRZ, MX-5, BMW2 series competitor now. Let the GT-R be the clear flagship, halo car for the brand to take on the industry heavyweights (literally).
Boy, the thought of a 2+2 coupe with rear-wheel drive and a 2.0turbo is getting me high.
Apparently, no other Z models come close to the impact made by the legendary 300ZX. Styling and Performance-wise. Nissan should emulate this in the next Z car..
300ZX cannot match icon status as S30Z
Yes the Fairlady S30Z is an icon, but in a classic icon sort of way. The 300ZX on the other hand is an iconic evergreen sportscar with the styling that still turn heads to this day.Same case like the R32 GT-R..
Reminds me of the hunchback aunty behind my house..