Next-Generation Nissan Z Sports Car to Get Targa Roof, Hybrid Power?

[RJF]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/next-ge...-hybrid-power/


A report citing unnamed sources has appeared on the Australian website Motoring.com.au purporting to reveal new details on Nissan’s next-generation Z sports car, and the info is interesting, to say the least. First off, the coupe version of the new Z will get a T-top or targa-roof arrangement, while the roadster will move from its current soft-top lid to a power-folding hardtop. As we’ve reported, a Mercedes-sourced turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-cylinder are expected, but Motoring adds that both powertrains will be hybridized and turbocharged. That is where the info gets a bit fuzzy.
You see, our intel suggests that Nissan will use an evolution of the current 370Z’s rear-drive platform for the new Z, instead of designing a newer, smaller, lighter one to take on the likes of the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S twins. This means that weight savings will be paramount to maintaining the Z’s performance (especially when equipped with the turbo four) while also squeezing better fuel economy from the six-cylinder car. Adding a hybrid system to both engines will not only increase the car’s price, but add pounds to its curb weight, neither of which jibes with Nissan’s Z agenda as we know it.

On the other hand, we could see Nissan moving toward a targa roof style, if for no other reason than to add a “wow” feature to help the car stand out against the new Ford Mustang, Chevrolet’s Camaro, and the upcoming Hyundai Genesis coupe replacement. We’ll find out what’s what when the new Z arrives next year—probably as a 2016 model—but consider us skeptical that it’ll be hybridized.

[silviasandbeer]

seems pretty out of character and not true to the Z herriatage to have a turbo 4
targa top too

turbo 6 sounds cool
do i need to express how i feel about the word "hybrid" on a sports car?


does this mean the idx idea got trashed and nissan took the safe way out?

[Bushido]

The latest news is that the IDX was axed because they couldn't keep the price below $25k

Toyota and BMW teamed up and are currently collaborating on an I6 engine that will find it's way into the production FT-1, future Z fighter.

I doubt that Nissan would go back to I6 layout, but one can dream.

Lost all faith in Nissan these days... Toyota/Subaru have sold over 100,000 FR-S/GT86/BRZ worldwide, there is a clear market for a RWD sports car to slot below 370Z.

Hybrid power goes against the essence of the Z... but it is 2014 and everything will be hybrid or electric soon.

[Chaluska]

S15... Nissan already has everything they need to keep making them, and they look freaking great... toss in some sort of turbo 3 cylinder w/ 6 speed, and leave plenty of engine bay space for engine swap potential.

[brndck]

Nissan just keeps fucking up.
The iDX was the best concept I've seen from them in a decade, but instead we get "ooooooh t-tops on the z that is already outclassed by everything in it's bracket"

[LockOn!]

Nooooooooooooo. No more iDX? And they are making Z cars even fatter? Weak.

Where did you hear that on the iDX? Google-fu turned up nothing. Thats acutally a huge bummer. I was totally down for purchasing one.

Edit: Nevermind, found stuff.
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/07/15/n...cloudy-w-poll/
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/15/n...-support-poll/
http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-techno...t-gen-cube-air

Well at least its not confirmed cancelled. Pushed back past 2016 though .

[silviasandbeer]

http://news.boldride.com/2014/08/nex...rga-top/54030/


I will say i love the idea of a mercedes motor in a Z... and if they make it lighter and more agile than and less nose heavy than GREEEEAAAT

ALSO, i love the sketch they made of the "next Z"

but a turbo 4 cyl. just doesnt belong in a Z
the exhaust note is part of the reason people and i would ever buy one
...not the only reason, but still
i doubt nissan would go this route, they aint that Estupid

stick that 4cyl in the IDX.... thats tits

[dorkidori_s13]

Originally Posted by Chaluska

S15... Nissan already has everything they need to keep making them, and they look freaking great... toss in some sort of turbo 3 cylinder w/ 6 speed, and leave plenty of engine bay space for engine swap potential.

never gonna happen, chassis is 26 years old... its done and overwith

[dorkidori_s13]

Originally Posted by LockOn!

Nooooooooooooo. No more iDX? And they are making Z cars even fatter? Weak.

Where did you hear that on the iDX? Google-fu turned up nothing. Thats acutally a huge bummer. I was totally down for purchasing one.

http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-techno...t-gen-cube-air

Well at least its not confirmed cancelled. Pushed back past 2016 though .

nissan comparing the Juke to the FRS/BRZ is like comparing Snoop Dog to Mozart

[simmode1]

Originally Posted by LockOn!

Nooooooooooooo. No more iDX? And they are making Z cars even fatter? Weak.

Where did you hear that on the iDX? Google-fu turned up nothing. Thats acutally a huge bummer. I was totally down for purchasing one.

Edit: Nevermind, found stuff.
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/07/15/n...cloudy-w-poll/
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/15/n...-support-poll/
http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-techno...t-gen-cube-air

Well at least its not confirmed cancelled. Pushed back past 2016 though .

Shit, Nissan never even confirmed that the were making it. It's DOA as far as I'm concerned.Meanwhile, Lexus puts a 2.0t with 238hp & 258ft/lbs in its new NX crossover vehicle. If that engine makes it into the next gen 86 with a 6spd trans, that's probably where I'll be.

[LockOn!]

That would be fantastic. I've driven my roommates BRZ and it really is underwhelming. Do you really think they would even consider moving away from a boxer configuration though? Seems really unlikely.

Unfortunately this next gen Z sounds just like something Nissan would do. Make them bland, boring, overweight, and profitable. Weak. Seriously who ever looked at their 350 or 370 and was like "Hmmmm, this would be great if it was a few hundred pounds heavier and had Prius gas milage!".

[simmode1]

I know alot of you guys hate this idea for the Z and I do too, since it will assuredly be overly complex. HOWEVER! It seems like they may be targeting an hybrid engine setup similar to the BMW I8. Doesn't fit the Z's heritage at all, but it would push the technology forward. On the flip side, Nissan isn't known for it's progessive thinking tecnologies nowadays, so I doubt any of this is true. Nissan's too reactionary for a move like this right now.

[Bushido]

Nissan started collaborating with Mercedes in 2010 on engine design, and there are rumors that Mercedes is developing inline 6 engines again [ur]http://jalopnik.com/mercedes-might-bring-back-their-glorious-inline-6-engin-1462259890[/url]

How weird would it be to see a future Toyota Supra with a BMW I6 VS a future Nissan Z with a Mercedes-Benz I6.



There are old rumors that Prince Motor Company basically knocked off the Daimler-Benz inline 6, which eventually became the L-series, which is the archetype for basically every modern Nissan engine. What i'm saying is, its fitting in a weird way to have a Mercedes designed engine in a Z... i think

[Bushido]

[LockOn!]

Ooooh I do like that profile though. Tail lights are a little eh but it probably won't look anything like this anyway.