Update: Nissan Confirms New Z and 370Z Share Same Chassis Code (Z34)

[Z34_2.0]

I just starting calling it Z34 2.0, hence my username lol.

 

[takemorepills]

Do the comments about deficient brake cooling not being addressed apply only to the base model brakes, or to the performance ones as well? And if the latter, how quickly do they overheat on track on the 370Z (IIRC the brakes are being carried over)?

There were some on-track crashes when the Z first came out. The Akebonos (the brakes on the new Z "Performance" model) were very competent initially, but heat soaked badly and at least one reporter had a bad crash.
Nissan came out with upgraded pads to address the issue, however, according to the tuner industry, the issue with the early 370Zs was that the pads got too hot too quickly, and that caused the brake fluid in the caliper to boil. So, enthusiasts began combining the updated pads or aftermarket performance pads with MOTUL brake fluid, or a high quality DOT4 fluid (it is assumed that the fluid used as OEM was low quality). Most people that track find it a good way to keep the Akebonos.

My Q60 came with (what's probably parts bin) the same brakes designated for the Sport Z, and I upgraded to Akebonos. I do not track my Q60, so I am no expert, I just wanted better looking calipers behind my Enkei wheels. My car weighs about 4000 pounds (AWD) and the Akebonos are strong, but I used regular DOT4 fluid and OEM Infiniti pads, which I think are the old 370Z pads, and I can detect fade if I grenade the brakes several times in a row from high speeds. I didn't want performance pads because the OEMs keep the wheels clean, if I track a Z, I'd use different fluid and pads. Oh, and BTW, changing pads on the Akebonos is super easy!

 

[trackratZ]

There were some on-track crashes when the Z first came out. The Akebonos (the brakes on the new Z "Performance" model) were very competent initially, but heat soaked badly and at least one reporter had a bad crash.
Nissan came out with upgraded pads to address the issue, however, according to the tuner industry, the issue with the early 370Zs was that the pads got too hot too quickly, and that caused the brake fluid in the caliper to boil. So, enthusiasts began combining the updated pads or aftermarket performance pads with MOTUL brake fluid, or a high quality DOT4 fluid (it is assumed that the fluid used as OEM was low quality). Most people that track find it a good way to keep the Akebonos.

My Q60 came with (what's probably parts bin) the same brakes designated for the Sport Z, and I upgraded to Akebonos. I do not track my Q60, so I am no expert, I just wanted better looking calipers behind my Enkei wheels. My car weighs about 4000 pounds (AWD) and the Akebonos are strong, but I used regular DOT4 fluid and OEM Infiniti pads, which I think are the old 370Z pads, and I can detect fade if I grenade the brakes several times in a row from high speeds. I didn't want performance pads because the OEMs keep the wheels clean, if I track a Z, I'd use different fluid and pads. Oh, and BTW, changing pads on the Akebonos is super easy!

Most of us that track use Motul RBF600 or ATE Blue fluid AND track pads. I can't say about 370Zs out there with Akebonos if additional ducting is needed, but most I see on track have Stoptechs, Brembos, or Wilwoods on them. My way lighter 240Z (caged 2500 lbs) on Wilwoods plus pads and ATE never faded on track days.

 

[280driver]

Suppose to be a 30% improvement in handling though I have no clue how they would measure that.

 

[takemorepills]

Most of us that track use Motul RBF600 or ATE Blue fluid AND track pads. I can't say about 370Zs out there with Akebonos if additional ducting is needed, but most I see on track have Stoptechs, Brembos, or Wilwoods on them. My way lighter 240Z (caged 2500 lbs) on Wilwoods plus pads and ATE never faded on track days.

I'm not so sure it's fair to insist that Nissan provide the car with track-ready braking system, when 98% of the owners will never take it on a track.

And for those who say the BMW Supra gets "good enough" brakes for track use are being a little disingenuous, as a 3.0 Supra is way more expensive even than a worst-case scenario $50K Performance Z.

I would agree that the 370Z Nismo was underbraked (if my assumption is correct, they had Akebonos also??) they increased the weight of that car chasing "track readiness" and it maintained Akebonos! Crazy, Hopefully a forthcoming Z Nismo has actual track-ready brakes like on the Proto Z.

Judging by the Akebonos on my 4000 pound Q60, I have faith they will be just fine for my uses on a 400HP Z (I won't track it).

 

[therumblewagon]

Are there any pics of the underside yet?

Check this video, about 11:34 in - - he pans around for a few seconds, so viewing it is better than my half-assed screenshot

 

[Talisman39]

Look at those rear haunches from that video... ? Real Jaguar F-Type vibe, I love it