Detailed interview with Hiroshi Tamura - Part 1 & Part 2 w/Translations

[Andaesthetics]

wow...well since it doesn't sound like it was built to track, i wonder how many will not even buy the z since that is what they had planned for it. there were even those who were hoping to daily it and run autocross on the weekends.

@trackratZ may be happy he went with something else. this new info might push others towards the gr86/brz twins...

In reality, the massive majority of Z owners don't track their car. So when he says it's not intended for the track it means this car wasn't made with the intention of being a track ready from factory. It's made for the average Z owner that can daily drive it, cruise around on the weekends, and take it for some backroads or canyon runs. A lot of sports cars these days are the same way.

It doesn't mean you can't track it at all, it just means in it's stock form it won't be putting any crazy lap numbers down and you probably won't be able to do more than a couple laps before it starts overheating. With an upgraded heat exchanger, good wheels, good brakes, and some suspension upgrades it'll be fine for the track though.

Not a golfer either. But reality for me, having decent cargo space would be nice, and open up the opportunities to use the Z. For going on vacation (packing light), getting groceries or whatever. My BRZ is workable for that stuff, with two occupants and having the trunk/back seat. Been able to go on fishing and cross country camping trips. Maybe Nissan should use the sleeping bag/cooler test, rather than golf bag test.

I'll be honest, the 370Z doesn't have great trunk room. Considering the new Z has the same exact trunk, I wouldn't plan on taking it grocery shopping for a whole family. Same goes for a road trip, don't expect to take more than two peoples belongings. It can get you by, but just be weary it's really not all that spacious.

 

[z_ya_later]

In reality, the massive majority of Z owners don't track their car. So when he says it's not intended for the track it means this car wasn't made with the intention of being a track ready from factory. It's made for the average Z owner that can daily drive it, cruise around on the weekends, and take it for some backroads or canyon runs. A lot of sports cars these days are the same way.

It doesn't mean you can't track it at all, it just means in it's stock form it won't be putting any crazy lap numbers down. With an upgraded heat exchanger, good wheels, good brakes, and some suspension upgrades it'll be fine for the track though.

I'll be honest, the 370Z doesn't have great trunk room. Considering the new Z has the same exact trunk, I wouldn't plan on taking it grocery shopping for a whole family. Same goes for a road trip, don't expect to take more than two peoples belongings. It can get you by, but just be weary it's really not all that spacious.

I recently had to return a large ottoman. On another occasion I donated 2 bar stools. Putting the passanger seat all the way forward allowed me to fit those items each of those times. I was impressed considering the 370 is only a 2 seater. I imagine it's better than other sports cars.

 

[Andaesthetics]

I recently had to return a large ottoman. On another occasion I donated 2 bar stools. Putting the passanger seat all the way forward allowed me to fit those items each of those times. I was impressed considering the 370 is only a 2 seater. I imagine it's better than other sports cars.

How the hell did you manage to fit a large ottoman?? Unless you have it hanging out the rear with the trunk not all way the closed. Every November and March/April I change my tires between my winter/summer tires and I'm barely able to fit one rear tire in the trunk while having the trunk lid completely closed. I fit the other 3 up front; 1 between the seats and the other 2 in the passenger seat all vertically of course. I wouldn't recommend doing this though because the visibility is virtually none out the rear and I have to look through the tires to see out my right side, but luckily my tire shop is only a few miles down the road and I can ride the right lane.

 

[Lin626]

wow...well since it doesn't sound like it was built to track, i wonder how many will not even buy the z since that is what they had planned for it. there were even those who were hoping to daily it and run autocross on the weekends.

@trackratZ may be happy he went with something else. this new info might push others towards the gr86/brz twins...

What about the BMW Supra?

 

[Donalex]

The great thing about SCCA autocrossing is that there's a class for every vehicle, stock or not and everything in between.

I once watched an old F100 run the course. What a sight that was...

AutoX'ing helps you learn the dynamics of the car and helps you become a better driver.

 

[therumblewagon]

The great thing about SCCA autocrossing is that there's a class for every vehicle, stock or not and everything in between.

I once watched an old F100 run the course. What a sight that was...

AutoX'ing helps you learn the dynamics of the car and helps you become a better driver.

100% this. I wish a weekend, or even a day, killing cones was a required part of getting your license. Doesn't matter what you're in. The amount of dumb accidents we as a society could avoid would be off the charts, not to mention how much we'd save in insurance premiums, etc. EVERYONE would benefit.

 

[jc604]

Daily driver, fun car is probably realistic. Track car probably gonna have to hit the aftermarket/wait for nismo. Great interview

 

[trackratZ]

Autox is great for finding limits on braking, cornering, recovering from spins, etc etc, makes it so much easier to transition to road course HPDE and competitions, except expenses are higher, ouch!!

 

[trackratZ]

What about the BMW Supra?

I‘ve seen Zupras at track events, haven’t heard them complaining about cooling, fade, or limp mode issues. The BMW chassis is solid.

 

[z_ya_later]

How the hell did you manage to fit a large ottoman?? Unless you have it hanging out the rear with the trunk not all way the closed. Every November and March/April I change my tires between my winter/summer tires and I'm barely able to fit one rear tire in the trunk while having the trunk lid completely closed. I fit the other 3 up front; 1 between the seats and the other 2 in the passenger seat all vertically of course. I wouldn't recommend doing this though because the visibility is virtually none out the rear and I have to look through the tires to see out my right side, but luckily my tire shop is only a few miles down the road and I can ride the right lane.

I was skeptical I'd get it in but I tried anyway and it fit, box and all with the front resting on the back of the passenger seat folded forward. Nissan engineers are wizards ?‍ Link to ottoman for reference

 

[Houston.RZ34]

As long as I can get more power/cooling/braking for my trips in Mexico, I'm happy.

My 40th anni had the entire Nismo catalog in it (thanks, owner #1) and she stayed flat when cornering tail/cherohalla/moonshiner - I was able to take turns suicidally in that thing at the top of 3rd....I'd slide to the passenger seat but TCS never kicked in and I never got a chirp out the tires

 

[Zboy]

https://motor-fan.jp/genroq/article/20596/

Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist, Nissan's key person in sports car making, talks about the Fairlady Z like this.

"The Z is a car that people will remember. It is very important that the balance between the power and design unique to Nissan cars is the basis, and that it is easily accessible to many customers. Many people enjoy it. A dream car that can be done, that is Z. "

Fairlady Z has become a dream, culture and partner for people in the 20th century. What kind of dream will Z in the new era show us?

 

[bboypuertoroc]

Damn, that gunmetal looks GOOD in that light.

 

[jdm-rhd]

Damn, that gunmetal looks GOOD in that light.

yeah, didn't really consider it at first...now its in my top 3.

 

[DevonK]

yeah, didn't really consider it at first...now its in my top 3.

It's at the top for me now as the two tone look's appeal is already fading for me.