Nissan Z35 won't be crossover. Will be smaller, more affordable, more mainstream

[350ZZZ]

Didn't see this article from November posted. I like what it says - not crossover, more affordable, smaller.

Nissan 370Z successor won't be a crossover

NISMO chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura has revealed the company will eventually offer a 370Z successor.

Speaking to Motoring, Tamura downplayed rumors that the Gripz concept indicates the next-generation Z will be a crossover. As he explained, he doesn't want the Gripz to replace the 370Z but he hinted the two models could be based on the same platform and share components. The move would help to reduce development costs which is critical as sports cars such as the 370Z have limited appeal and aren't particularly profitable.

Tamura went on to suggest the next-generation Z will be a more mainstream model that will likely be smaller and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. The car is also expected to be more affordable which could go a long way in increasing its appeal. The current model starts at $29,990 which is significantly more expensive than rivals such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.

Tamura declined to say when the 370Z successor will arrive but sources have told the publication the model is at least two years away.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/1151130101566/nissan-370z-successor-won-t-be-a-crossover

 

[afflicted]

At least two years away. That makes sense why it's dead silent on the news front.

I hope by "more mainstream" it's referring more to price. Hopefully this isn't about watering down the car - eliminating manual trans, hybrid tech, etc. I'm all for more affordable but sounding suspiciously like they want to water this thing down for the sake of sales volume.

 

[Ranma]

More affordable is key. Both pony cars were redesigned completely and still come in at around 25K starting price. The Z if it gets the rumored 400HP twin turbo V6 will have more torque but less HP. It's a tough value proposition since the interior of both are significantly improved also. If it wants to play in the 29-35k field it's going to have to either go upscale in luxury/quality and/or offer more power from the factory.

 

[Willwin2day]

More mainstream to me means that Nissan wants it to sell in better numbers than the current Z which has had lackluster sales. That to me means turbo engine with better MPG and better pricing value than current 370Z.

 

[Tessitore]

If the Z does get smaller and more affordable what will its main competitors be?

FR-S/BRZ? Those are way down in power compared to the power the new Z will probably have.

 

[chromeX]

I don't think its competitors would change, it would just be positioned more competitively against its current competition. The Toyobaru twins have carved out a little niche below but I think demand has dried up. In the US at least there's more demand for a RWD 2+2 sports coupe with at least 350 hp and usable back seats for ~ 30K.

 

[I Love Pho]

If the Z does get smaller and more affordable what will its main competitors be?

FR-S/BRZ? Those are way down in power compared to the power the new Z will probably have.

I think the new Camaro and Mustang would both be direct competitors, they're also RWD sports coupes at about the same price as the Z. That's a good thing if the Z can appeal to the people that would buy the American pony cars because those cars sell more than 100k units a year sometimes so that's a big sales pie to share in.

 

[Tessitore]

I never understood why they sell in those numbers honestly. Other than good power per dollar they so antiquated compared to the Z. The new designs are better but they are still just playing catch up. Then again I'm not much of a domestic car guy. The imports are pretty much always sexier and more refined.

 

[digitaltrance]

I just wish they would consider a Targa top design like the 300ZX had.

But then again, I understand why they wouldn't because of the hassles that come with it.

 

[ThreeSeven]

Totally would be up to purchase this car if it's around the 26k range.

 

[sra4ly]

The trend has been in the last few years with suv/crossover so I'm happy that it won't be one as I look forward to this car.

 

[Seong]

Totally would be up to purchase this car if it's around the 26k range.

It would put it right back into competitive pricing territory compared to its main rivals. For me it doesn't necessarily need to drop that much if it comes with an awesome design, great specs and some new features. DCT would be a great start IMO.

 

[rebarnes]

Totally would be up to purchase this car if it's around the 26k range.

I would personally be able to tolerate around the 28k-30k range as long as it keeps it's legacy as a fun car to drive. Not many other cars that I'm interested in this range anyway.

 

[Tessitore]

I think the new Camaro and Mustang would both be direct competitors, they're also RWD sports coupes at about the same price as the Z. That's a good thing if the Z can appeal to the people that would buy the American pony cars because those cars sell more than 100k units a year sometimes so that's a big sales pie to share in.

I've stopped by the Mustang and Camaro boards on occasion and up until recent years haven't seen a lot of 350/370Z owners interested in them. Shows you the performance, refinement and styling on those cars are becoming more aligned with the German and Japanese makes now.