Z35 could feature Targa Top (& Hybrid Tech)

[BluntForce]

Nissan's next-generation Z sports car will embrace targa and hybrid tech
Nissan's Z series of sports cars is legendary not just in Japan, but North America and Australia too.

The original Datsun 240Z, as the export version was known, tipped the sports car world upside down when it debuted in 1969 with its unprecedented combination of great looks, reasonable pricetag, a powerful engine and zippy handling.

Now entering its seventh generation, the all-new Z35 -- as it will be called -- promises more of the same sharp looks and great handling, but will also bring smaller yet more powerful engines with Mercedes-Benz technology thrown in for good measure.

And, unlike recent Zs, which have targeted the US and Japan as their main markets, the new Z will change direction to become a truly global sports car.

As such, it is being developed with a retractable hard-top. What that means, according to a source close to Nissan, is that the new Z will get a targa top or even a T-bar roof.

To Nissan planners, that was a must this time round. Targeting the likes of Porsche’s Boxster, BMW’s Z4 and Audi’s TT, the new Z will need all of the product planning and marketing assistance it can get to compete for honours in the premium sports car segment.

Apparently the powers that be inside Nissan have decided that a targa top or T-bar roof will give their car the added appeal and value the brand needs, and “the marketing boys feel this feature will appeal to a wider cross-section of potential customers".

What those planners are saying is that the current Z lacks street cred and needs a strong injection of it for the next model. It meets performance expectations but over the last decade its price has increased as well, to a point where the coupe now needs some more presence.

Part of the next Z’s attraction will be its new range of engines, starting with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo mill currently used in the Japanese-market Skyline. But this powerplant will also have a hybrid unit attached to it for better economy and performance.

The top-of-the-range model will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine supplied by Mercedes and pumping out in excess of 245kW.

Our source tells us that both engines will incorporate a hybrid unit, not unlike Honda’s IMA, or Integrated Motor Assist, system. This is a parallel hybrid system in which the electric motor is mounted between the engine and transmission.

Although it's not yet confirmed for Australia, Nissan has just revealed a hot NISMO version of the current sixth-generation 370Z, which arrived Down Under in coupe form in May 2009, with the roadster following in 2010.

Pricing for the smaller, lighter and more efficient new targa-topped Z is expected to continue to start from under $60,000 when it arrives by 2017.

Some interesting tidbits here.

I would love a retractable hard top! Even better if they can make it optional tho to broaden their market.

 

[MisterNismo]

Oh serious?! Damn that that means theres not gonna be a coupe version?

 

[ToTheMax]

I'm all for a targa top so long as it doesnt make the Z35 too heavy or less rigid.

Err I dunno about hybrid part tho.

 

[Dantes]

I say no to targa top. Nissan faces a real pricing issue right now with the 370Z - it has some stiff domestic competition from the muscle cars that are only going to get worse. The mustang and camaro are both cheaper and being refreshed for even better bang for buck performance.

They need to focus more with the next Z car IMO. Cut down on things that will add to cost while not improving performance (read: targa top). Coupe only is the way to go at least for the first few years.

Reading their installation page

 

[Gunnerman]

I say no to targa top. Nissan faces a real pricing issue right now with the 370Z - it has some stiff domestic competition from the muscle cars that are only going to get worse. The mustang and camaro are both cheaper and being refreshed for even better bang for buck performance.

They need to focus more with the next Z car IMO. Cut down on things that will add to cost while not improving performance (read: targa top). Coupe only is the way to go at least for the first few years.

Its always hard to compete with the US muscle cars on price. I say Nissan should go another route with the next Z. Go the way of the smaller lighter more pure sports car at a more reasonable price. So ya I feel ya on the no targa top too its complex and heavy.

 

[BluntForce]

The Z line has always been pretty light and sporty no?

What does the current 370 weight and how much heavier would a targa top be than a coupe version?

 

[ToTheMax]

Oh serious?! Damn that that means theres not gonna be a coupe version?

That's the point of a targa - it'll be a coupe and semi-convertible in one.

 

[Ranma]

Any renderings out there of what a targa top would even look like?

 

[Ranma]

You know what we r all assuming that a targa top would be an automatic operated top which would be heavy or complex. But a targa top can also be manual top which wouldn't be any heavier than a regular roof. As for rigidity... that's another issue.

 

[MillerP]

Anyone who thinks he doesn't like a targa have you seen how nice a targa 911 looks both with and without top? It's stunning.

I'm all for it on the Z!

 

[tetsuo]

That does look ridiculously good but if they want a pure sports car it will have to be full hardtop coupe. Even if it is a manually operated one the pillars would have to be strengthened to meet rollover regs.

Best of both worlds: offer a choice!

 

[MillerP]

That does look ridiculously good but if they want a pure sports car it will have to be full hardtop coupe. Even if it is a manually operated one the pillars would have to be strengthened to meet rollover regs.

Best of both worlds: offer a choice!

Good point didnt think about the tracking regulations.

 

[MRichter]

A T bar roof??

Did anyone tell nissan that retro is dead?