Nissan’s renowned ‘Z’ line of sports coupes have always gained vast respect amongst many car enthusiasts; two doors, V6 performance and rear wheel drive – all ingredients for an fun drive. Nonetheless, successive generations of ‘Z’ have tended to be a bit of a hit and miss, so why?
Well, anything after the gorgeous 240Z was always going to be a tall order to beat and arguably, Nissan became a tad lazy on some its successors. Only the 280Z and the more recent 350Z are closest in recapturing that first generation design magic.
Currently, the 370Z soldiers on in Nissan’s model lineup, and quite frankly I can’t wait for it to go. Yikes – harsh you might say? In truth there isn’t really anything wrong with the 370Z, rather that I’m more excited to see what plans Nissan have in store for its next generation of Z-car.
So let’s crystal ball-gaze over how Nissan’s next ‘Z35’ could shape up:
Design:
Probably the biggest letdown of the current Z34 is its styling; bloated, heavy, Little Tikes red & yellow cozy coupe are all words that come to mind. For this design study, my aim was for an reduction of visual weight, whilst utilizing Nissan’s latest design language. The frontal area was inspired from Nissan’s recent Sports Sedan Concept – cue the dominant ‘V-Motion’ chrome bar inlay and large Audi-like grille opening.
For a point of difference, the boomerang-style LED headlamps sit at the forward edge of the fenders and hood; this provides muscle car overtones and works in with the overall surfacing language.
Intersecting scallops flow into the lower doors where they link up with an boomerang crease; flicking up and backwards, this element adds a sense of athleticism. Paying homage to Nissan’s hero car – the GT-R, is a wrap-around windshield and A-pillars for the ultimate go-fast look. The rear quarter windows flick up and out – evoking similarities of older predecessors and Nissan’s latest design ethos.
Interior:
While interior design of the Japanese brand’s present coupe is generally ok; it suffers from dated and clumsy plastic moldings – somewhat mirroring those exterior failings. To rectify this, an dose of German-like refinement into the cabin would be hugely appreciated. Cue double- cross-stitching, leather dashboard surfaces, real aluminum, carbon fiber and glass inlays for an enhanced sense of dynamic motion.
Under The bodywork:
The next generation Z’s powertrain line-up could potentially offer two engine choices; one is a tweaked version of the highly-regarded current 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6, pushing out over 350+ hp. Another is a rumored small turbocharged unit, pumping out as much power as the current 370Z. Whether this will be a smaller six-cylinder or a potential fuel sipping, 2.5-liter inline four, remains unkown.
Word around the traps, is for a significant diet program and smaller dimensions. This change in strategy is expected to yield benefits in both fuel economy and performance – especially for the 2.5-liter variant.
The Competition:
Against current competitors, the 370Z is a touch ‘middle of the pack’. Ford has a new Ecoboost Mustang ready to hit the track and the ‘Toybaru’ twins will challenge anyone on the handling side of the argument, albeit without the power to match. Other rivals the Z35 will battle against include the upcoming Hyundai Genesis, Lexus RC Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro, Audi TT and BMW 2-Series Coupe.
Expect both normal and Nismo versions to officially appear within the next year. However, until then, what do you think of this design proposal? Would it make you reconsider the Z-brand or turn you to the opposition?
Tell us your valued opinions in the discussion area below.
By Josh Byrnes
Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes
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