Spy Shots: 2009 Nissan BabyZ

Don't be fooled - this isn't the new 350Z!

Photos of this Nissan test mule surfaced early this morning on the streets surrounding the Nürburgring. Multiple contacts on the ground have said that it appears to have a shortened wheelbase - and if you look closely, they're right.

You can see that the roof structure, door, and side sills were all shortened. So was the front overhang. Inside, you can see a second set of A-pillars, denoting a narrower car than the 350Z. Infiniti multiple-piston front calipers peer through the 350Z wheels.

You can also see a roll cage - but we don't think this mule is a convertible, because Nissan brought along a Porsche Cayman and BMW Z4 Coupe (not the convertible versions of those cars).

While we can't rule out that this mule is the next generation 350Z, we would be surprised if it became so much smaller. So at this point, we think you're looking at the first shots of a smaller rear-wheel drive sports car from Nissan.

Looks like the 350Z is getting a baby brother.
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GTR35 - 6/13/2007 5:13:40 PM

+4 Boost

No, I dont think so. I wouldnt be surprised if Nissan decides to expand the Z namebrand and have like a 240Z and 370Z. Cant wait to find out.

dlin - 6/13/2007 10:44:59 PM

+1 Boost

I'm w/ you Ricemaster. Nissan won't have the money to risk creating a unknown, new market segment. Current Z has a kinda long wheelbase that's more for sedan than 2 seats coupe. It should also cut the weight down to 3000lb. By shrinking the size these issues can be solved easily. However another critical issue, weight distribution, remains. And that issue can only be resolved by moving the engine back further. For the same reason I'm not sure if it's a good idea to put in VQ 37. A VQ35 will be plenty if the weight is cut down significantly.

STJ88 - 6/13/2007 5:16:45 PM

+1 Boost

Why would nissan move the Z up, the Z and the silvia have existed together for years until 2002 when the silvia s15 whent out of production.

The next Z is gonna have the VQ37HR so thear is plenty of room for a new silvia with around 280BHP.

macpowah - 6/15/2007 8:28:41 PM

+2 Boost

I really don't think this is true at all. If it is, GREAT, but don't bet on it.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/14/2007 2:14:53 AM

+3 Boost

"Unpractical."

Agent63 - 6/13/2007 11:24:06 PM

+1 Boost

Baby 350Z. As if the 350 wasn't small enough.

dlin - 6/23/2007 1:50:42 AM

+1 Boost

For the sake of 2 seaters 350z is way bigger than Z4 or Miata or Cayman.

2JZSoarer - 6/13/2007 11:47:53 PM

+1 Boost

I think this maybe come back of the Silvia!!

STJ88 - 6/14/2007 11:20:59 AM

+2 Boost

#RICEMASTER

A new silvia wont have a V6 but a QR25DE or a SR20DET, and the 240SX was discontinued because it was crap de KA24DE is a truck engine. If it had the JDM SR20DET it would have been a hit.

bronigs - 8/2/2007 7:38:45 PM

+1 Boost

All those cars you just mentioned where hits, even the 240sx with the KA24 engine was a hit, people bought it, they were cheap RWD cars which is why it attracted people.