FACT: The Nissan 370Z Is FAR From Dead And The Gripz ISN'T What You THINK It Is...

Ever since the debut of the Nissan Gripz Concept, it's apparent that people have lost their minds, proclaiming that the 370Z sports car is on its path to being given the good 'ol heave ho. In other words, that it would be killed off.

Although the thing is, we've been stewing on this a bit more and it seems like we have official word to confirm our initial speculation this was not the best move in the modern day automotive playbook.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)

According to an interview with NISMO's Chief Product Specialist, Hiroshi Tamura, the Gripz is a necessary evil and would serve as a complement to the next-generation 370Z.

THINK: if the Gripz and 370Z can be analogized to the Macan and Cayman, that would be a beautiful relationship for Nissan's performance-oriented products. The Macan keeps the Cayman in production, as does the Cayenne for the 911. Buyers want sport-utility vehicles, especially ones geared for performance, and it seems very clear that's what Nissan is looking to do with the Gripz.


...Asked if the Gripz – the ‘z’ in which is a direct reference to Nissan’s famed Z badge — would replace the 370Z, Tamura said: “No, I don’t want to do that”.

“I have a passion. My status as chief product specialist is not only NISMO product planner. I have to do this also for base GT-R and 370Z,” he stated.

The Gripz was a ‘different animal’, he explained. “That is my understanding..."


2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)

























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MDarringer - 12/5/2015 2:02:06 PM

-2 Boost

The 370Z is virtually dead in sales. It can easily get its butt kicked dynamically by Mustangs and Camaros. It's hideous styling does it no favors. Nissan should do what Ford did in 2005 and do a retro throwback to the 240Z and price it like a Mustang or a Camaro.

TheSteve - 12/5/2015 2:15:44 PM

-2 Boost

+1. Couldn't have said it any better myself.

bperlow - 12/5/2015 4:48:46 PM

+1 Boost

Needs to be lighter too. Past 3 Zs have been porkers. Make a turbo 4, NA 6, and TT6 options. Im sure they will share parts with the q60... They really need to go back to basics and make great handling car and keep luxury/weight gaining features to a minimum.

Dexter1 - 12/5/2015 3:34:37 PM

0 Boost

Another WTF design from Japan! Their convoluted, self-indulgent sense of aesthetics never ceases to amaze me.

skytop - 12/5/2015 9:42:36 PM

+7 Boost

What's wrong with fat and ugly? Hillary does it and the lefties love it.

carloslassiter - 12/7/2015 4:25:36 PM

+2 Boost

Dude, she's a grandmother. Sorry if she's not hot enough for you.

Sciros - 12/8/2015 12:14:29 AM

+1 Boost

And you... as a "non lefty"... apparently can't help but dwell on the physical appearance and weight of a presidential candidate because the candidate happens to be a woman. Hopefully the Donald's physical appearance turns you on sufficiently or I'm afraid you're not going to have much to fap to during the 2016 campaign.

dumpsty - 12/6/2015 6:47:51 PM

+2 Boost

The Gripz is an interesting concept. It could be the basis of a sub-QX70 CUV....if Infiniti is that both or smart. Nissan's lineup is full of awkard vehicles, so a basic version will be cool there too. It would be nice to know they learned something from the Juke-R project & exercise.