Has Nissan's Inability To Reinvent The 370Z Made It The "Relic" Of The Segment?

When Nissan resurrected the Z they gave us the strangely styled 350Z that was simply too expensive for what it delivered. Then when they did the 370Z, they magnified all the flaws of the 350Z. Then factor in a myriad of quality control and durability issues and Nissan has successfully shot themselves in the foot.

The Z could be saved, but it has to have sublimely perfect styling like the 240Z rather than the polarizing awkwardness of the 370Z. They also need to aim it at the Mustang/Camaro segment. I'd do:

240Z @$25K 2.4T engine
350Z @$33K 3.5 V5
450Z @$37K with either a 3.5 turbo or a V8

I had a 280ZX in the 80's, and a 2006 350Z Roadster. Both were flawed but fun cars. With proper tires (Pilot SS for example), the 350Z could handle pretty well although it's not that fast despite the 300hp rating, probably due to low low-end torque (3rd & 4th gears worked best). Car mags complained about engine noise but I found it no worse than the BMW Z3 . It was no match for the Boxster S, but at 50% premium the Boxster was not a true competitor.

Agreed with MD that the Z could be saved with better styling and broader engine choice. A resurrected 300ZX with twin-turbo V6 would work. Since the Z DNA is a 2-seater sports car, it would not compete well with the Mustang/Camaro. The Z also needs to trim 100-200 lbs to be more nimble, and maybe make it a 2+2.

Owned a '90 Turbo...very good not great. If I were Nissan I would combine GTR and 370Z into a dynamic more affordable car in the $50-60K
range. Sell more make more than current models.

There is nothing wrong with the 370Z except for an increasing cost and she's still too heavy.

The problem is that Nissan's focus is on their high volume vehicles. They have neither marketed the car well nor tried to make the car more affordable. Instead, they are letting it dangle in the wind until they decide if they are ever going to bring the 240z/Silva back.

Aside from the rental queens: Camaro, Challenger, Mustang; the sports car market is not very healthy, especially for a near $40k two-seat sports car.

I thing offering a turbo 4 cylinder and a smaller turbo V6 might be a solution. Further they need to lighten the front end. In terms of styling perhaps using the front end of the Maxima might work. Pricewise
it needs to be in the mid 20's for the 4 cylinder and mid 30's for the turbo V6 but no higher. It needs to compete with Mustangs and Camaro's.
So another way to go it to make it a bit larger with a small rear seat. That might give it some more marketability.