#NYIAS: Nissan Says Affordable 370Z Is No Longer A Priority, But Big Bucks GT-R Certainly Is

When Nissan/Infiniti released the 1st M series, they were really on to something. But then - as the M45 reached the US - the Chrysler 300C happened. And then it just seemed Infiniti was "emotionally hurt" b/c the 300C majorly overshadowed everything like it (at the upscale level) for those following years. Nissan then got the GT-R onslaught going but just simply stopped there. The FX languished as all the other automakers jumped into the sport SUV segment - even creating a new "coupe" segment - as Nissan just sat around watching the competition zip past them....literally.

The GT-R has not really brought noticeable benefits for the automaker that a halo vehicle is expected. It's only be recently that Infiniti showed the Q50 Red Sport - but thats with a 400-hp TT 3.0L V6 , not the GT-R's 565 hp/467 torque TT 3.8L V6 engine. The TT 3.0L V6 is appreciated but even a detuned version in an AWD Maxima would have been magical.

I said all that to simply state that while sedans & mainstream coupes are not particular selling due to the overwhelming popularity of SUV/CUV's of all sizes, Nissan/Infiniti can offer some really exciting cars on the top-end which would definitely get higher transaction prices. Infiniti can keep their smaller vehicles interesting by offering options for real performance enhancements & benefit from that.

This is why I love the idiocy of Renault-Nissan buying Mitsubishi. Take two clueless manufacturers, put them into one clueless manufacturer and then add a crap-for-brains-brand. That has success written all over it.

Did you say the 300C emotionally hurt Infiniti and the M series sales? I've owned 2 Ms - the M35 in 2006 and the successor 2011M37X, and buying a Chrysler never, ever, ever, ever crossed my mind. This is the most ridiculous and clueless comment ever - a Chrysler 300C and an Infiniti M shopper are NOT the same person, in any regard. Nor are the vehicles in the same class. At the time, one was priced approx. $30k and the other $42-45k. One is a direct competitor in the mid-sized luxury segment and the other was a premium mainstream vehicle that fell apart, I'm confused.

The 370Z doesn't sell because it is a terrible vehicle. It has numerous durability/reliability issues that have plagued it from the start. As for sports car handling, a Mustang can wallop it around the track for $10K less ditto the Camaro. A 240 (turbo 4), 370 (V6), and 450 (V8) Z car aimed right at the Camaro and Mustang dollar for dollar would be the way to go.

I agree and think we had this conversation in a previous post about the Z becoming an SUV. A resurrected 240Z to compete with the Subaru/Toyota clones, a nice V6 model to compete with mid level American Mustang/Camaro, BMW 2 series, and a small light V8 model as you mention.

Similarly, the GTR should be recast at an Infiniti Skyline GTR and be aimed at the LC500 and the inevitable LCF. While the ricer crowd adores the GTR, it's in the premium price range and very few people who are putting out up to $175K for a car want a Nissan badge.

I had a 2006 Z top trim and I loved it. However, I had a Mustang rental with zero performance/tire options and it was a much better driver than my loaded Z. That being said, folks who drive the Z confuse me because there are just so many other better driving options. Not to mention the fact that with the 370Z, the design became hideous.

The 350/370 are terrifying at the track. Their braking systems are 100% "street ready" while the engine and suspension are "track ready". It's horrifying to be cooking it into a corner and suddenly have no brakes.