Should Nissan Answer The New Supra With A New Z Car?

The Nissan Z-car has died once before — in 1996, only to return in 2003 as the 350Z. It’s been suggested that the Z will go the way of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and become yet another crossover. But a rumor out of Japan links Nissan with Mercedes-Benz for a new Z, possibly in time for the model’s 50th Anniversary in 2019/2020.

The Japanese site response.jp (thanks, Google Translate) has posted a rendering of the potential new sports car, showing the company’s corporate V-motion grille lined with LED strips, and a long hood that harkens back to the traditional proportions of the original 240Z.

Any news of the Z returning as a proper sports car instead of a crossover that trades heritage for blandness (Eclipse Cross, Ford Mach 1) is welcome news indeed.

Curiously, the render uses the C-pillar kink typically found on Nissan’s Infiniti brand. I struggle to imagine this making it to production. So does Ben Hsu of Japanese Nostalgic Car, who notes that it would be “..incredibly odd for the Z to have what is a uniquely Infiniti design cue.”

Read Article

PUGPROUD - 3/15/2018 1:14:16 PM

+1 Boost

Yes...but match its performance at a lower price point or stay home.

MDarringer - 3/15/2018 6:41:18 PM

+2 Boost

The answer is NO.

Nissan isn't capable of building a competent Z car. The 350/370Z were dismal.

No more.

MDarringer - 3/15/2018 6:41:44 PM

0 Boost

Carlosasshatter saw one at the mall.

TomM - 3/15/2018 4:59:15 PM

+4 Boost

AS of this time - Nissan has little in the way of target sales to hit since the Boyota is not yet available as well.

I do not see where two seat sports cars are selling in great numbers like they did in the 70's and 80's. However - if I were Nissan - I might consider going after the Mustang And Camaro - both of which sell in far greater numbers.

MDarringer - 3/15/2018 8:48:52 PM

0 Boost

And going back to the heritage look of the 240Z would be another brilliant move. Nissan also has has some major quality control issues on the 350 and 370Z that they were not on top of.

malba2367 - 3/15/2018 6:32:16 PM

+2 Boost

Yes...but they will not be able to compete too well with the Supra if they just use the infiniti Q60 platform as the car will be too heavy to be a proper sports car. Im not sure if they can justify the costs with a whole new platform for such a small market. They could very effectively go after mustang/camaro with a car based on the Q60.

Blakura - 3/15/2018 9:42:58 PM

+3 Boost

Nissan should design a Z that is reminiscent of 1990 - 1996 Z32. That was popular design, that has proven to be timeless.

Dexter1 - 3/16/2018 6:47:24 PM

+1 Boost

Is this a joke? I've seen enough of those Longhorn Steer ornaments on trucks and Cadillacs when I lived in Texas.

mini22 - 3/20/2018 11:38:57 AM

+1 Boost

Nissan could easily raid the Juke parts bin(engine) to keep costs down and produce a car in the low to mid 30's. They would have to use the chassis from Infinity if they want to keep it RWD. But here is another thought. They could share parts with Renault Megan. Make it FWD with its 4 wheel steering, put an old style Z body on it and you might have an instant classic. If it performs and handles well no one will care if its FWD.