What 240Z Design elements would you like to see in the new Z?

[=Enigma=]

For starters , dump the blunt stupid front end. the '' gumby '' look just doesnt do it. Give us a engine that has some balls . That doesn't need to spin to 6 or 8K to make power . I would really like to see the car NOT looking like a custom VW bug as it does now. Mitsubishi , or Honda have designers that will fill the bill, at least I hope

Wow Gary.... Based on your statements, I'm not sure why you even own a 240Z. Perhaps it's time to trade it in for that......dare I say it.....that Honda Civic you really want.

Seriously though, I'd like to see something with a similar profile with the following improvements:

1) More aerodynamic front end with enclosed sugar scoops, or something like the Porsche 928 had.

2) 3.2L L6 w/DOHC and a flow through head. Optional Turbo or TT.

3) Blunt butt similar to the Corvette but which resembles the original 240Z rear end.

4) Tilt/Telescopic steering wheel design

5) Digital guages with an analog look and feel like the new high end MBZ CL550.

6) Fully independent dual A-arm coil sprung suspension

7) 4 Wheel disk brakes with ABS

8) Standard 6spd tranny

All that said, I love my car just the way it is and would not replace it with a newer one. If it came down to making a choice, I'd rather keep the original.

[TomoHawk]

I usually drive an Escort, with very little in terms of amenities: no leather, no A/C. And after driving a 'basic' car since the 80s, and my 280Z for three years, I'm used to having only the radio to play with, so I can comcentrate on my driving. Power door locks doesn't seem too much bling, and since it's only a 2-seater, you shouldn't need power windows either.

Having the rear area more open is a perfect feature for a sports/touring car: you want room for your bag, and/or a tub of stuff. Maybe you could even move the battery & other stuff back there for better weight balance, a bigger fuel tank, and a full-size spare...

thx

[trippjm]

Oh yeah, keep it light!

[BRE-240Z]

I want a high horsepower to weight ratio, big brakes, and classic 'sports car' lines like the original Z had. Rear-wheel drive, with the driver towards the rear axle, and round (!!!) headlights.

The only real problem that I have with the 350Z is that it looks like every other car on the road. The performance is fine. I just don't want to drive a car that looks like a doorstop.

[TomoHawk]

The 'teardrop' sryle headlights like on old Jag, or the newer Taurus would be fine. You could design those into the scoop- style headlight buckets and still keep the older lines of the nose.

[Carl Beck]

This is what we told Nissan in 98...

<a href=http://zhome.com/OurZ/NewZ.htm TARGET=NEW>Our New Z </a>

Scrol down and follow links to the following pages.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[hls30.com]

Carl,

If they had listened, or Carlos hadn't thrown out the soup, we probably would have what you were after, and be griping or aggravated about something else! I think most people would be very happy with the fully developed approach that you pitched and Scion has somewhat adopted.

Will

[=Enigma=]

This is what we told Nissan in 98...

<a href=http://zhome.com/OurZ/NewZ.htm TARGET=NEW>Our New Z </a>

Scrol down and follow links to the following pages.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Very impressive Carl. I love the look and the options. Sign me up for one when you decide to make them as a kit car.

[Carl Beck]

Hi Will:

In 98 we were still under the impression that Nissan would start with a clean slate design... thus our input. We did see a couple of our ideas show up in the 350-Z. The form of the convertible top cover behind the seats... the concept of offering different levels of trim at different price points (ie the Track Version etc.).

Of course once Renault took over - the RB series engines were lost as they shut that plant down in the first wave of cost reductions. While Nissan said that they felt that they would not be able to make the RB meet the stricter emissions requirement... BMW seemed to have little problem keeping their L6 current, and of course GM developed and introduced a completely new 4.2L in-line six for their trucks.

I guess the R&D budgets would simply not allow the necessary advanced development necessary at the time... Well maybe next time....

FWIW,

Carl

[MAX]

I would certainly like to see Nissan incorporate the long flowing hood style of the 240Zs. And along with that how about something like the G Nose front end but styled more to look like the Jaguar XK8. But for goodness sakes throw out that bulky, Nissan Truck looking front end . And perhaps increase the width of the car by a few inches .

Give the car its own look and character like the 240Z had. And not a style that looks like many of the others....

And of course a larger HP engine.

Just my 2 cents from a 240Z owner.....if you couldn't guess...

Cmon....Nissan....here's your chance to make your mark on the sports car world again like you did in 1970 with the 240Z.

[MAX]

Carl,

Love that design that was proposed to Nissan in 98. Did you get any feedback at all....Is there anyway to forward these thoughts again...

[VaGuS510]

I think the new Z needs a traditional sportscar profile, simular to that of the new aston martins. (ie. long hood, hatchback, buldging wheelwells)

It needs a rev-happy engine.

It needs to be smaller and lighter. If a Corvette can weigh 3000lbs then a Z should be a simular weight, or less.