Was the 260Z in the US short-lived on purpose?

[Kurbycar32]

LeonV has a good point here about the horsepower ratings. This was also the era of correcting inflated horsepower numbers which is why i made sure to say the 280z advertised less horsepower. Datsun (and everyone else) was combating increased weight from crash safety requirements, tough new smog laws, a horsepower rating reduction (on paper) and lower octane fuel (lead free) all at the same time. If anything due to the rapidly evolving laws of the era I speculate that automotive development in general was moving as fast as it could.

[72 OJ]

Very interesting info on the 260Z....my refresh 72 Z has a L26 block with the E88 head and early SU's , she runs strong.

Edited April 13, 2012 by 72 OJ