2003 Nissan Z Car

The last letter in sports cars returns, with a vengeance.

How would you like the idea of owning a sports car that can go head-to-head with Porsche’s new Boxter S? Better yet, how would you like paying less than $30,00 for it? Well, if you are type of auto enthusiast I think you are, you’re checking your bank account right now. And Nissan is placing it’s revival plan on just that.

Enter the new Z car. Fresh off it’s debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Z made the rounds on the international auto show circuit and the covers of American automotive magazines. So far, reaction to the new Z’s looks has been mixed, but the promise of performance has outweighed the subjective issues of the car. But more on looks later....

This new Z is expected to be far and away better than any Z ever offered. Nissan played it very secretive at the debut of its Z “concept.” Execs from the Japanese firm stated that their famed 3.5L VQ-series V6 will produce “260-plus” horsepower for the new Z. According to Nissan, the VQ should propel the Z from 0-60 in under six seconds.

Now, let’s clear up the smoke screen wafting from Nissan North America headquarters in Southern California. Or is it smog? But anyways, expect the car to have 280-to 300 horsepower and rocket to 60mph from a stop in the lower 5 second timeframe.

Nissan is known for developing suspensions and chassis components that are competent and feature dynamics that have something usually lacking in other Japanese cars. Soul. So I’d expect this car to not only be fast in a straight line, but do very well when the roads begin to bend.

And now, back to the looks. While Nissan says that the Z car seen in Detroit was a concept, I’d say it was more of a prototype. Expect the fancy LED taillights to be replaced by traditional bulbs, and look for a revised front bumper design. But if you dislike the overall design, don’t expect much of a change for the production version. Having seen this car at the Los Angeles Auto Show, I must say that it is different. While the pictures make it look similar to the Audi TT but with Celica headlights, I think in person it looks very original. But I still don’t know if I like it yet.

The interior is cold and futuristic. The use of extensive brushed aluminum trim makes me wonder how much excess weight it adds to the bottom line (which is expected to come in at around 3200 lbs). Except for the triple instrument pod design on the console, I’d expect (and hope) things to be different in the production version.

Nissan had a hard time with this new Z. They, in effect, had to please everyone. Would the fans of the original 240Z like it? How about the enthusiasts of the recent 300ZX, would they buy one? In the end, I think Nissan basically disregarded them in favor of a more viable group.....the potential buyers. With Porsche rivaling performance, stylish and unique looks, and an under $30k price tag; I think Nissan has pulled it off stunningly well.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z1.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z2.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z3.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z4.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z5.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z6.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z7.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z8.jpg
http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/z/z9.jpg

Article Copyright 2001 Mike Cervantes.
Photos Copright 2001 Nissan North America Inc.

Props go to mike for such a well written article.

I hope the Z brings Nissan back to life...

Are they actually gonna produce this?? Cos I kinda like it..!

I see it's an automatic. Will this car be available in a 6-speed manual?

IMO - I think its a great car... I just wander how much coolness will be stripped from it in the production model. Its nice to see Nissan trying to make a comeback.:flash:

DAmn... i'm now trying to figure out what car i want to get now... hmmmm
either the IS300, or jetta with 10k to spend on it.. or this Z car..
it's pretty impressive but......... the is300 is MY CAR~!!!!.. but the Z car loooks tight as shit....
ahhh.. so many choices......

There is something very fishy from the specs given for 350Z Concept car.

Pardon me for being frank, but is Nissan going to put that VQ engine in everything? That's the same engine for the Maxima, I30/Cefiro, G35/"next Skyline"... Is that right?
:confused:

Altima, Maxima, G35, I35 and Pathfinder. VQ engine series it's Ward's best V6 engine 7 years in running.

Originally posted by Silver S2000
I30
Oops. That was obvious. :rolleyes:

Again, this is semi-related to my concern that Nissan is seemingly abandoning their RB engine. :( Not that it would have been in the new Z. I'm not saying the VQ is bad in any way. It certainly seems that Nissan wants it to be versitile.

VQ engines makes good hp and torque and have displacement to spare. The only way Nissan was going to make it work was mass produce it. Wouldn't you want something good at a affordable price? Anyways the RB engine series are getting old. There hasn't been much changed to them since the first Skyline came out.

Beautiful car!

But... I would expect the roofline to change a little. The rake is too severe killing headroom. (It's actually taller near the windshield.)

I think the interior will get canked as well. You can see how that brushed alum strip in the middle of the dash is already reflecting on the windshield. (Interior designer, you are the weakest link... good bye!)

Also I would expect horsepower to remain low. HP is directly proportional to price. Sub $30k pricing won't put you in the 300 hp range. Most cars with 300 are just about $30k. Those with more are over $30k. The Camaro was a slight exception, and it's going out of production, wonder why? (GM admitted to loosing money on every car, unlike the underpowered mustang that sells like hot cakes!)

Matter of fact, when was the last 300+ hp car released from Japan. Even the NSX is sub 300hp (stock). Japan regulates all it's cars to 276 or below, which is why most of it's exports fall in that range. Culturally they will never give us the satisfaction of having and owning their best. (Notice the Subaru WRX 276hp in Japan - 220hp or so in the USA.)

Also think about this. (Nissan 300Z with 300HP, Accura NSX 276hp.) Never happen!

There is a saying in Japan, "If a nail sticks up, hammer it down!" Nissan will not go out on a limb and buck the system. I would expect something a little less than 276hp.

Just my long winded 2 cents though ;)

The 276 hp's gentleman agreement is useless. Japan have produce cars that have more hp at the crank. Wonder why a 3580 lbs Skyline GT-R V Spec can accomplished 5 seconds for 0-60mph? It doesn't produce 280 ps like it say. Dyno have proven the car produce closer to 330 hp stock. Nissan Cima and Honda NSX already tear apart the agreement.

Hrmm, it looks nice but it's nothing like the original 240Z. It looks too much like a Audi TT.

Just reading MT and, according to them, the new Z is going to be called the 350Z. Anyone else heard this?

[SIZE=1][COLOR=orangered]:crying: :crying: :monkeypis

What a cool idea!...oh wait. no the design sux. I wish they would stop it with this triangulation shit. i know it makes cars easier to design on computers but look at what Mosler did with the MT900. they didn't sacrifice curves in the design process and this thing was done entirely on computer. when that thing hits production it's gonna make all these other people look like slackers. take some time! keep the curves! Nissan is a good company and i hate seeng them fall into the crappy design trends of today. I don't want to see these cars that look like toasters anymore(dodge powerbox concept & super 8). i feel like i could puke!

Looks too much like the Audi TT Coupe. Still love thw GTR(R34) and 300zx the most of nissan

Hi...
i am new to the forum....great thing you guys got going here!
I just had a few questions. I am 'up in the air' as to whether I really want to get one of these Nissan Z's. A few of my questions are:
1. What is the estimated length for the new Z? is it similar to the 4th gen Z, 170inches?
UPDATE: i found the length...its around 170 inches.
2. What exactly are those little compartments behind the seats? are they fold down backseats? just a place to store stuff? speakers?

I am so confused as to how i want to go in my next car purchase. In all honesty, I am driving a Mazda MX-3(1993) and i am about to buy my first new car. I just graduated from college about 6 months ago, and finally ready(financially ready) to purchase that first new PHAT car. I cannot decide between a BMW 330Ci or the Nissan Z. Not sure which route to take: luxury/sporty vs speed/extreme-sporty. IF someone can answer those questions, i would be very happy! thanks!

What do you think the 1/4 is on this bad boy, I just want to know if it can beat hondas new NSX with a v8...

Hi guys, im new here, my name is Phil. I was brought here when i was doing a google search for good Z articles. Anyways, that new Z is tight. It will be named the 350z. Throughtout history Nissan has always named their Z's based upon the displacement of their motors. The 240 was named because it has a 2.4 liter inline 6, the 260 because it had a 2.6 liter i6, the 280 had a 2.8 liter i6, the 300 had a 3.0 liter v6. Now the new z will have a 3.5 liter v6.

Its a very beautiful car. I do agree that alot of the interior design will be changed before the car hits the production line. Im sure those exterior door handles will probably be changed also. I believe the HP will be closer to 275 than 260. Nissan has always lied about their horsepower numbers before production. They always project it to be lower than it is.

I dunno, i guess on October 27th, (the official release date of the vehicle for sale) we will find out what the real deal is. All i know, is that come january, im going down to my local dealer, and being put on a waiting list for the car. This will be my fourth Z car.

Anyways, that is my 2 cents. I will see you guys around. These are some pretty cool forums.

fuckin ugly futuristic garbage

I would sure take it over an old car from the 80's

Just when you Honda, Toyota, Acura types thought the they were done with the Z, the next thing you know is they are going to come out with the best one yet. :flipa: You see, not only will a new stock 350-Z beat most of you guys on the street, but I can see the ho's drooling for the other seat aleady.:smoka: And when we start modifying our gen 5 Z's your life, I suspect, is going to get difficult. You bore me with your Civics anymore. :sleep: I'm so stoked. I think I'll go make plans with my mechanic.:evillaugh How do ya like me now?:jump:

Personally i think that this car is alright.. i mean i really hate it from certain views and others it looks awesome.. the lights the triangle thing.. oh man do i hate that.. same it the skyline, or GTR now.. Nissan really is messin up in designin.. thats my opinion.. here are some stats and stuff from www.nissandriven.com .. (specs and stufff for the U.S.) ... sux that they detune everything we get..

• 3.5 Liter VQ-series V6 Engine Producing 260+ Targeted Horsepower
• 6-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission
• Targeted 0-60mph Time of Less Than 6.0 Seconds
• Rear-Wheel Drive
• 4-Wheel Independent Suspension

- thats straiht from nissan on the U.S. version

JUST THOSE DAMNED LIGHTS!!! tho the interior i think is great

Thats cool that you hate all that stuff, thats why they make it like that, so not every fool is driving around in the same freaking car, I didnt like the idea of a redesigned zx, but I am in love with this bad ass ride, just takes some getting use to. I mean hell look at honda now thats a nasty ride IMO. The NSX what a rip off of a ferrari, at least they are ORIGNAL, no offense of course, its just an opinion right :smoka:

Took a little time to get used to.
I really didn't like the front from the first pictures, but I like what they've done with the rear...

3.5 litre VQ engine should be pretty impressive - rumor had it at 280 hp or so. Surprisingly - the 350Z is bigger than the last gen 300zx - taller by 2 inches, a little wider and a few inches longer!

Can't wait to see it in person though... but I wonder if they will make a turbo version...

-Darryl

Darryl, I hate you, Sell me your car, its a freaking sweet ride and then you can go buy a 350z :p

just wondering: but is that TT reliable?

Originally posted by JBL85
Darryl, I hate you, Sell me your car, its a freaking sweet ride and then you can go buy a 350z :p

just wondering: but is that TT reliable?

Haha... Thanks for the comments. I actually just got it back recently - I had a motor build done on it - it's now pushing about 534 rwhp on race gas with HKS turbos. Full profile is on twinturbo.net. But most tt's are quite reliable, just as long as you follow normal preventative maintenance. Frequent oil changes, etc.

The 350Z will be a nice car... but will it be a car like the old 300zx that made it into C&D's top 10 cars for every year of production??? Guess we'll find out next year...

Cheers,
-Darryl

I take it your into modifying cars, I have an 86 300zx and was wondering if you knew how much it would cost to drop a twin turbo motor in it from a z32 year? Oh and new tranny i f'd mine up pretty good racing it

well, i think it looks really nice, except for the color, ughhh, but imagine that in blue...ya! as for speed, its very good, 3.5 liters. 260-280hp N/A!! the last Z's made their power from TT's. imagine this new Z with a big azz turbo strapped to it.... but i wouldnt buy one just yet, b/c theirs so many other cars about to come over....supposedly. the new se-r, new civic si, possibly wrx STi, lancer evolution, the skyline.(no not the fake ifiniti, the real skyline), and the new rx-8. now, we just need the FTO, GTO, supra, silvia, and the civic type-R to come over here and we'd be set!!! oh, and some cosworths too!

Originally posted by KikoSanchez182
well, i think it looks really nice, except for the color, ughhh, but imagine that in blue...ya! as for speed, its very good, 3.5 liters. 260-280hp N/A!! the last Z's made their power from TT's. imagine this new Z with a big azz turbo strapped to it.... but i wouldnt buy one just yet, b/c theirs so many other cars about to come over....supposedly. the new se-r, new civic si, possibly wrx STi, lancer evolution, the skyline.(no not the fake ifiniti, the real skyline), and the new rx-8. now, we just need the FTO, GTO, supra, silvia, and the civic type-R to come over here and we'd be set!!! oh, and some cosworths too!

Well - They did increase displacement from 3.0l to 3.5l (16.7% increase) - which resulted in a ~17% hp increase - assuming it comes out at 260hp. Not really all that surprising.

Yes, with twin turbos on this new Z (single turbos are a bit harder to design on a V6) - I'd think we'd see 400hp... but I don't think Nissan is making a TT version of the new Z...

(The supra did come over here, btw). :)

-Darryl

Originally posted by JBL85
I take it your into modifying cars, I have an 86 300zx and was wondering if you knew how much it would cost to drop a twin turbo motor in it from a z32 year? Oh and new tranny i f'd mine up pretty good racing it

I'm guessing you were asking me? Honestly - I don't know all that much about Z31's, but I think Steve Mitchell in SoCal has a monster Z31. It'll cost a LOT to drop a Z32 engine in there. Assuming you can get a refurb'd ATK VG30DETT for ~3K (no turbos, BTW!), add turbos ($3K or so), labor, etc (~$6-10K) - and you're probably better off buying a used Z32TT -- for ~$10-18K.

-Darryl

i was referring to getting the new, supposedly being made, mkv supra, in 2003.

NO, i want a sleeper, everyone knows z32 is a fkn insanely fast car especially with TT, but no one thinks a 15 year old car can move....so imagine a 300+ hp pos looking car that can take out m3s and such =)

thats why u get a 1g dsm! hehe

Well the VQ30DE hsa been turboed using the turbos off the Z32, well it also got the rest of the treatment, forgies etc etc, but it produces about 360 hp @ 7-8 psi, not to bad, so your expectations of the 35 will be about right, say engine upgrade VQ35DETT, you will have to find a cool mount for the intercoolers thought, small techincalities, we can fix it.

I like the car pretty much, just that I think the roof is too rounded.
And it would be nicer in darker colors too.

Has anyone pre-ordered one of the new Z's? I am wondering how much the dealers are gouging above MSRP? I have called a few dealers in my area and gotten responses of "We have already sold our alotment", "$10K over sticker", "Come on down and we'll discuss it", etc. There is a dealer about 50 miles away who seems more reasonable. I would like to know someone elses experiences before I get down to writing a check. :smoka:

I saw the first picture of the 350 convertible in motor trend. i wonder how much more it will cost than the coupe. i wish they offered t-tops on the coupe, i want my next car to be open aired. cant even get a sunroof on the coupe. anyone heard any scoop on the conv?

also, not a big mustang fan, but the 03 cobra is going to be supercharged with 390 hp, with conv. priced at 36,500. thats kinda tempting.

http://www.nissandriven.com/vehicles/FutureVehicleDetails/0,9437,520,00.html


there is the NA site

a base stock 350z will cost $26,809.00

and the most expensive (track version) is $34,079.00

the track version with everything in it is $37,513.00

I cant wait for the z350. They claim it will run with the porsch boxster's. Being in many street races with people on my 82 toyota celica supra, it will be quite a step up. Awesome, and bueatiful car, but I'd like to know how they run, and what mods can be done to them.:sun:

Haha porshe boxter.....the ALtima v6 runs with a boxter.....the 350z should be running with GT Stangs and Z28 Camaro's

Originally posted by JBL85
Haha porshe boxter.....the ALtima v6 runs with a boxter.....the 350z should be running with GT Stangs and Z28 Camaro's

Of course it will. It'll beat the 260hp Mustang GT with ease, but it'll run with the 320hp Camaro Z28. The Mustang is way heavier than the Z, and has less power and torque, plus the Z has a much better transmission and differential. So it'll be able to eat up the Mustang GT with ease. It'll also beat a Boxter S, but will most-likely run with the Z28 with no prob. I'll prove it once I've gotten and broken in my new Z (coming in August)...

yeh tell me how it goes.

:D

I have said here in AF that the Chevy Avalanche was the ugliest car. I retract that statement.

The new Z is the FUGLIEST P.O.S. I've seen in my life. It makes the Aztek look good!!! What is Nissan thinking? The exterior is good, but dammmm that exterior looks like a cross between a tug boat and an orange bath tub with clearance sale dubs.

This car is an insult to the heritage of the Z, and to those of us that will have to share the road with it. The performance figures look promising, but I personally will flip off any muddafugga that wants to race me in one of those. I will laugh at the fact that he can't beat a WRX, yet paid $10K more. What a piece of GARBAGE!!!

If I took the $37K that Nissan is begging for this BS & invested it in my D, I'd come out with one helluva a car.

"The new Z® wasn't designed to cruise the boulevard, it was made to own it." --Nissan
If that was their goal, the entire design team should be fired!!! They failed. Even Sport Compact Car magazine knocked it.

The new A is beautiful....37k in a delorean, its still a delorean....nothing special...just looks cheap cuz it has NO PAINT on it

Originally posted by JBL85
The new A is beautiful....37k in a delorean, its still a delorean....nothing special...just looks cheap cuz it has NO PAINT on it

Your post is just plain stupid. Maybe that is why the new Z appeals to you.

Unfortunatley, this is a case of "different strokes for different folks". The problem here is that I have to look at these ugly things when they are on the road. That is the difference between Art and Automobiles! If you don't like a particular artist, then it doesn't matter because his/her works of art are inside a building where you don't have to see them everyday. A car is different... it is inflicted on the general public without consent.

So keep your car parked in YOUR GARAGE :D

Dudes, I think the 350Z is one of the most beautiful designs I've seen. You should check the most recent pictures instead of those posted on this thread. The interior pics on this threads were just for pre-production shows, not real. The real ones are here:



C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Nissan Z\Z car 4.jpg



C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Nissan Z\z12.jpg

C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Nissan Z\z35slide10.jpg

C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Nissan Z\updated Z interior.jpg



C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Nissan Z\Z interior.jpg

the pictures are not showing up :(

Yeah, this database is stupid. The pics only show up on certain programs that you're using; for example, they'll show on AOL, but not I.E.
Anyways, ImportFreak, these ones are for ya (below):

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484435

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484617

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484455

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484507

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484527

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484520

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484539

http://members6.clubphoto.com/_cgi-bin/members/compact_slide_show.pl?album_item_id=9484543

And as for DMC12, since you talked so much trash about the new Z, how do those interior pics look to ya? Not bad, huh? Compare those to your 17th century Delorean's interior. Even though I know you're drooling over those pics, but maybe you'll still be dissing on them from stubbornness. Anyways, it doesn't matter what you think, I'll be rolling in a pearl white one in August. In addition, the heated seats will warm my ass in the winter, and the DVD player will pound my DVD collection like a theater in my car.

pw_350z

You can kiss my ass you lucky ass....that thing is making me drool....that thing is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D :flipa: :D :flipa: :D

Originally posted by JBL85
pw_350z

You can kiss my ass you lucky ass....that thing is making me drool....that thing is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D :flipa: :D :flipa: :D

I'll kiss it for a little money. Hell, I'll give it a lick too...hehe...:D :licker: :flipa:

Yeah, the car is pretty nice. I don't appreciate DMC12 dissing on it and saying it's not worth being on the road. The pics on the beginning of this thread are way way old. That interior was not functional. Who would produce some' like that. Glad ya liked the pics.

is this a joke or real?? a guy who drives a tank of a DMC, that uses that sweet GMC or is/was it a volvo engine and looks like a wannabee 1979 lamborgini. Are you serious???

dude, WAKE UP!!!!!! it is 2002 (or do you think you are "back to the future"?)

Originally posted by Zcarfan
is this a joke or real?? a guy who drives a tank of a DMC, that uses that sweet GMC or is/was it a volvo engine and looks like a wannabee 1979 lamborgini. Are you serious??? dude, WAKE UP!!!!!! it is 2002 (or do you think you are "back to the future"?)

Sure thing, "dude"!!! The DMC weighs about a thousand pounds less than this propsed Z.

Originally posted by pw_350Z_baby
I don't appreciate DMC12 dissing on it and saying it's not worth being on the road. The pics on the beginning of this thread are way way old.

I was not dissing the car. It is honestly ugly, people! I just can't understand why anyone wants to plunk down $37K for it.

I do like the newer photos of the interior. However, its not the interior that needed changing. The front intake is my biggest beef. It is a square, while the rest of the car is flowing. I love the tail lights... so where did the designers get a square intake from???? It just look thrown together.

Originally posted by pw_350Z_baby
Even though I know you're drooling over those pics, but maybe you'll still be dissing on them from stubbornness. Anyways, it doesn't matter what you think, I'll be rolling in a pearl white one in August. In addition, the heated seats will warm my ass in the winter, and the DVD player will pound my DVD collection like a theater in my car.

I like the screen incorporated into the center dash.

I like the seat color.

I like the pedals.

I wasn't exactly drooling, though. I sure hope the sound system pounds... you'll need it to drown out the people barfing when they see the EXTERIOR.

at least it will be pretty enough to keep stock, your DMC looks like you think that that thing in stock form was ugly too. Did you really put florescent green on it with a body kit or is that just photoshoped??? (I thought florescent green went out in the early 80s, it is 2002 now-WAKE UP!!!)

is there still a screen in the 350z, even if u dont get navi..or is it only with navi??

Originally posted by DMC12


I was not dissing the car. It is honestly ugly, people! I just can't understand why anyone wants to plunk down $37K for it.

I do like the newer photos of the interior. However, its not the interior that needed changing. The front intake is my biggest beef. It is a square, while the rest of the car is flowing. I love the tail lights... so where did the designers get a square intake from???? It just look thrown together.

You're like about .1% of us who think it's ugly. The other 99.9% think it's from beautiful to gorgeous. Anyway, who cares! As long as I'm happy driving it. That's all it's about--satisfying the driver.
The square front intake is taken from the Skyline GTR, I think. Well, GTR's have square front intake opening. I'm not too thrill about that intake either, but it definitely doesn't make the whole car ugly. It's still gorgeous to ME.:smoker2:

Originally posted by arpiburpi
is there still a screen in the 350z, even if u dont get navi..or is it only with navi??

Nah! I think it's left with an opening without a Nav. BUT, you could always close the lid (like the S2000). Unless you decide to get it later, or an aftermarket one.

hey....just a quick thought.....why do you like your delorean....i am sure its a cool Car in LBC

Is that Long Beach College or what is that?

Is that Long Beach College or what is that?

LBC = Long Beach City. Listen to Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Sublime (all from here) and they will mention "LBC". This is what it means. The city that's low, urban life by the beach.


I thought florescent green went out in the early 80s, it is 2002 now-WAKE UP!!!

This thread is featured on the AF home page. I was not aware when I first posted that it was in the Nissan fan's portion of the site. Obviously a user with the handle "ZCARFAN" is biased to anything Z, so I will stop posting to this thread.

I did NOT intentionally click on over to "Nissan Z cars" forum to start sh*t. I don't like it when people do this to forums I am in, so I will stop. I have taken my campaign to the "cars I dislike" forum.
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DMC, thats cool, I really didn't know why you were doing it either, I don't like when people do that, It runs wild on clubsi, but VWvortex is much more mild.

First post here...suppose ,I just search some information about my 350Z and 240Z body painting..finally find this website...
here is my Z bodies.....BTW, the 350Z really nice.(I mean the real car)

http://www.webphix.com/rc_site/userpics/1324.jpg


http://www.webphix.com/rc_site/userpics/1313.jpg

those are some sic looking RC cars.....wish I had some that good looking

Hey Wing, are those RC bodies for the HPI RS4-2 model? Damn, I got an RS4, I gotta get one of those 350Z bodies. They came out already? Kool!!!

Make no mistake, anyone reading MCERVANTES brief profile of Nissan's new entry into the Z realm. THIS CAR WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF SPORTS CARS UNDER $50K AS WE KNOW IT. Nissan has raised the bar so high by offering a brilliant marriage of performance, styling and affordability, it will leave other Japanese car manufacturers racing around to try and compete. Germany, England and Italy will no longer hold the monopoly on high-style performance machines once this car hits the streets. Mark my words. I have seen this in tests at the So Cal facility and even the sound of this scaled up prototype illicits the kind of childish giggle once only reserved for Ferrari's screaming V12.

I drive a Vantage and am considering trading down to the new Z when it comes out... or, would it be, trading up?

Happy hunting enthusiasts.

The Villain

thats strange.. i read an article somewhere .. anyway they tested the prototype 350z .. it wasnt final prodution model and the magazine didnt see it to being anything tht special.. sure good but nuttin drastic.. but i dont remember where i saw it.. :confused: :confused:

I hope you are right about the sound, one of the magazines calls the sound of the S2000-having a similar sound as a ferarri when it is wound up, with 1/3 the cylinders, after driving and S2000, I must agree, lets hope that the Z sounds like 1/2 of a ferarri and at lower RPMs, while love the S2000, I haev a feeling that it will be replaced as my favorite "reasonably priced sports car", and will soon be 2nd in that catagory.

I think it is great that everyone loves the new Z, and it is a beautiful car. However, I think the way people are talking up it's performance is unrealistic. I haven't seen any definites on pricing, but assuming it will be available around $30k with 280hp it is not mana from heaven.

In the stop-light nationals, on the mean streets of the USA, it will not be a heavy contender. As long as it is trying to stack up against V-8 powered, live rear axeled, pony cars it will loose. It is very difficult for small displacement V-6s to rival the power of a V-8. I am not merely speaking of power in the figurative sense, but in the total energy under the curve vocabulary.

When it comes to winning street races, straight line performance is all that really counts. I am an avid auto-crosser so there is no need to convince me that the 350Z will kick butt in that arena. However, a V-6 and an indipendent rear suspension just don't make for straight line performance. The Z will also be left wanting in the HP and TQ departments. (Please no discussions of mods, thats a whole different conversation).

I guess all I am trying to say is that the 350Z is a great car, but claims that it will be the end all, be all for around $30k is unrealistic. I think there is sufficient iron in the market now that will best it in many of the motorsports arenas. I believe the Z will be an awsome car, but not neccessarily the standard by which other sub $30k sportscars are judged.

Peace,

Al

hellbent....

you are talking to a crowd that probably couldn't care less about those push rod V-8s that only seem to perform well in a straight line (except for the vette) and use very crude suspension and other such parts. btw, the z28 is gone after this year b/c of lack of sales, that should tell you something about what the public in general feels about ONLY straight speed.

the fact that so many people here are using 0-60 figures is b/c that is what most mags judge teh quickness by, and a figure that we are all familiar with. there is NO dopubt that I would rather have a 4.9 VS a 5.3 0-60 time, BUT if that means owning a chevy SS vs a Z car or even a Porsche boxster S, forget it, give me the slower time. (btw, I have nevere seen an SS do a 4.9, it was just brought up as an example). if I can have a beautiful, relaible car that does low 5s and handles well and id REFINED!!! that is much more important to me. btw, the stock Mustang GTs aren't overly quick, so to say that the v-6 can't compete is a little bit narrow minded.

btw, a 3.5 L v-6 in NOT a "small displacement V-6"

compared to Domestic motors it is.

the actual size of the piston would equat to a 5.25L V-8, that is NOT a small displacemant, unless you are comparing it to a 4.1 L 6 that jeep uses which is HARDLY a high performance engine

Zcarfan,

You are correct. The Z motor is not small displacement. I mis-spoke. I was merely trying to illustrate a point that the Z motor does not have comparable cubic inches to small block V-8s. Therefore torque will always be lower, and inevitablly HP as well.

I would also agree that both the Mustang and Camaro are aging platforms, that use antiquated suspension technology. However, these are the cars that you will meet at the stop lights, and they are the top dogs as we speak.

If the Z comes in at close to $30k it is going for market share in Cobra and SS teritory. It is my opinion that the Z will not be able to out muscle the Cobra and the SS, on the street. The Z will surely sell out and be hugely popular, as it is a very cool looking car. However, bragging rights will remain in the hands of the ponys. Autocrossing, hmmmm... I guess that depends on the course.

Finally I will agree with you again, on the point of which would I rather own. Certainly it would be the Z car. (I can tell you from painful experience, the delights of being serviced by Chevrolet.) Although, the Z would be more attractive with say 320-330 hp. I just think that entering into this forray with 280hp is an odd bet that sets a beautiful car at a disadvantage. I am sure that Nissan will up it's HP numbers each year for marketing purposes, alla the "pony car wars". Keep in mind that GM will only retire the Camaro for 2 years, then introduce the Australlian sourced platform that has all the bells and whistles.

As a side note: The reason I am posting on this sight is my intrest in the Skyline GT-R, and other cool Nissans. If a Skyline GT-R was for sale through Nissan in the USA I would most likely be driving it instead of the Vette. I would also have probablly jumped at the Z if it had a bit more power. Still... the future is full of wonderfull posibilities!

Peace,

Al

I dont know if you know, but the Z will start at under $27 (that is will the same 280+ engine), so indead it is a great deal

btw, look for a G35 infiniti coupe in the fall and a possible M35 coupe a year later (said to use a high output V-8), this info is what I have gotten directly from an infiniti rep, as for the Skyline, it should be interesting to see if the skyline will be called the "M35" or if that is a completely different car?

Zcarfan,

I guess we will have to see what is standard on the Z, and how much the goodies cost. I think the stock Camaro SS and Cobra are $27k and $28k respectively, which puts them all in the same price range.

This means the stock SS and Cobra, will have around a 40-45hp advantage. This is pretty sizeable advantage. I am interested in seeing how much the Z will weigh. I believe the SS and Cobra are around 3600lbs.

If you go by the quick rule of "for every 100lbs lost, you gain 1/10th of a second in the quarter mile", the Z might have a chance. My estimate would be that it would have to be around 3200lbs and have a 3:42 - 3:55 rear axle ratio to be competitive.

It will be interesting to see what the final product weighs, and how it performs. I am also curios what the top of the line will cost. I thought someone posted a figure of around $37k.

Anyway, time will tell all.

Peace,

Al

Z is supposed to be between 3150-3200 lbs, but I still don't really expect it to beat an SS, but maybe hang with it?, sure.

The strength of the Z is not its stock hp, trust me. I need not remind anyone of how easy it was to pull a couple hundred extra horses out of the last Z. The VG35 is a powerful motor. Power can be easily remedied; the Z already has a leg up in handling (I think). We'll see if these weight balance issues pan out by August. I'll bet that within 3 months of the Zs arrival, you'll be able to hit 350 hp with aftermarket parts.

BTW, torque and horsepower are not so dependent on displacement, not in this context. Granted, if you had two nearly identical engines of modular design, one a 3.5l V6, one a 4l V8, the V8 would produce more power and torque. But it's more of an apples and oranges scenario with the Z and the Camaro. Unless Chevy breaks with tradition and goes all-out high tech on the next Camaro, it will be the same old technology that's been propelling American cars for a long time. We're starting to get into overhead cams, thankfully. The Z's engine is pretty much on the cutting edge. It has everything short of Neo-VVL (which it wouldn't hurt Nissan to implement in America over the next few years). It's simply more dynamic and thus more efficient. I know I'm asking for it by preaching this doctrine, but facts are facts. I'm not saying the next Camaro will be a big, slow dinosaur. I am saying that relying on ancient pushrod technology and huge displacement will not be enough, not in this millenium (there, I finally made one of those "new millenium" statements).

And you know, I could build a motor with a tiny bore and a really long stroke and out-torque a V8 with an I4. If I wanted to. I guess. Well, just trying to prove a point.

Lets see a 9.6 litre in-line 4? mmmmmmm 1912 here we come.

Point taken, and remember the Z wasn't ment to be a turbo car to start with, it only got the turbo to compete in the American GT series, and it when on from there, I think the VQ35DE will have aftermarket Turbo kits for it , hey there is already one being moulded off the Z32 VG30DETT, they are waiting on the placement of the turbos, or it could even be a single turbo layout who knows..


I wonder if the new Z will beat the R35? It did in the past!

ok wrong idea, how would you do it I mean the small bore, long stroke?

you not talking of masterbating are you. Hee Hee.

The 350Z versus the R35 GT-R? Well, if the GT-R gets the VQ30DET, then the Z will have a .5 liter displacement advantage. With an equal turbo setup, the Z will generate more power. And without the added weight of AWD, the Z could be faster. However, we really don't know much about the GT-R yet (I say we, but maybe it's just me).

No, I wasn't talking about masturbation, although that's about what it would be like trying to run anything on that hypothetical 4-cylinder. Taking a tiny motor and stroking it to death with the longest rods possible will make a bunch of torque because it's the product of force and distance. Think leverage. But even with a large capacity for torque, the motor wouldn't rev very high with the miniscule bore, so peak power will be low. Plus, that torque isn't going to be available at low rpm because the super-long rod screws any chance for exhaust gas scavenging.

As you can see, I will make up all kinds of stupid analogies to make a point. Don't assume that they make sense.:smoker2:

Holyterror,

I think modifying stock cars is great. It is the bond that unites most enthusiasts no matter what brand they support. It promotes continued competition and developement. It makes our sport what it is today.

However, I think that saying any car is better modified than another is merely an argument like "religion" or "politics". There is no final answer, and you will never convince anyone they are wrong. Case in point: Mustangs and vettes have twin turbo kits on the market as well. The type of power they produce is dizzying. To keep things simple it is best to talk stock. Everyting else is armchair quarterbacking, on the senate floor, wearing holy robes.

The next Camaro should be interesting. I saw an article a while back, that it will be an Australian platform, with 4 wheel independent suspension, and rear wheel drive. (Anyone please provide facts, I haven't had time to research this car.) Also I believe Chevy said there would be a two year hiatus. It will be intersting to see if the price stays low. As we already know, Chevy isn't shy about horsepower either. Could be interesting! Then again maybe we will get a skyline stateside too! Man, we live in amazing times. Forget the sixties, today is the best muscle car era ever!!!

Peace on earth, and let horsepower reign supreem!

Al

HB, your right, this HP race is great and the people who benefit the most is the consumer!! it is awesome, who thought that they would ever see stock cars from Honda, subaru, nissan, mazda, etc,etc... doing under 6 seconds 0-60 and UNDER 40K!!!! these are great times! glad that all the "conservative" companies have caught on (actually theu always had these cars, they just kept them in Japan)

Holyterror, damn it it's good to have someone with a sense of humour, cheers dude.....:sun:

Anyway, back to the Horse power thing, Man I live nissans, but a stock car in standard trim, if I had to go for a non-nissan, will always be and I mean always the Corvette, I would have brought one by now, but I do love the Z 06, thats cool, ZR-1 is the god of the new age muscle cars, to me it has no rival, I hate the Viper but the guy who lives down the road from me own a RT/10, we race each other when we get the chance, they are fun to drive but compare it to the Vette or 300ZX, nah it's not the same, both the Vette and 300 don't have the horsepower but they rock, it's all about what you like, I like Nissan's, but If I had money left over ZR 1 would be welcome in my garage, well if I got a Callaway Corvette then the table would turn....

Callaway Corvette Vs Viper GTS-R Vs Superbeast 300ZX GTS

Callaway Corvette 560KW rear wheel horse power 22" wide rims, oh yeah, just wait until I finsh the 300ZX(WELL actually get started on it)



Keep it evil.......

Originally posted by Holyterror
The strength of the Z is not its stock hp, trust me. I need not remind anyone of how easy it was to pull a couple hundred extra horses out of the last Z

The big reason for that was the turbos. Easy to do with a turbo car
(look at the TT Supra). But you're not going to magically pull
a couple hundred extra horses out of a NA engine. Not flaming you,
but this thing needs a turbo or 2.

Nice car!!!:D

:bandit: Well , this car is juz bad. It looks like it has everything..I wonder if it ties your shoes too ?! :bloated:

To 4dr_civic91: No. just everything else.

Everyone else: I think Nissan might want to keep with its tradition of keeping lower HP, for Insurance reasons. Also, since NISMO is coming to the US, chances are, there will be a ton of extras for the Z. It's probably wiser for Nissan to do it this way, otherwise non of us will be able to insure the car, if it was tweeked to 350 or higher bhp. I know for my G20, I'm paying closed to $4k, and I'm above the age of 25.

Look Nissan-put a V8 in it and a 6speed at300 hp or more and keep the price from $25-35K US Dollars and I will get one right now:sun:

RTurpin; Why would you need a V8. The six is sufficient enough to do what you want it to do. Look at Porsche. they're using 6s in most of they're cars.

----

anyone noe where i can get wall papers of da 350Z..or any other nissans
or wall papers of da cartoony car pictures..similar to da ad of da car on the top left corner of this page?...dankz alot

Nahmed,

It's not the HP alone that determines a car's insurance cost, it falls heavily on the cars past record of insurance claims. I have owned several different Mustangs and now a 2001 C5 Corvette. I pay only about $1200 a year for full coverage on my vette ($300,000/$100,000). I used to pay almost double that on a stang, and I was 29 when I got the vette.

I asked the cost if I owned a new Mustang GT, the answer was almost double the vette. The Vette has 350 HP and the Mustang ony 260 HP. The insurance company said it is all based on how many accidents and claims per model each car racks up proportionately. Unfortunately, Mustang GTs are disproportionately owned by young male drivers, who have disproportionately high numbers of claims. This is not to say that all Mustang owners are bad drivers, but enough ruin it for the majority. Therefore if the irresponsible among the fast and the furios crowd buy the 350Z and seek to drive irresponsibly, you will be gauranteed a high insurance rate no matter what the HP rating.

It's sad that what makes sports cars and racing great is also the same ingredient that attracts those who are irresponsible.

-Al

Originally posted by HellBent
It's sad that what makes sports cars and racing great is also the same ingredient that attracts those who are irresponsible.
Too true. There is definitely an advantage to sleepers: they come in under the radar to the people who would abuse them.

As for how much horsepower can be extracted from the VQ35DE... it looks like the argument is that you can't get an extra 200 horsepower without turbocharging. That's actually what I was proposing. The turbo could conceivably double horsepower (look at the KA24), and any subsequent modifications would produce much larger gains.

But if you want all that power from a stock, N/A engine, look elsewhere.

In due time, that might be possible, but I think you'd be more scared of the car with it's tenticles coming towards you.

Originally posted by Raddog
I see it's an automatic. Will this car be available in a 6-speed manual?

yes, Hell yes

Originally posted by RTurpin
Look Nissan-put a V8 in it and a 6speed at300 hp or more and keep the price from $25-35K US Dollars and I will get one right now:sun:

Why a V8???:bloated: V6 is much better for a sports car that is going to cost less then 30K Handle like a champ and keep the weight down. Slap a turbo on there and f--k 300 now your looking at 340hp I'm sure that will come in time...
V8's suck I just wish everyone in the industry would get as much power out of there cars as porche.

I don't agree with your assesment, since most insurance companies look at statistics for horsepower/torque ratio, prior accidents ratios, cost of maintenance/repair/parts, and price to determine what kind of an insurance rate to put out on a car, according to Geico and Progressive. Now it could be these two companies that are basing their insurance starters on these issues, i don't know, but since they have hp/torque on their list of remarks, that's why I said what I said. Unfortunately, the Z car might be targeted for high insurance, since parts for the car isn't readily available in the US, in mass quantities. Also i believe since the car is coming back after more than 5year the last Z car, it may get a new rap with the insurance industry which would be kind of nice.

On one of the notes you mentioned about bad driver, I agree. Unfortunately, since the price of the car is set around 25-35k, a lot of people want the car, which will include sucky drivers too.

By the way, you're lived in Kyosho, Jpn; how come you didn't import a car like the skyline, or some other exotic Japanese car here?

The Z has already been released in Japan, specs look good am thinking of buying one next year.


Lay

Nahmed,

Well we can agree to disagree, I enjoy the different opinions though.;)

The reason I didn't try to import a car like the Skyline was the cost and the headache. I really enjoyed the 2001 Vette and I got agreat price. I couldn't bear the thought of shippiing the Skyline and having it damaged in shippment, plus all the waiting and hassles.

The biggest heartache I would have is owning and driving it in Japan for $40k-$50k then having to pay another $25k just for the priviledge of driving it in the USA. No thanks.

The C5 turned out to be an awsome car, and I really enjoyed the experience of being part of a National Champion Corvette Club.

Well, I am headed back to Japan in December for another two year tour. Now I can have my Skyline for a reasonable price!

Al

HellBent:
You do realize you can insure it during shipping. In fact Motorex will insure it if you use them working on the shipping. If it's damaged, get another one for equal or greater value. The only headache you should have is waiting for the car to get to the US and finding similar parts. Let me know when you're heading back to Japan. If you're interested, you could be a parts finder and shipper for my Lex. I'm finding it difficult to find parts for my 94 and am looking for someone to send me parts from Japan.

Nahmed,

I am not sure of the duties and legalities with shipping auto parts from Japan to the US. That is something you would have to do the research on. I believe there are restrictions and duties to be paid, otherwise the parts get confiscated.

As for the insurance; I know it is possible, I would just hate to have any damage on a $60k - $80k car. It is just an altogether different experience. I wouldn't want the aggervation of having to repair or eventually resell an expensive car with body damage or paint mismatches. People are real picky when it comes to buying high priced cars, and rightly so!

Al

No, not these particular car. The technology for matching paint has improved. Reselling a GTR 32-34 or 35 in this country is not going to be an issue. First the ones interested in this car are Nissan fans and who love the Skyline. The average joe won't even know what it is, and when they see a right-hand drive car will shrug away. Besides if no one buys your car, I'll buy your car, as long as you don't ram it into anything. Insurance is going to be kind of expensive, but since you can afford to buy a C5, i'm guessing you can afford to pay to have a rear car.

As for the shipping of parts, all that you're going to do is pack it up, call FedEx and ship it to the US. Government won't know anything about it because FedEx isn't a government entity. Also, induvidual parts can be shipped to the US without govenrment intervention since they are just parts. Do you think Lexus, BMW and the other foreign manufacturers pay duty on thier parts from Japan and Germany. Hell no. I know this because a couple of my friends have sent me parts from Germany and England. There are others in this country that do the same all the time. if you still don't want to do it, it's ok; it was just a thought.

Nahmed,

In regards to the paint question, it is still difficult to match paint for many reasons. Just look on the Corvette forum of how many people have had nightmares matching paint. When you are talking about enthusiasts buying a $50k - $80k car, they tend to be a bit more picky! Trust me, I just sold my 2001 C5 and it is just a different kind of buyer. Heck, you should have seen me when I picked it up. The dealer did a horrible job prepping the car, and I ended up filing a BBB complaint against them for their abyssmal service, but that is another story...

As for auto parts, anything mailed back from Japan to the USA or even into Japan from the USA must have a customs lable attached. They routinely search packages and if the contents don't match the lable, the shipper is in hot water. The government always makes life more complicated than it needs to be.:(

Al

U.S. Mail Shipments
Shipping through the U.S. mail, including parcel post, is a cost-efficient way to send things to the United States. The Postal Service sends all foreign mail shipments to Customs for examination. Customs then returns packages that don't require duty to the Postal Service, which sends them to a local post office for delivery. The local post office delivers them without charging any additional postage, handling costs, or other fees.

If the package does require payment of duty, Customs attaches a form called a mail entry (form CF-3419A), which shows how much duty is owed, and charges a $5 processing fee as well. When the post office delivers the package, it will also charge a handling fee.

Commercial goods - goods intended for resale - may have special entry requirements. Such goods may require a formal entry in order to be admitted into the United States. Formal entries are more complicated and require more paperwork than informal entries. (Informal entries are, generally speaking, personal packages worth less than $2,000.) Customs employees may not prepare formal entries for you; only you or a licensed customs broker may prepare one. For more information on this subject, please request the Customs pamphlet U.S. Import Requirements or contact your local Customs office.

If you believe you have been charged an incorrect amount of duty on a package mailed from abroad, you may file a protest with Customs. You can do this in one of two ways. You can accept the package, pay the duty, and write a letter explaining why you think the amount was incorrect. You should include with your letter the yellow copy of the mail entry (CF-3419A). Send the letter and the form to the Customs office that issued the mail entry, which you'll find on the lower left-hand corner of the form.

The other way to protest duty is to refuse delivery of the package and, within five days, send your protest letter to the post office where the package is being held. The post office will forward your letter to Customs and will hold your package until the protest is resolved.

For additional information on international mailing, please ask Customs for the pamphlet International Mail Imports, or visit our Web site at www.customs.gov.



Express Shipments
Packages may be sent to the United States by private-sector courier or delivery service from anywhere in the world. The express company usually takes care of clearing your merchandise through Customs and charges a fee for its service. Some travelers have found this fee to be higher than they expected.

never mind

I saw one on the street today, man those are super aerodynamic.

its a nice car....shit if i had 30,000 i would get rid of my accord and buy one for shure....my bro currently just bought a 91 300zx TT, and it is hella nice so i am expecting big things from this car in the future