Nissan is downsizing its Z-car. When the replacement for the 370Z shows up in 2016, it will be smaller, lighter as well as utilize an effective four-cylinder engine for the very first time – making it more of a spiritual successor to the 240Z.
Vice-president Andy Palmer told us: “We will always create a Z-car, however to make the next design more appropriate in the present economic as well as environmental climate, it will requirement to utilize a four-cylinder engine.”
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This is a huge modification for the Z-car range. ever since the 240Z shown up more than 40 years ago, it’s had a six-cylinder engine. lovers shouldn’t concern just yet, though. Palmer explained: “We may likewise offer a six-cylinder version of the next Z-car, however only in extremely restricted numbers.”
It’s likely any type of four-cylinder Z-car will utilize turbocharging to ensure thrilling performance, however with considerable gains in economic climate over the present V6 370Z, sales of which have stalled just recently because of spiralling fuel prices.
There are a couple of prospective engine choices offered already with the Renault-Nissan alliance. Nissan’s own 1.6 turbo from the Juke might be tuned beyond 200bhp, while the 2.0-litre turbo from the Renaultsport Megane 265 is one more option.
What’s more likely is that the next Z-car will function an all-new engine, as well as it might come from Renault-Nissan’s powertrain tie-up with Daimler. At the recent Paris motor Show, the business revealed they were working on a variety of turbo petrol engines, the very first of which will go into vehicles from 2016 – which is when the 370Z’s replacement is expected to arrive. The vehicle might likewise get an effective new automatic gearbox, which is likewise being co-developed under the Daimler deal.
The utilize of a four-cylinder engine for the very first time in a Z-car should see a modification in its naming strategy. up until now, names have been based on the car’s engine capacity, however this may not be so appropriate with a turbocharged engine. Nissan may comply with Renault as well as utilize the car’s power output in the name, or the new vehicle might just be called the 240Z in honour of the original.
As our picture shows, it’ll get the familiar Z-car muscular wheelarches, a swooping coupe roofline, aggressive nose as well as short rear overhang. The body will be made of lighter materials, such as aluminium alloys as well as thinner stronger steels, for higher efficiency, as well as this weight saving will mean improved agility.
A Nismo design will be offered with tuned suspension as well as a slight power upgrade. This might likewise have a restricted slip differential – like the Toyota GT 86 – to ensure it’s prepared to utilize as a drift vehicle right out of the box.