if you designed the new z...

[e_racer1999]

what would it look like? do you have a favorite concept in mind? any pictures? what gives me this idea is the fact that only about half of the people on this board like the new z. so what WOULD you guys like......

[Bambikiller240]

ten charecters

[lvmy240z]

It would be retro like the new Mustang, and have a 90%+ parts commonality with my '73!

[TomoHawk]

I would go with the exact same design, but with more contemporary conponents where it wouldn't bump the price up too high (keeping with the original 'low cost'), lighter materials to get the weight down to about 1900 Lbs., everything metal galvanized, and a nice whiney 2.8L V10 or V12 ( for 280Z) using an updated version of the Bosch L-Jetronic sytem. And Hopefully not too much in terms of emmisions on the engine.

Carl's pictures are interesting.

thx

[hls30.com]

A car that was unmistakenly visually derived from the 240Z, not identical, but unmistakenly 240Z in its lineage-updated with all that we have learned in 30 years of what causes wind noise, front end lift, wiring issues, chassis stiffening, handling, breaking, making power and torque. All of the technology of the 350Z, but none of the ugly!

The 240Z I am building, but infused with more current technology, and obviously the budget of a concept car to be made for mass production.

Will

[TomoHawk]

Sounds like my Ford Escort!

But with a body kit.

[AChev]

I think maybe like this car

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=14018&cat=500&page=2

but with less pizazz

[TomoHawk]

Like Vicky said, that car Mr. Schevets linked to (post #7) is probably what the 350Z should have looked like.

[e_racer1999]

i laso agree with the shelby, it DEFINITELY looks deserving of "z". also, that first pic that carl posted is exactly what i had in mind.....

[Sulla]

Maybe we should have a Z design contest:)

[zguitar71]

Carl, the blue car looks like a hard top version of a Shelby AC Cobra, which is one of my favorite all time body styles.

My vision of a modern Z: Keep the 350Z and introduce a lower cost 240Z. Low weight like Tomohawk said and all the stiffness of modern technology can give in an aluminum and composite body formed like the lotus Elise (there goes the low cost). It would have a 225 HP high revving 2.4 litre inline 6 with modern management and fuel injection, 6 speed trans with a wonderful feel and a low ratio LSD diff, slotted disc brakes on all four corners with 4 piston calapers.

It would look like a retro 240z with flush mounted glass, fender flares (blended not ZG), long aggresive hood with a large front opening and muscular air dam, the rear would have an intigrated spoiler just big enough to be usefull but still kinda small. The wheels would be 0 or even - offset 17"x8.5" with 245/40/17's maby in a Watanbe style or something retro, there would be room to run 16"x10" with 275/45/16 Hoosier tires for the autocross in St Prepared and 16"x9" with 245/45/16 for the stock class with out body/suspension mods. The suspension would have adjustments for camber, caster and toe and adjustable shocks, and have optional spring rates too chose from.

The engine block would be magnesium, the head, trans case would be aluminum. The weight balance would be 45/55 with a rear bias and the side to side would be 50/50.

The interior would be very much like the original in its layout but the seats wold be Sparco or Momo like and the steering wheel too. No frills gadgetry though, roll up windows, A/C and stero optional, very little sound deadning, ect.

The best part is Nissan understands our desire to have the original Z but have modern upgrades so all the good parts on the car would bolt in the old Z's. This car would be autocross ready from the factory with optional light weight forged wheel just for the track and it would cost 22K or less without any options.

AND OF COURSE IT WOULD BE OFFERED IN 920 GOLD AT NO EXTRA COST!

[Sulla]

Personly I do not believe it would be best to be a slave to the original. Not to mention it would be impossible since you have to have modern bumpers, crash zones, etc etc. But we do need to capture the spirit and style of the car. Also part of the new design could take some of the best from other classic sports cars of the same basic shape. See example photos: