[zenki]

In this interview with Alfonso Albaisa (Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co) he talks about the new Nissan Z (Z35/400Z/480Z), providing hints about what the future holds. Its limited but one of the first times Nissan comments on this project.

Interview: Nissan Z: Design boss Alfonso Albaisa talks about the iconic sports car - Roadshow

 

[THaskins]

I know this sketch is supposed to just be about he Z's "pure proportions" but I wonder how similar it will be to the finished product.

 

[SPOHN]

These guys love to keep you on the far edges.

 

[zenki]

These guys love to keep you on the far edges.

It's the art of how to say nothing and it will stay that way till the 400Z is in its final stages.

 

[280driver]

Very cool! Here’s what I get from that. 1). A new Z is definitely on the way. Why do a story on it if that was not the case. That would be the last thing you’d do. 2) The car will be retro as that’s what he spoke of in terms of inspiration 3). It will just be called a Nissan “Z”. Not only did he basically say that, but it makes since as it allows them freedom to use different engine options without reference to a numerical part of the name.

 

[THaskins]

Very cool! Here’s what I get from that. 1). A new Z is definitely on the way. Why do a story on it if that was not the case. That would be the last thing you’d do. 2) The car will be retro as that’s what he spoke of in terms of inspiration 3). It will just be called a Nissan “Z”. Not only did he basically say that, but it makes since as it allows them freedom to use different engine options without reference to a numerical part of the name.

I'm not against them referring to it at the Z car going forward. Otherwise the numbers are just going to get bigger and bigger.

 

[zenki]

Very cool! Here’s what I get from that. 1). A new Z is definitely on the way. Why do a story on it if that was not the case. That would be the last thing you’d do. 2) The car will be retro as that’s what he spoke of in terms of inspiration 3). It will just be called a Nissan “Z”. Not only did he basically say that, but it makes since as it allows them freedom to use different engine options without reference to a numerical part of the name.

It sure would be weird to call it the 400Z since it breaks tradition.

If "Z" is what the new Z-car will be called then i wonder how they'll name the different trims we'll see. Thoughts?

 

[THaskins]

It sure would be weird to call it the 400Z since it breaks tradition.

If "Z" is what the new Z-car will be called then i wonder how they'll name the different trims we'll see. Thoughts?

I think the trim levels will remain roughly the same with the 370Z. Just replace the 370Z with Z or 400Z:

370Z
370Z Sport
370Z Sport Touring
370Z Nismo

 

[280driver]

Z
Z Sport
Z Sport Touring
NISMO Z

 

[fairlady]

I hope they just call it Z. This car is so iconic that Z can stand alone. In the future, number designations don't make much sense because engine displacement does not follow any more and everything is going electric anyway

 

[Timmo500]

Man, they should just universally call it the 'Fairlady Z' again.
Rather than a numbered version ...

 

[zenki]

Z
Z Sport
Z Sport Touring
NISMO Z

NISMO Z sounds good to me.

From a marketing/branding point of view in today's market, calling the car a "Z" over 400Z is better.

 

[SPOHN]

NISMO Z sounds good to me.

From a marketing/branding point of view in today's market, calling the car a "Z" over 400Z is better.

I just had a bad thought. By calling it “Z”, would that possible mean that this will be the last generation? What would you call the next generation after? Z again. Wouldn’t work. Then this new Z/400Z/Z35 could last another 10 years and then be it. Food for thought.

I wish Nissan would of came out with this new Z on their 50th. Nothing was really done special. Some strips. Ummm no.

 

[280driver]

I’ve always just called them “Z”s or “Z cars” so I agree. Plus it doesn’t ie them down to a displacement meaning they can offer different engines if they choose.

 

[SPOHN]

I’ve always just called them “Z”s or “Z cars” so I agree. Plus it doesn’t ie them down to a displacement meaning they can offer different engines if they choose.

True

 

[zenki]

I just had a bad thought. By calling it “Z”, would that possible mean that this will be the last generation? What would you call the next generation after? Z again. Wouldn’t work. Then this new Z/400Z/Z35 could last another 10 years and then be it. Food for thought.

I wish Nissan would of came out with this new Z on their 50th. Nothing was really done special. Some strips. Ummm no.

No.
Automakers always run with the same name generation after generation and I don't see a problem calling it the "Z" for any future generation. It actually free's them from being constrained to what some model numbers mean. Among enthusiasts I've always heard them call it the "Z" or refer to the chassis code, the former is what I hear 70% of the time.

 

[SPOHN]

No.
Automakers always run with the same name generation after generation and I don't see a problem calling it the "Z" for any future generation. It actually free's them from being constrained to what some model numbers mean. Among enthusiasts I've always heard them call it the "Z" or refer to the chassis code, the former is what I hear 70% of the time.

Good point. But I do fear the end of the Z. Even if I never bought another one. It’s just a great car. IMO there is no other. I love this car and history as if I worked at Nissan.

 

[AlohaSnackbar]

I just had a bad thought. By calling it “Z”, would that possible mean that this will be the last generation? What would you call the next generation after? Z again. Wouldn’t work. Then this new Z/400Z/Z35 could last another 10 years and then be it. Food for thought.

I wish Nissan would of came out with this new Z on their 50th. Nothing was really done special. Some strips. Ummm no.

In Japan the Z's are referred to as Fairlady Z (chassis code). Right now they refer to the 370Z as Fairlady Z Z34. The upcoming one can simply be referred to as Fairlady Z Z35. They can easily adopt that naming convention for all markets and keep making them however long they want.

 

[THaskins]

Man, they should just universally call it the 'Fairlady Z' again.
Rather than a numbered version ...

If the numbers go away this is what should be the replacement. At the very least it should be used as a special edition.

 

[Jdmuscle]

A simple ‘Z’ is much better sounding than 400Z or Z400