In a recent interview, Chief of Nissan Design , Alfonso Albaisa explained why the new Z sports car didn't get an optional t-top roof, stating "400hp, big torque, body rigidity"
Why the New Nissan Z didn't get a T-Top Roof Option
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It would be nice but not a deal breaker…
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I like Alfonso, but that excuse was a bit....ehhhh.....
The Z34 with 332hp was offered completely topless.
And T-Bar roofs can absolutely be engineered to perform nearly as well as a solid roof.
However, it's a dated design. Not everyone at Nissan remembers mullets and gold chains. I think Z owners would enthusiastically like T-Tops though.....
Nissan probably had some internal turmoil going on during this car's development, I would guess Nissan was marginalizing Ghosn at this time (that's why so many new Nissan designs are leaps and bounds better) and they had a lot on their plate.
They need to get the new Z out sooner than later, the curtain of regulations is closing on these cars.
I will add, the T-Tops on my Datsuns/Nissans always worked well.
The Z34 with 332hp was offered completely topless.
And T-Bar roofs can absolutely be engineered to perform nearly as well as a solid roof.
However, it's a dated design. Not everyone at Nissan remembers mullets and gold chains. I think Z owners would enthusiastically like T-Tops though.....
Nissan probably had some internal turmoil going on during this car's development, I would guess Nissan was marginalizing Ghosn at this time (that's why so many new Nissan designs are leaps and bounds better) and they had a lot on their plate.
They need to get the new Z out sooner than later, the curtain of regulations is closing on these cars.
I will add, the T-Tops on my Datsuns/Nissans always worked well.
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One of the features I miss from the 90's cars are the T-Tops and Targas. The Z34 came in a convertible, so they could've done it here. It would come at the cost of weight though, and the car is heavy enough as is.
The Supra is another, and probably even bigger offender. Its chassis is designed for a roadster right from the get go. In fact is the only dedicated sports car chassis BMW makes. Toyota even had a SEMA car made with a Targa and big wing. They know, these car makers just half-fast everything anymore. Or they hire "new youthful" people out of college that really don't pay attention to history, or care to.
The Supra is another, and probably even bigger offender. Its chassis is designed for a roadster right from the get go. In fact is the only dedicated sports car chassis BMW makes. Toyota even had a SEMA car made with a Targa and big wing. They know, these car makers just half-fast everything anymore. Or they hire "new youthful" people out of college that really don't pay attention to history, or care to.
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I don't think social media would've been able to handle the Z with a t-top haha. It would've broken the internet.
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Mullet madness would ensue
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I LOVED the T-Tops in my 280ZX (I also had a slicktop that had previously been stolen) and would have been willing to pay extra for them in the new Z. That they aren’t available won’t deter me or anyone from buying a Z. That said, I’d like to see a slicktop in the Nismo when it drops - for even more rigidity.
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The RF is one of the best looking cars on the road.Too bad its just been Mazda that came out with a cool top. The Miata RF is pretty cool.
I'd love if Nissan could do something but they might be limited here.
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Had doubts but thought they might explore the idea with this generation bringing a completely revised design.
I like that nissan t tops were around enough in the 90's, this NX2000 is another one
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