Nissan 370Z 2015 News

It’s one of the most anticipated models since the 2007 return of Nissan’s GT-R, but Mazda is still yet to officially confirm a rotary-powered replacement for the RX-7 and RX8 sports models.However, the latest of a series of reports suggests that an RX-7-succeeding two-door sports coupe is under development at least, with the Nissan 370Z’s 86/BRZ-Porsche Cayman splitting market territory firmly in its sights.An idea of what the model might look like has been created by master artist Theophilus Chin, based on Mazda’s Shinari concept that evolved into the current model 6.According to Autoweek, industry buzz suggests that a lightweight two door coupe based on the upcoming 2015 MX-5 is being developed, with a next-generation rotary engine.With the MX-5 expected to drop its price nearer to the 86/BRZ rear-drive performance bargains, a higher performing RX-7 is expected to target the 370Z’s upcoming replacement, which is also expected to lower its current $56,930 entry point.The Mazda is yet to receive a production green light however, with a “no concrete plans” official line, but Autoweek reports that Mazda executives have made off the record confirmation of the development program.A 2015-16 completion date has also been suggested, which would be a logical fit for the rotary engine’s 50th anniversary in 2017 or the RX-7’s 40th anniversary in 2018.Mazda’s chief designer Ikuo Maeda is also the son of the design boss who oversaw the original RX-7’s development, and reportedly wants to see the new sports coupe reach production before he retires.Mazda plans to use a smaller-scale rotary engine design as a generator for agricultural applications, and has explored its potential as a range-extending engine for hybrid vehicle applications as showcased in the Mazda 2 prototype driven by Carsguide late last year. The rotary used in this model is a 330cc single chamber design, unlike the twin-rotor 1.3-litre Renesis unit used most recently in the RX-8 that ended production in 2012.The report suggests that a production Mazda sports coupe will not use a hybrid drivetrain and will be naturally-aspirated like the RX-8. The new model will also likely deliver significantly improved fuel consumption over the RX-8’s 12.9L/100km combined fuel figure.A capacity of around 600cc per rotor has been suggested – slightly down from the RX-8’s 650cc – and it’s unclear whether twin or triple-rotors will be employed. A twin-rotor like the RX-8 is most likely, which would result in an overall capacity of around 1.2-litres.Given the new engine’s efficiency focus, power output is not likely to climb significantly from the RX-8’s 170kW, with a realistic figure of about 186kW. However with the upcoming MX-5’s expected weight savings, such a figure could prove more than adequate in a coupe version of the same platform.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

In a stronger push for sales before the close of the 2013 books, Nissan has sliced the price tags of the 370Z range, and is offering driveaway pricing on the entry level six-speed manual Coupe until December 31. The price movement means the formerly $69,890 Coupe is $12,960 cheaper at $56,930 and can be driven away for $59,990 until the end of the year.  The seven-speed auto Coupe also drops $12,960 from $72,890 to $59,930. The Roadsters models each slice $10,960, with the manual dropping from $76,890 to $65,930 and the auto from $79,890 to $68,930. To date, Nissan has sold 290 370Zs for 2013, compared to 372 last year – with the sports hero Toyota 86 moving 5892 in that time.  "We certainly hope it will invigorate sales," Nissan Australia spokesman Chris Jordan says. "We're confident in the product and now we're confident the adjusted pricing will let more sports car fans consider the 370Z. It's about opening the car up to a larger slice of the market." The 370Z is powered by a 3.7-litre, double overhead cam V6 petrol engine developing 245kW of power and 363Nm of torque. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, climate-control airconditioning,  satellite navigation and a 9.3GB hard disk with a Bose sound system. Nissan 370Z range 370Z Coupe (Manual): from $56,930 (-$12,960) $59,990 driveaway 370Z Coupe (Auto): from $59,930 (-$12,960) 370Z Roadster (Manual): from $65,930 (-$10,960) 370Z Roadster (Auto): from $68,930 (-$10,960) This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

...in all its glory.

It is not aiming for first overall, but believes it can overtake Mazda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi to become the country's favourite all- import brand. Nissan is already doing better with everything from the supercar GT-R to the Maxima, 370Z and Murano, and believes the next-generation Tiida - which could revert to the Pulsar name when it lands in 2011 - will push it to the top. "Our market apsiration is to be the number one full importer in this company. That's the objective for 2012," says Dan Thompson, managing director of Nissan Australia. "Where we sit now is number two or number three. Mazda is now clearly the number one . . . in recent times Hyundai has joined the party so we have three players vying for that spot. We want to leapfrog Mazda by 2012, with two years of brand building and the next generation of cars." It sounds like a big call, and it will not be easy, but Thompson believes Nissan will have the vehicles to get the numbers for position one. "This business isn't rocket science. You have the right products ... and the rest ... and you have market success," he says. Thompson says the next piece of the product puzzle, following the front-wheel drive Dualis price fighter revealed last week, is the Z Roadster. "It's all falling into place. The results are being delivered just as we had planned," he says. "The goal is to be sitting at six per cent. We were at 5.9 last year." It won't dramatically change in fiscal 2010 until the core volume volume models - that's the new Micra and Tiida - arrive." Nissan has tagged its plan as GT2012, but it's not just about numbers. "G is for growth and T is for trust," Thompson says. "The GT-R is a fantastic story. It's not about volume, it's about branding. We sold 300 cars but we had 20,000 visitors to our site each week to check out the car. "Murano, Maxima, Z and GT-R have far exceeded our planning. The Dualis is the fifth piece." He says the biggest problem for Nissan in 2009 is getting sufficient stock of its biggest sellers, including the Navara. "We're restrained by limitations on stock. Even outside of that the big challenge for all of us is what is the natural level of demand."

Those familiar with the venerable 240Z from the 1970s will see some of its classic design cues in the 370Z.The newcomer boasts a sleek aerodynamic shape with a dramatic cantilevered roof — shared with the GT-R — and a road-hugging profile.The bigger-engined 370Z replaces the 360Z, which established itself as a favourite with enthusiasts.The 370Z’s sleek silhouette is defined by its upswept rear-quarter window design, echoed in the upward curve of the sheet metal around the rear wheels that gives the car a moulded look.Nissan designers have paid attention to the car’s detailing and functionality.The turn indicator has been integrated into the Z logo mounted between the front wheel and door, while both the front and rear light clusters curve into the bodywork. Quality is up and the cabin has a luxury-car feel.The new Z’s wheelbase is 100mm shorter than the previous generation Z (a more compact 2550mm instead of 2650mm).The car’s overall length has been shortened by 70mm too, from 4320mm to 4250mm.At the same time, the overall width has increased by 33mm and the rear track by 55mm, bringing a purposeful look.The use of lightweight materials, as well as a more compact approach to the exterior dimensions have reduced weight, which in turn helps performance and dynamics.Nissan engineers have also delivered a much stronger body, with extensive reinforcement to improve rigidity.Joining the 370Z will be the refreshed Maxima, new Murano V6 off-roader and heart-stopping GT-R performance coupe.Even with a price tag starting at $148,800, Nissan Australia has had no problems finding GT-R buyers.Nissan will also showcase its Micra, X-Trail, Navara and Dualis at the show. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

What should have been the main attraction in the car world was reduced to a sideshow as the heads of America's Big Three sat down in Detroit on the same day to beg for the billions they need to stay in business.There was plenty of shiny new stuff but all the talk was doom and gloom, even from car chiefs who do not have the same live-or-die pressures as General Motors, Ford and Chrysler."I think it is fair to say this is the worst we have seen," the head of the world's fifth-largest carmaker, Carlos Ghosn of the Nissan- Renault alliance, says as he delivers the keynote speech at the opening of LA '08."And we are not certain. Is this the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?", Ghosn says of the critical cash crisis which is affecting nearly everyone in the car world.Still, there is plenty of new stuff and news on the strangely subdued stands in downtown LA.The latest Ford Mustang, for a start.And then the world debut of the latest Mazda3 and Lexus RX, the great looking new Nissan 370Z, the updated Porsche Cayman and Boxster, and even a droptop Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.It's no surprise, either, that some of the special impact in LA is reserved for cars which are chasing the elusive path to a future beyond petrol that satisfies American lawmakers' deepening desire for transport without emissions.The Mini E is the obvious champion, but LA also has the electric Mitsubishi i-MIEV which is likely to become Australia's first plug-and- go volt car, and all sorts of new-and-old battery-powered concept cars from the Big Three and a growing number of hybrid production cars including the Mondeo-sized Ford Fusion.As well as the radical looking Honda FC Sport Concept, which was done to prove that a hydrogen-powered future car does not have to look as boring or family as the company's upcoming Insight or the benchmark Toyota Prius.The show is a mis-hit for General Motors, which canned its concepts and parties, although Ford stays totally committed with a Mustang which makes the running for an event which typically draws around one million visitors in a city which is the car capital of the USA and, by extension, the world."I think there is a mixed emotion at the show," says J Mays (SUBS: CORRECT), the design director of Ford Motor Company."You still have to try and tug hard enough on the heart strings that people forget about the purse strings. It's a yin-and-yang situation."Looking over at his Mustang, and across to the Honda FC, Mays expresses what many people are thinking. Even at a time when it is more politically correct to attack the car chiefs, and their private- jet flights to Washington, than to talk about a show which takes another important step towards the world beyond petrol."Automobiles are escapism. It's not just transport," says Mays."People ask if it's appropriate to launch the Mustang at his time. Damn right it is. It puts a smile on your face and enhances your quality of life."That is definitely true of the Mustang, which still looks muscular and fresh despite a chassis which trails well behind the Ford Falcon, and the open-air Gallardo and even the second-generation Nissan Cube, which could just make it to Australia one day.And the 370Z looks tauter than today's 350, with the promise of more go and much better cabin quality, and the Mazda3 is fresh and happy.The Mini E looks just like the regular petrol-power car but is a milestone car which has the power and range to win people to electric."It's an important time in the history of the global car industry," says Carlos Ghosn.He worries about the impact of the global recession, and the money pressures on carmakers trying to evolve faster than ever before, and the challenges of safety and emission regulations.But, just like the cars on the LA Show stands, and the regular car people who flood in once the doors are open, he is bottom-line upbeat and bright."The one thing that is certain, absolutely certain, is that people will continue driving cars. Cars have no substitute. We have convergence on the issues, but divergence on the solutions," Ghosn says.And that is pretty much the way things looked in LA. 

But that is no surprise with the heads of the Big Three carmakers all skipping the event to continue lobbying for a $US25 billion lifeline from congress in Washington.Ford still splashed with the official introduction of the 2010 Mustang, but Chrysler and General Motors both wound-back their involvement in the second-biggest car show in North America.That left the way clear for the imports, with Mazda pulling the cover off its all-new Mazda3 - the last car it will develop with Ford as its owner - Nissan revealing its revitalised 370Z and a new Cube, and Honda revealing a radical looking new concept coupe called the FC Sport.Lexus also has a new RX SUV, which is being simultaneously unveiled in Sydney and will come as both a pure petrol car and a hybrid, Hyundai is showing a Sonata hybrid concept and the plug-in Mini E electric car is making its first public appearance.The LA show usually draws a crowd of more than one million visitors but the attendance is expected to be well down this year with car sales off by more than 35 per cent in October and America's annual selling rate down by closer to 40 per cent.Still, cars like the Mustang will still draw a crowd in a city which is one of the most automobile driven in the world and there are plenty of pointers to the future including a growing number of electric cars led by the Mini but including concepts from Chrysler.