The Nissan 370Z Could Be the Last Z Car
The Nissan 370Z could be the last-ever two-door Z coupe, if remarks by Nissan’s product planning boss Phillipe Klein are any indication.
Speaking to Australia’s CarAdvice at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Klein recognized the declining demand for two-door sports coupes like the 370Z. That doesn’t mean the brand wants to abandon fun cars in altogether, but rather package them differently.
“There is a lot of passion behind this vehicle,” Klein said. “At the same time it’s a segment that is gradually declining, making the case more difficult.”
“We have no intention to quit excitement, but we’re going to make it happen in different ways.”
SEE ALSO: Nissan Gripz Concept Video, First Look
Back in 2015, Nissan unveiled the Gripz concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Taking inspiration from 240Z-based rally cars, the Gripz was a two-door coupe crossover with an interior that looked very Z-like. Around that time, there were rumors circulating the successor to the 370Z could be a small, sporty crossover like the Gripz. Klein’s recent statements haven’t quelled these rumors – they’ve given them new life.
Nissan’s chief designer, Alfonso Albaisa, told CarAdvice that Nissan doesn’t have any set ideas about what the next Z car will be. He acknowledged the Z brand is important to Nissan, hinting that it probably won’t ever die off completely, but the fact it hasn’t even locked in an idea for what the next Z vehicle will be is a sign it’s not really a priority for the company.
“I can say we don’t have a fixed thing yet,” Albaisa said. “But how can we completely blind of the importance of that name to the company?”
[Source: CarAdvice]
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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At the same time its a segment that is gradually declining, making the case more difficult. Hello? The reason it's declining is because you guys at Nissan haven't updated the car since 2009. Give people a new Z with new engines, more power, better exhaust, more tech, leaner body and keep the two seater design and you'll see sales come back.
The Acura NSX is back, the Supra is making a comeback. The Subaru BRZ/Toyota FRS are selling well but our 9 year old Z car's sales are declining. What does this mean? No one wants 2 door sports cars?!? Wake up Nissan! Sales are declining because it's time for you to wow us with the next generation Z car (hint: Z cars are not crossovers)