General Chat
Q:
Just found it in tt.net
http://news.windingroad.com/auto-news/caught-2008-nissan-skyline
Don't know what you think, but I'm impressed.
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My Z Page
Power with intelligence.
Speed with sensitivity.
It's the Z.
A:
They need to take the covers off, but I know they won't, probably not 'til it's ready to be released it to the public offically. But from what I can see, I'm starting to like it too.
Ksss Ksss
1981 280ZXT
A:
it's alright looking but i wouldn't pay 60-70 grand for it.atleast i believe that will be the asking price.they should have gone with the v-8.
Z's are like woman maintenance,maintenance,maintenance!
1971 240Z gunmetal metalic 5sp 4:11 gears in the rear
illuminas and purchased from the original owner w/136k original miles
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0-100 in under 4 seconds. 3.8litre V6 twinturbo holy ****!.
Its well worth the money, trust me,! and thats just stock from factory. Wonder what the V-Spec models will be putting out.
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I'd rather see a new 240SX (or 240Z!) in the US market.
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450 hp, 370 lb feet of torque STOCK!!!!!!!!!!
that means there is room for improvment
OOOOOO AHHHHHH OOOOO AHHHHH
Naturally aspirated 300zx made in 1984 2+2
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That paragraph is pretty guaranteed to be BS, but thats first I've heard of the engine being a 3.8L. I've heard 3.2, 3.7, 4.5 V8, all speculation.
But anyway, so far I like what I see.
---
Justin T
72 240Z L28, 5-speed
77 280Z 5-speed (t-boned 8-25-04)
80 280ZX automatic(retired)
A:
What's to say they won't produce a new 240SX? There was a time when it was really questioned if a new Z car would be produced. The GT-R needs to be produced. Regardless of what anyone thinks, the GT-R is and always has been the flagship for Nissan. The only reason there was a 16 year gap in the production of the GT-R is because Nissan was worried they could not produce a car worthy of the name during that time. Even when the R32 GT-R was in deveopment Nissan had not planned to call it a GT-R. It was supposed to be called the GT-X. A last minute decision was made to revive the GT-R name. While it will be a very small number of people that will buy the car, those people will be proud to know they own the most advanced road car on the planet. Each GT-R has been technologically superior to anything else on earth at it's release. I am sure this will be no different. This car is a rock star. Not just in Japan but worldwide. A GT-R stops traffic. Think of the prestige here in the U.S. for the Corvette, Mustang, or Camaro. Now roll them into one. That is the mystique the GT-R has, especially in Japan. Remember, the first Japanese car to really challenge an exotic race car (Porsche 908) was a Prince Skyline GT-B in 1966. In essence the GT-B was the spiritual predecessor to the GT-R. I agree that it may not appeal to everyone, but that is not the reason they are building it. The car is a source of pride for Nissan, and for Japan.
Brian
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"I agree that it may not appeal to everyone, but that is not the reason they are building it. "
100% agreed with nismo73.
No car can satisfy everyone. There are always some suckers that think they can make a better car and complain about everything else, no matter it's a GT-R, an Enzo, a Corvette, 911, etc.....
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My Z Page
Power with intelligence.
Speed with sensitivity.
It's the Z.
A:
Why the hell would u need a big honking V8 when the V6 pulls those numbers? The V8 would be slower... Although it looks a bit like the new Mustang to me, with all the covers on at least.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
Post Edited (Oct 9, 7:42pm)
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Im in love with the new GTR =]
Once I get out of college in 2 more years, im buying one asap!
84 300zx AE
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that was inspirational brian.
i can't help but think it looks big, but they say it's about as big as the 350z.
_____________________________________________
'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
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i think it looks f#!$'n damb good! may be as big as a mustank but will walk all over it!
76 280 all stock exept full bushings,qwuik knuckles,tokico struts&springs,3-2 header,k&n cai,msa sway bars,konig rewinds with toyo proxis ra1.
78 rust bucket. (4 sale!)
2000 v-dub mk4 jetta vr6
2005 titan 4x4 with nismo cai,banks exhus
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The V8's are useless against this car, just look what happened when they were introduced in 92 with the Bathurst in Australia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathurst_1000
They were displeasing to the crowed because they shat on the V8's :)
This is the new generation of super cars, no other manufacturer comes close.
Wish that was my backyard
97 Nissan Laurel, drift it up! New Zealand.
Post Edited (Oct 9, 8:00pm)
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They're cheap to import really for what they are, at least from an importer I know of they are. Can get em for around $20,000 AUD for the R32 GTR and about $40,000AUD or so for the R34 GTR as pictured above both with a mods list as long as your arm too.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
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I don't like the windshield rake, it's like it was a convertible that wasn't....
Other then that it looks pretty sweet!
Mario
1976 280Z - Dad's Z (turbo swap?)
1978 280Z - Stock Rebuild | 5 Speed | Twice Pipes | Gutted
1982 280ZX - Turbo | MSnS-E | 5 Speed | Large NPR IC
BROKE: Will build computers, webpages, networks, MS units, troubleshoot computers for money
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I would say it will be a modified/over bored 350Z engine with 2 TT's obviously with the 4WD Attesa system.
The 350 GT skyline looks like this..
97 Nissan Laurel, drift it up! New Zealand.
Post Edited (Oct 9, 9:42pm)
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A G35 and a new Mustang had a baby. A really ugly baby.
Awesome technology, though.
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In all honesty I think the Skyline's glory days are over... The cult classic ends with the R34 for me. I dont really like any of Nissans new cars unfortunately, they're back to having no ideas again and copying other manufacturers design styles.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
A:
"What's to say they won't produce a new 240SX?"
It guess it could happen but I haven't heard any talk about it, unlike the new GT-R which has been rumored/suggested for a few years now.
We already have quite a few high-$$$ mega cars in the U.S. market, but not one reasonably light (<2800 lb.), inexpensive (<$28k) rwd/irs coupe or hatchback.
Seems to me the demand for the 240SX has gone way up since it left the marketplace. I bet they could sell a ton of them now. Particularly with the turbo motor.
Instead we get yet another overwrought, overpriced, overweight wundercar.
A:
The car looks good, but the roofline is killing me. For some reason, it just doesnt look right.
It most likely wont sell too well here. It may be god's gift to driving, but the price will relegate it to Porsche/exotic territory. The ricer crowd is going to want it, but I highly doubt the bank will give them financing for something that they will most likely destroy and not afford.... I really wonder what is in it for Nissan, though. Unless it is going to be much much cheaper in Japan than here, it sounds like the project would be a loss. It may be the flagship of NIssan, but at the end of the day, they are there to make $$....
A new Silvia/240SX would be nice, though. It would in all likelihood be eaten up by the tuners/ricers. Not to mention, the price would make it affordable enough so that near anyone can purchase it.
1985 Nissan 300ZX Turbo "Rose": 85000 miles, 5 Speed, Red/white exterior, Burgundy Interior
Mods: 87 digital dash, 240SX front parking lights
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The 350 GT Skyline is butt ugly, but the R35 GT-R well who knows, time will tell.
All new cars are going for the ugly futuristic look. That's life.
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We're not far away from the flying cars we see on the movies. Look at what Star Trek brought to us. Things they never ever dreamed of in their time, lasers, talking communicators (cell phones), Real time video conference, all sorts of devices.
Don't be surprised if we fly around in super hover craft vehicles (the new Nissan Quantum R55 with sub atomic particle distributor), those who live to see 50 years from today.
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As long as it comes with a Mr. Fusion so I don't have to pay the trash bill...
And a flux capacitor.
1973 240Z 4 screw SU's, Tokico HP's, Toyota Calipers
1946 Willys-Overland CJ-2A (restoration in progress)
2006 Ural Gear-Up
A:
the car looks pregnant. then again, GT-Rs havent looked good since the 70s. so since they arent known for their looks, few will buy the car for its looks.
I bet the price range will probably be in between a stock c6 Vette and the Z06. if Nissan wants this car to keep its Godzilla rep, put the biggest brakes available on her,adjustable suspension, AWD, stability control, a big intercooler and 740cc injectors. they could detune and rate the car at 450 HP, but have the Nismo aftermarket stuff available to push her to 600 HP.
since the car is ugly and will probably be in the Vette's market, its going to have to be easily tunable. and since the car will be AWD, it will be heavy. its gonna take alot to make the car match the track numbers of a Z06.
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"
A:
"since the car is ugly and will probably be in the Vette's market, its going to have to be easily tunable. and since the car will be AWD, it will be heavy. its gonna take alot to make the car match the track numbers of a Z06."
I sincerely doubt that this is exactly what the production version will look like. Keep in mind that this is a test mule we are looking at. While I'm sure the basic shape will remain, you would be surprised at just how much of a difference subtle details can make on the overall appearance. Most spy shots of new cars look a great bit different from what is finally released. As for the comment about matching the Z06, I think you are setting the bar too low. It is well known that Nissan has been testing this car directly against a Porsche GT3. A thinly disguised street legal race car with incredibly low production numbers. Keep in mind the C6 Vette is no lightweight itself. Even the Z06 is around 3100 pounds. While it is a great car, there has never been a production Corvette that could compete with a GT-R in the same model year. You may be looking at the comparison from the wrong perspective. I think it is quite likely that all of the development going into the Vette lately is in preparation for trying to keep up with the GT-R. We won't have to wait long though. Once the car is released every magazine on earth will have shootouts between the GT-R and Vettes. And Porsches. And Vipers. And probably Ferraris. It is for this reason that Nissan is probably going to such lengths. The whole automotive world is watching them. Everyone is aware of the legacy of the GT-R. And every automaker in that segment will be looking to beat it. You really think Nissan is going to release this car if anything under $200k cars can match it? Not likely.
Brian
A:
They're gonna have their hands full with the new Z06...and for today's standards, 3100 lbs. is light :-(
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'82 280zx -- 400+hp 355 sbc / T-56
'72 240zt - T3/T4 hybrid / TEC-II / not much stock
'82 280zxt - Stock...for now
'77 280z 2+2 -- Ongoing battle; currently in the process of "ricing
A:
My money's on 505hp and 3150 lb. over 450hp and 3400+ except on a traction-challenged course (wet, whatever).
Not that I'm a Corvette fan.
Anyway, Porsche GT3 (and GT2)? Slow.
A:
dude, you havent been keeping up. Nissan no longer tries to lead, but they follow. the pregnant mare sportscar look is an indication that they are following. and even if the GT-R doesnt look exactly like this test mule, it will still be ugly if it even remotely looks anything like all the rest of the pregnant cars that Nissan and Toyota are putting out.
and as Dan said, I am not a Corvette fan either. but I am being real when I say that the GT-R will have a tough time matching the Z06. sure, 3100 lbs is no lightweight.
but then again, I seriously doubt that there are 5 240Z in North America that can match the track performance of the Z06.
with an AWD setup, the GT-R will be over 3700 lbs. to drop the weight lower than this will require Nissan to buy more expensive components which will jack the price of the car up into the Z06 range. and the GT-R will need alot more than 450 HP to match a Z06. in fact, it will need more than 550 HP. and I highly doubt that it will have more than 500 HP.
forget about the Porsche GT3, at this time, in North America, the car to beat is the Z06.
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"
A:
I have been keeping up just fine, but thanks for your concern. The Z06 is a very good car, no argument. But the GT-R has always been a great car. You both are completely missing the point I made with the Porsche. On a race track, the production GT3 Porsche is far superior to the production Z06. As it should be with a barely legal car. Regardless of your overuse of the word "pregnant", which I still don't understand the context of, you are being extremely nieve if you think there will be such a gap in the Z06 and GT-R. Are you at all aware of the fact that even the heaviest of GT-Rs, the R34, was barely 3400 pounds? And that car was untouchable on a race track. Do you really think that Nissan is simply going to slap the GT-R name onto a car that won't perform? As for Nissan only following, they have set the track record at Nurbergring with each GT-R. And again each car was heavier (therefore in your argument slower) than the last. There was not even a Corvette that could match the R32 lap times from 1988 until the C6 prototype a couple years back. Now all of a sudden the new GT-R will not be able to compete? If anything, it looks like Nissan is leading by such a large margin that it takes other manufacturers years to respond. In the end, all of your speculation is just that; idle speculation. I have a feeling you will be eating a large piece of humble pie in a short time.
Brian
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"Idle speculation" is saying that a car that doesn't exist yet, that is projected to have 450hp, that is very likely to weigh at least 3400 lb. (speculation again, but I'd bet a six-pack), will beat an existing 505hp 3150 lb. Z06.
We shall see. FWIW I don't really care, but I'd still bet the Z06 comes out on top.
I still think it's a crying shame Nissan doesn't offer a smaller, lighter-weight, more bare-bones rwd sports/sporty coupe/hatch, and instead prefers to re-enter the mostly-meaningless supercar wars. Isn't enlargement surgery available for far less $$$ anyway? For 90% of the buyers of these cars, that would serve them just as well. Either way, if you don't know how to use it, the fastest car/biggest unit in the world won't do you any good.
A:
I have huge hopes for the new GTR. I hope they do the impossible and add complicated 4WD, turbo/intercooling, and all wheel steering systems yet make it light as a bare bone plastic covered vette. I would be extremely impressed if the new GTR beats the new z06 in anything. And for the record, 3100lbs in a near exotic [in performance at least] is as LIGHT as it gets besides a ferrari F40 and a few other VERY select cars without simply making a small car.
There are more elements to a car than a power->weight ratio. I have a feeling the GTR will have to succeed in all of those to be what people seem to expect out of it.
Then again, if decade old technology with a 2.6ltr motor can do what the R34 did, who knows..
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
you are the one thats naive. and no, you have not been keeping up. the R34 was a couple lbs shy of 3700 lbs.
if Nissan attempts to pit their new GT-R against the Z06, the GT-R will come out the loser.
- the car will not be under 3200 lbs
- the car will not have the 550 HP needed to be competitive
- the car is already a loser in the looks department
- the car will be as expensive or more expensive than the Z06 in order to match it
then again, it would be a dumb move for Nissan to try to match/beat the Z06 with a production car. I would sell the cars at 450 HP and just make the car easy to modify. just put the big injectors and intercoolers in the car from the factory and sell the rest through the aftermarket. that way, you can keep your prices down and allow the consumers the option of buying the go faster goodies.
and since you are so caught up with the Skyline GT-R racing history, what year did the Skyline GT-R win at Le Mans? no matter how many wins a car has in Japan or Australia, it doesnt mean jack until you get a win at the biggest sportscar race of them all.
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"
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All you Americans don't know much about GT-R's the car will hit the scene in American and all the manufacturers will be spilling **** about it because they're jealous. Jealous of what the GT-R will do to the market.
The fact of the matter is no car will ever match the Performance/Price range of the NIssan GT-R.
As Nismo says it has lap records everywhere. The proof is in the pudding, the 4WD system is superior, Nissan has designed everything down to a fine tooth comb.
Bring on the Race Wars. $100,000 Nissan GT-R VS $500,000 wannabe supercars. Hope you dont break a part or it may cost you $20,000 to fix the ferrari. LMFAO.
97 Nissan Laurel, drift it up! New Zealand.
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"and since you are so caught up with the Skyline GT-R racing history, what year did the Skyline GT-R win at Le Mans? no matter how many wins a car has in Japan or Australia, it doesnt mean jack until you get a win at the biggest sportscar race of them all."
So that means that the Corvette was nothing in the 40 someodd years before it won Le Mans? A claim like this just shows how poor your argument is. Le Mans is a very prestigious race, and winning it is quite an achievement. But saying nothing else matters is rediculous. If you want to go about with emotional and irrational banter, fine. How many race series were eliminated because the Corvette was unbeatable? None. How many sanctioning bodies have banned the Vette? None. How many countries have actually dissallowed the use of the Vette in major competition? None. On the other hand, the GT-R is the only car on earth to have those distinctions. Let's continue, how about land speed record for a street car? Vette, no. GT-R, yes. How about Pikes Peak championship. Again, one more in the GT-R column. Nothing for the Vette. Do I really need to go on? Because I could give you pages of it.
What I really don't understand, is why we are even having this argument. This thread started out talking about the upcoming production of this car and has somehow been hijacked into a "yeah but it won't be as good as......". You two don't like the car. I get that. I think we all get that. I know that each time a discussion about the GT-R comes up Dan Baldwin always has the same thing to say. "They should build a 240SX. We don't need a GT-R". Yet he has admitted to never having driven a GT-R. I know Vettes are fast. I grew up with them. Hell, I learned how to drive in an '85 C4. I took dates out in a '90 ZR1. My family has owned each generation of Vette since 1973. Including a C5 Z06. I am in no way discounting the car, but I am getting tired of having to defend my position when I simply say "Nissan needs to build this car". You two may not want the car. Simply don't buy one. Wow that was tough. But sometimes I seriously question the motivation of some of the comments made. You think it's ugly. Fine, that is subjective. Does that mean everyone has the same opinion? Not really. Does that mean no one will buy the car? No. Does that mean it will be a poor performer? No.
And by the way, the R34 GT-R weighs in at 1560 KG. Or 3429.211 pounds. Sounds a bit farmiliar for some reason, if I could only remember where I heard that...............oh yeah, it was me.
Brian
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They should build a 240SX. We don't need a GT-R.
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Touche Dan, touche.
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:)
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Build both, I need a GTR, carrying groceries suck on sportbikes.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
A 4cyl. 240sx over a GTR? I can only assume you're kidding lol
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
A:
the 240sx is a better looking car
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas
A:
you are the one arguing. I gave my speculations and you got bent out of shape. you know my speculations are sound but you choose to have blind loyalty to the Nissan brand.
loyalty can be a good thing, but blind loyalty promotes ignorance.
if I say the GT-R would need 550 HP to be competitive with the Z06, is that wrong? 450 HP will not be enough. the current Viper with 500 HP and 500 Ftlbs got its lunch eaten. so when I say that the GT-R would need 550 HP to be competitive, dont get mad.
if I say that the GT-R will probably be heavier than the Z06, do you think this speculation is wrong? if Nissan tries to make it 3000 or less, the GT-R will be priced up there with the 911 Turbo, which will price it out of the market.
and in the sportscar world, a win at LeMans goes a long way. what is Pikes Peak compared to the LeMans? the majority of sportscar lovers do not want to buy a sportscar because it won a race in the dirt. Steve McQueen didnt shoot a movie about dirt racing, did he? in fact it is lame of you to even compare LeMans to a dirt race like Pikes Peak when talking about sportscars.
you are right about one thing, however : you ARE tired if thats the best argument you can bring forth.
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"
A:
Just checked, and no I'm still not bent out of shape. I am not the slightest bit angry as you would so quickly be to claim. Where exactly is my blind allegiance? Everything I have told you is pure fact. Being completely and totally correct about my facts makes me blind? That is quite a leap there my friend. You have not provided even the slightest bit of real data to back yourself up. You are making claims about a car you have most likely never seen in person, let alone driven. Have you ever driven a GT-R? Of any year? I have to question it because you did not even know the correct weight of the R34. As with all of your other attacks, because an argument would need to be logical, you simply threw out something that you thought would help your case (your claim of the 3700+ pound R34). Instead you ran into someone with correct info and it showed clearly that your facts are questionable at best, and most likely completely unreliable.
So, you still have not answered my question. Does your "allegiance" to Le Mans mean that the Corvette was not a great car before they won? Fourty someodd years and 5 generations of car until it reached the "greatness" status of Le Mans winner? Pretty sure there are at least a few people that might just disagree and, dare we say, argue that it has always been a special car. Is this what you are claiming? I really would like to know.
Blind allegiance is what you accuse me of. I counter that I am simply looking at a trend. A mathematical probability. Follow me here, because it may get tricky. These statistical facts can be hard for a vivid imagination like yours. The original GT-R, from Feb. of '69, won all but 1 race until they stopped racing in late '72. In total over 50 victories. The R32 GT-R in 1989 set track record for a production car at Nurburgring. Then went on to dominate every organized racing body it competed in. Only to be restricted, unsuccessfully at that, to attempt to level the field. Most other auto makers, including the allmighty Ford, simply threw in the towel and quit instead of attempting to keep up. Moving on, about 5 years later the track record of the R32 was finally beaten. Yes, a production car was eventually created that could post a faster time. And guess what? It was physically larger and a bit heavier but had no more hp. What car was it you might inquire? Glad you asked, it was the R33 GT-R. But surely a car that is heavier and larger with the same hp can't be faster. Can it? So this heavier, larger, and therefor "slower" car then continues to change the face of motorsports around the globe. GT-R only race series are created. Why? Because it was found that no other cars were being entered in the existing race series. So, the R33 holds the time a Nurburgring until some 6 years later or so when it is beaten by a Porsche, a GT2 I believe. A damn fast car, no argument. But the story does not quite end there. Porsches grip on the title lasts only about a year or so. One day an even larger, heavier, and "slower" car arrives. This car takes a quick lap on the track only to find that, drumroll please....., a GT-R again owns the record. So, to summarize, each successive generation of GT-R was larger, heavier, and......wait for it......wait for it.......FASTER! Each model was superior to any other car around it. Each specific model (i.e. KPGC10, R32, R33, R34) racked up more victories than all of the Corvettes from day one.
So, if this is the definition of "blind loyalty", I may be guilty. I may be just a Nissan freak that irrationally thinks that 17 years of unparalelled success will spawn another winning combination. Yeah, I'm crazy like that. Then again, I also expect the sun to rise in the east tomorrow morning.
Brian
Post Edited (Oct 11, 9:51pm)
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>the 240sx is a better looking car
That's subjective, but performance wise the 240sx isn't even in the same league.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
A:
Performance drift wise maybe ;)
97 Nissan Laurel, drift it up! New Zealand.
A:
"A 4cyl. 240sx over a GTR? I can only assume you're kidding lol"
Absolutely NOT kidding. For ONE thing, another ~$65,000 car on the market doesn't really do anything for me, as there's NO WAY I'll be buying one. For ANOTHER thing, even if I *could* afford to spend that much on a car, it wouldn't be for a track car. For a track car I'd MUCH rather start with a lighter-weight (and cheaper!) platform.
I can't tell you how many people have shown up at the track with the club I do time trials with in supercars like 911 turbos, Vipers, Z06s, NSX's, on and on, that have either quit due to poor results (like getting passed by Miatas and Civics) or eventually "graduated" to Miatas or other lower-cost, lighter-weight cars. Those that continue quickly learn that their mega$$$ supercars can be outrun by much cheaper, and not even that well-developed, LIGHTER-WEIGHT cars with decent power/weight, even Dodge (Shelby) Omni's and old Datsuns (see here: http://www.comscc.com/results/nhis0902.htm ).
I can tell you from experience, it is a HELL of a lot more fun to drive around the track in a lighter-weight car than in a heavier car with similar power/weight, no matter how sophisticated and high-zoot the heavier car is. Lighter/cheaper/simpler is (for me anyway) MORE FUN! "lol" indeed!
Post Edited (Oct 12, 7:09am)
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There is nothing wrong with the 240SX. It is a spectactular performer. The Silvia platform is incredibly popular. And for just the reasons Dan listed. While the later S14 and S15 got a bit heavy, they could still run hard. The S13 on the other hand is everybit the lightweight in todays terms. Somewhere in the area of 2800-2900 pounds. The only downside is that we here in the U.S. got a watered down version with the KA. While it is a very good engine, it lacks the excitement the SR20 can offer stock for stock. But, to follow Dans thinking, an SX with a modest power level over 200hp will give a lot of cars a good run. The Miata is another example. I definately agree that lighter cars can offer a great deal of fun. I have built several 240Zs, mostly turbo, with about 300hp and also built the first SR20det powered Roadster in the U.S. Each of these were great fun on the track.
Speaking of the S13 Silvia, are any of you aware that after the production of the S13 stopped, public demand was so great that Nissan actually re-released it along side the S14 in Japan. The Silvia line is actually older than the Z car too. Starting in the mid 60's. I would be very surprised if Nissan did not bring it back to life. The real question is if we here in the U.S. will get it. The skipped us completely with the S15, which was a real shame. The S15 was everybit the modern hot-rod. Take all you know about the S13 and add in another 100hp and serious suspension refinement. I only got to ride in one once, but I was very impressed. I have owned 2 S13's, but the S15 made them look pedestrian. If there happens to be an S16 or whatever, I'm sure it will again be the sports car bargain.
Brian
A:
Sure there's nothing particularly wrong with them but they aint no GTR...
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
Post Edited (Oct 12, 4:19pm)
A:
Some of you guys are totally forgetting half the reason people buy a 'mega' sportcar in the first place, it's called prestige factor. Sure you can drop $20K in an older car (take your pick) and make it a great handling car, with insane amounts of power, but when you are rolling around town is anyone that's not a teenager to early even to mid 20's going to notice you? Most likely not. The more expensive cars such as Corvettes, Porsches, GT-R's, etc are not for (1) that age group previously mentioned, or (2) budget minded racers, but it's for people who want a very quick car without the need to wrench it constantly, or have the smell of any car fluid (oil or gasoline) completely overcome them. Plus how many ladies (not girls or chics) would really be comfortable being picked up in a fully raced prepped econobox/older car? Let them build it, if it's not your thing, then skip it and buy something else that is. Let everyone get what they want.
-2003 350Z Enthusiast Stage 0
-1971 Datsun 521 Inline 4
-1970 Datsun 510 w/KA24DE
-1991 Honda CRX HF
(62 HP and 50 MPG BEAST!!!)
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I know why most buy these cars, see a few posts back where I said enlargement surgery would do them just as well.
It'd be great if everybody could get what they want, I just find it curious that nobody's got a car on the market that meets my criteria:
1) not too overweight (~2800 lb. or less)
2) rwd/irs
3) modicum of utility (i.e. not a 2-seat roadster)
4) not too terribly overpriced (~30k or less)
5) reasonable to look at
But if you wanna spend $65k on an ego-mobile, there's a veritable plethora to choose from.
Just as well, the way it is I haven't had a car payment in YEARS!
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Dan, while it may be true that some men going through a mid life crisis buy a flashy car, I am sure that's not the only reason they do. I am no where near a mid life crisis and I almost bought a Porsche, granted it would have been a used 2000 996, but it still would have been sweet in my book.
I plan to work my way up the car food chain and would eventually like own a HSC (NSX replacement), Porshce, GT-R, or even a used Vanquish, why? Because I want a great looking modern sports car as a reward for all my hard work. I'd rather it have some utilitarian things like some cup holders, and small seats in the back so when I eventually get married and have a kid or two, we can still get some use out of it while we can instead of getting a strick 2 seater. Essentially it would be MY car, not the family car.
Besides the lack of RWD there are plenty of cars already on the market for you to choose from to satisy 80% (and some 100%) of your criteria. You can consider the Nissan Sentra, Scion models, Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru WRX, Chevrolet Cobalt, Civic Si, Golf GTi, etc those all fit your criteria (well except the RWD and looks are subjective) but those are the kinds of cars that you're describing really...but you have to understand that those cars are marketed to the younger less affluent crowd and if that's what you're after, there you go, enjoy! I for one will be looking at the grown up models those same manufactures offer.
-2003 350Z Enthusiast Stage 0
-1971 Datsun 521 Inline 4
-1970 Datsun 510 w/KA24DE
-1991 Honda CRX HF
(62 HP and 50 MPG BEAST!!!)
A:
The number one criteria I have is rwd (though I have it listed 2nd above).
I don't *have* to understand anything about how a vehicle is being marketed. If a manufacturer (note: "manufacture" is a verb) builds what I want, I'll buy it, whether its intended market is young, poor, old, rich, chimps, whatever.
Still, thanks for the attempt! The only car you list that remotely appeals to me is the WRX. I test-drove one and it was OK, but it really made my wife's Mazda3s (w/ leather) seem like a MUCH more upscale car in comparison! The interior of the Sube just reeked of cheap in looks and feel. An rwd equivalent to the Mazda3 would be fine with me.
Currently driving a '95 240SX, but I liked my old S13 better. I'll probably hold out for an S13 in really nice shape and do the SR20DET thing after I let this one get me through another New England Winter.
To my mind, money in my pocket (or invested) is a better reward for my work than partially enslaving myself to an expensive car! Besides, the idea of minimalism in a car, particularly a performance car, really appeals to me. Your fleet looks pretty cool! KA24DE 510, kick-ass! Only one extravagance I see...
My extravagance is on the motorcycle side. I have a perfectly good Suzuki SV650 that does everything I need (including track days). But I also have an Aprilia Tuono for no good reason at all, other than the sheer coolness of the thing. Vanity I suppose...
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son, you've been deceiving yourself. you dont have any "pure facts" just speculation like everyone else.
and yes, I have driven an R32. so what? this car we're talking about is neither.
the fact is that Nissan will be hard pressed to outperform the Z06. bottom line. I seriously doubt that they will for under $100k. but then the looks of the car will come into play as the majority of people that will be able to afford a one will prefer the sleeker lines of the Vette to the pregnant look that Nissan give their sportscars nowadays.
1991 300zx Stage IX Twin Turbo - 2003 ZCCA Gold Cup
...Z-PC MP3/VCD/NAV system, DVD/TV/CD 5.1, 100-shot n2o, P/P upper & lower plenums, Koyo, SS exhaust, SS Test/Down pipes, Greddy SMICs, UR Crank Pulley, Optima, ProfecB II, Timer, no EGR, BTK Brake