Next Nissan Z Could Return To Its Roots

With the Nissan IDx not heading into production, the next-generation Z could possibly take up the mantle of being an affordable, rear-drive vehicle.

Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura told Autoblog that one of ideas under consideration for the next Z is move the model downmarket in the spirit of the original 240Z.

"We are studying a couple of different concepts. Because the sports car market is becoming smaller globally. We would like to do something, I personally think, is more [in the] original concept of Z, which is ... more practical and appealing to younger customers." The original 1969 240Z, sold under the Datsun nameplate, became an icon thanks to a combination of attractive styling, reasonable performance, and affordable price," said Nakamura.

Now if Nissan does go down this route, don't expect to be a clone of Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ or Mazda MX-5 Miata.

"We may not necessarily go into the same category. Personally I see other options that are very interesting. We want to do something the same as this, unique," said Nakamura, pointing to a picture of the GTR-LM.

Source: Autoblog