Nissan-Infiniti, Where to Place the Z

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind) 09/08/2015 at 21:55 • Filed to: Nissan Infiniti

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Things have changed a lot in the last five years. The pony cars are transforming into sports cars with optional huge engines. Gone are the days where an unassisted V6 and the ability to corner were enough to be competitive against a similarly priced Mustang or Camaro. Hyundai is abandoning this market with a more refinied, luxury-focused Genesis Coupe and I think the Nissan Z will need to do the same.

We know that originally the last generation of Z cars were valued on being the front-engined Boxster/Cayman fighters we could afford, but as the muscle cars gained the ability to change directions (and the car you would actually option out neared $50k) the Z cars became a hard sell in terms of value. Luckily there is a solution to this problem which not only keeps the Z lineage progressing forward, but increases the equity of a dulling luxury brand and frees up Nissan to keep making the funky things no one ever asked for.

Enter the Infiniti Z40.

*Emerg-e Concept for effect

This allows the Z to more up logically (in name and in branding), gives Infiniti the performance focused vehicle it needs for its brand identity, and allows the price points to actually make sense. Though a Nissan 370z may start at under $30K, when you consider that the Roadster starts at $41,820 we realize the Z will need to be a $40k car to truly win over the competition. Also, the brand shift would better align the Z cars to be a legitimate threat to the lower end of the Boxster/Cayman, Z4, and SLK, while maintaining a $10,000 price advantage against these $50k luxury roadsters. The Audi TT is the only thing in the same price range, but we all know the VQ will create the winning choice in that numbers sheet.

This also opens up Infiniti to continue to move the Z up without worrying over the engine displacement. A Z40 can have a turbo 4, v6, or turbo V6 without confusing Jalops (who already have no clue what’s going on with Infiniti’s names). In six years they can move the Z40 up to the Z50 if the need arises. It also gives them the flexibility to create an SL rival in a Z60. It would also open up the QX line up since right now the QX70 (FX37) is smaller than the QX60, not leaving much room for more sizes of money-making crossovers. A ZX line would be a logival place for the replacement of the FX37 to live on as the ZX50. Thus all of Infiniti’s sports cars would be under the Z-series, the performance CUVs under ZX, and the regular stuff called Q and QX. Also the Z-series would give the IPL brand enough range to become a legitimate move away from Nismo (yes, I do believe there is room for both, even with Nismo being to Nissan what SRT is to Dodge/Chrysler).

Now what does the loss of the Z mean for Nissan?

I really don’t know, but there would be a very large space opened up. Trends seem to say people love fun, well balanced, vehicles in this category. Might be nice to have another coupe to go against the Toyobarus since the Miata and 124 Spider are unlikely to go fixed roof.

Obviously if Infiniti isn’t in your country you get to keep for Nissan badges, boomerang lights, and C-pillar tint.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Wobbles the Mind 09/08/2015 at 22:09

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Toyota at least had the courage to build the 86. The next Z is a crossover and autocrossers everywhere are sad

08GTImkV > Wobbles the Mind 09/08/2015 at 22:19

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I just finished making a (grayed out) comment on the main article about how I think Nissan could move the next gen Z car to a platform that will also be used to make an affordable, RWD sporty crossover. Maybe the next gen Juke.

Such a car might sell a high enough volume to also justify building a low volume affordable sports car. I think it would help Nissan gain more credibility as a sporty brand.

Personally, I think automakers can find success making affordable sports cars. They just need to find a nice middle ground between performance, handling, creature comfort, everyday livability and price. Certainly not an easy task, and it is unrealistic to think Nissan will sell a Porsche for $30k.

wbizarre - OEM fetishist > 08GTImkV 09/08/2015 at 22:29

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+1. They need to figure out how to disguise a rwd sportscar as a crossover.