New Rx-Vision, Nissan Should Think Hard About Its Next Z Car

[Sirpent]

Mazda’s resurrection of the RX series took a major leap forward with its unveiling at the Tokyo motor show, and before every one screams “Concept” think again, Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai said that “Although there are a few technical issues to overcome, we WILL do this”

 

And surprise surprise, Mazda are staying true to the RX series heritage by sticking with a rotary announcing a version known as “SkyActiv R”

 

OK so why am I excited? Well actually I’m not, but I am very impressed with the overall package, the side profile and rear haunches of this car have been so wonderfully sculpted, something Mazda has been extremely good at over the past decade when we compare some of the styling trash coming out of Subaru, Toyota and Nissan. This will put the 86 to shame making it look like a through back to the mid 80’s.

 

The front is signature Mazda with the grill treatment, I’m not a big fan but overall they have pulled it off, and the tail lights seem to carry over the teardrop shape of the series 7 RX-7 with a nice Ferrari 458 Italia hint.

 

No, I’m still not excited, But I think that if anyone in Tokyo have their heads screwed on right it’s the boys at Mazda, and Nissan should take a good long look at this car and ask themselves, how true can we be to the original Z ethos when we sit down to pen it?

 

http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/?p=43807

 

 

[Lukas]

Completely agree with everything you've said Sirpent.

 

While Mazda is going from strength to strength in the styling department, Nissan is losing the plot. The "GripZ" concept was appalling and an insult to the Z's heritage. The "Teatro for Dayz" concept is pandering to an audience that doesn't exist (Not to mention plain horrible regardless). Why they can't just take what is arguably one of the most timeless designs in automotive history, the 240z, and modernize it is beyond me. They'd rather be designing more Jukes and Murano Cross-Cabriolets obviously...

 

I could rant on this for days... I'm "this close" to sending Nissan a sincere email letting them know I will take charge of their design department if they wish  .

 

You only have to look at the picture below to see how similarly proportioned the 240z is in comparison to one of the most beautiful contemporary automotive designs..!

 

 

If Mazda (or any other manufacturer for that matter) can release a sports car that looks as good as the new Rx concept for a reasonable price, they'll be getting my money, brand loyalty be damned. I just wish it was Nissan with a new 240z...

 

Lukas

[gav240z]

I hope it does reach production. I can't help but feel this car and the stir it is causing would have been similar to the S30z launch back in the day.

 

To think we will see another rotary. I honestly thought it was dead due to emissions.

[24 Dat]

I still cant see why they didn't push on with this design and make it into a affordable sports car
someone at Infiniti has at least got some talent

[3fiddyz]

Good to see this happening for the sports car scene, but can't help but wonder what Nissan are doing at the moment. The Z concept I guess will wait another year, unless it is unveiled in Geneva? At the moment all Nissan seem interested in are SUV's and Hatchbacks.

[Sirpent]

I'm happy to see that I'm not alone in my views.

 

I still cant see why they didn't push on with this design and make it into a affordable sports car
someone at Infiniti has at least got some talent

 

You only have to look at the picture below to see how similarly proportioned the 240z is in comparison to one of the most beautiful contemporary automotive designs..!

 

 

The Aston? / Jag? (Hard to see the differences these days) is a flowing uncomplicated design and I agree you could almost see the genesis of future "Z" queues in its design.

 

The Infiniti while having a great stance still carries those quirky design exaggerations like the rear diffuser, the quarter glass which is ridiculous, the 3rd break lamp, tail lamps that look like they came off a KIA, and an upper belt bulge from the front guards across the door tops which ruins the vehicles otherwise cleaner lines.

 

When will these guys learn that refinement of "What works" is always better than alterations that will date so quickly.

 

Ferdinand Porsche designed a car that has been refined 10 fold and the 911 design theme only improves, this is what Nissan failed as soon as the 280ZX hit the showroom floor, if only they had done a Ferdinand.

 

Also, with the RX, the interior is brilliant! Simplistic just like our S30's were and not a cup holder to be seen!