Nissan is expected to be bringing a Z35 concept car to Detroit next month which should give us some insight into the nuts and bolts of the 2016 Q60.
Talk around the woodshed has the next gen Z (and subsequently Q60) downsizing slightly from the current, expectations are 2 inches being shaved off the width. The new cars will also be lower slung and swoopier fitting in with Nissan and Infinitis new design language. The 2016 Q60 and 370Z are expected to continue riding on the FM platform underpinning the current Q50 and Q60, light weight materials could be used to shave an estimated 400 lbs from the vehicle.
Where the conversation begins to get interesting is at powerplants. Its not so much a question of will the 370 and Q60 retain the VQV6, but for how long. MotorTrend cites a Nissan source saying that the new cars will have a choice of the VQV6 or a turbo 4. The Nissan source is saying a 2.5L Turbo four capable of between 280 and 330 hp, likely the lower for emissions concerns. There is also the possibility of multiple turbo engines. The Q50 has already been confirmed to be getting Mercedes 2.0L turbo 4 found in the CLA capable of 208 ponies, but the AMG boys already showed us that engine has lots of potential still hidden in its block. One final possibility is the 2.5L Supercharged 4 currently doing duty in the pathfinder hybrid.
Gearboxes are expected to be an M6 or a flappy 6. Just keep the CVT AWAY!
Talk around the woodshed has the next gen Z (and subsequently Q60) downsizing slightly from the current, expectations are 2 inches being shaved off the width. The new cars will also be lower slung and swoopier fitting in with Nissan and Infinitis new design language. The 2016 Q60 and 370Z are expected to continue riding on the FM platform underpinning the current Q50 and Q60, light weight materials could be used to shave an estimated 400 lbs from the vehicle.
Where the conversation begins to get interesting is at powerplants. Its not so much a question of will the 370 and Q60 retain the VQV6, but for how long. MotorTrend cites a Nissan source saying that the new cars will have a choice of the VQV6 or a turbo 4. The Nissan source is saying a 2.5L Turbo four capable of between 280 and 330 hp, likely the lower for emissions concerns. There is also the possibility of multiple turbo engines. The Q50 has already been confirmed to be getting Mercedes 2.0L turbo 4 found in the CLA capable of 208 ponies, but the AMG boys already showed us that engine has lots of potential still hidden in its block. One final possibility is the 2.5L Supercharged 4 currently doing duty in the pathfinder hybrid.
Gearboxes are expected to be an M6 or a flappy 6. Just keep the CVT AWAY!