If Ford needed another reason to introduce more high-end Mustangs, here it is:

"Nissan is planning a Z sports coupe slotted above the current Nissan 350Z called the Nissan 450Z. The upgraded model will feature a 4.5 liter V8 engine which would likely be a tuned up version of the VK45DE from the Infiniti M45. The VK45DE makes 340hp currently, but Left Lane News reports the final product will feature 430hp."

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Link to artist's concept illustration

 

Good! Love Competition!

 

the caption in that photo says it'll be 4 wheel drive too. That's pretty exciting. what about the skyline?

 

That is just awesome... I love Nissan

 

Well, not to rain on Nissans parade or anything, but has anyone considered what a 450Z would cost? Just look at what they're aiming it at, the Carrera and the Maserati.

Actually, think about that for a second; Carrera, Maserati, Nissan 450Z. "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong..."

 

I think they probably got their rumors mixed up a bit and this will turn out to be the US version of the new Nissan GTR (the new concept was posted here a couple of days ago).

It kind of makes sense for Nissan to rename the GTR to 450Z since the Z name is well known here in the US. Plus, the "4" in 450Z could represent "4 wheel drive" (AWD) ...

 

I doubt it. The GT-R - by most accounts - will probably be badged as an Infiniti and come in around $80K. The Z cars are a whole different market segment, and this one will probably be about $50K - $55K.

 

Its probably gonna be just another overpriced import.

 

If it has 350Z looks and Mustang power, I will take it!

 

not the best looking concept, but w/e

 

It already has close to Mustang power.. this one is supposed to have Porsche Carrera power.

It's like having the Corvette Z06, Ford GT, and Ferrari in the same group... the Vette is supposed to be the poorman's supercar, it's not supposed to come so close to supercar performance like this Z06 has. Same goes with the 450Z imo, maybe just with the price closer to its competitors when compared to the Z06

 

The "4" in 450Z stands for the engine, 4.5, just as the 350Z meant 3.5, and the 300zx meant 3.0 ect. As for the Skyline, yes they currently do have them in the US, go to your nearest Infinity dealer and you could see them in the lots, they're called G35 AKA Skyline"GTS". The Skyline model rumored to come to the US is the Skyline "GTR". It's not really a Skyline anymore because they ended production of the Skyline GTR in 2002, Nissan has "never" stated that the GTR is a Skyline, but technically it is. The GTR is rumored to have one of these enginesTT stands for Twin Turbo) VQ37DETT, VQ40DETT, or the VK45DE, Nissan hasn't said which engine the production GTR will have. I'm beginnig to think there wont be a GTR in the US. In Japan there will be one, and in the US it will be called the 450Z. Everything the article said it's what the GTR is supposed to be, they are targetting the Porsche Carrera 911 and the Maserati 4.2., the only difference is that the GTR's engine isn't official. The GTR is also going to be AWD and it's rumored to have about 450 HP. Making the GTR as a 450Z here in the US is kind of dumb, considering that the G35 is a Skyline, but at the same time I don't think it really makes any difference since the G35 is technically a 350Z.

 

Ever since the Tokyo Auto Show, it's been all over the press that the new Skyline is DEFINITELY coming to the U.S., though they're not sure if it will be badged a Nissan or an Infiniti. Probably as an Infiniti because of the price point.

This 450Z is a different market segment and car entirely.

 

Why all the name changes? Just call it like it is... a Nissan GTR. So many people are talking about GTR's and what not here in the US, so why wouldn't they just keep the name

 

Dude, I already brought this information up a while ago... I even posted a link to the Nissan Skyline Japan website. Were you taking a nap?

 

Nissan has a history of changing names for the US market no apparent reason:
Bluebird = Datsun 510
Fairlady Z = Datsun/Nissan Z cars
Silvia = 240SX
Skyline = Infinity G35

 

You forgot these:

Bluebird = Datsun 510/Nissan Stanza
Fuga = Infiniti M45
Sunny = Sentra

Funny thing is that nowadays, the Z and the Fuga/M45 are the only two Nissans common between US and Japan. And if you look at Nissan's Global Websites, you'll notice that most countries have models exclusive to them. Good thing we won't get the Verita any time soon.

 

As much as competition is all well and good I think you have an excellent point Zoran.

It would be a niche car if it makes it. Unlike a lot of us that look at the power and performance rather than the nameplate, most people simply look at the name and will undoubtedly complain about the price.

If it is 50k-55k its gonna be a tough sell to the public.

 

Yes they do. I'll never understand why they change names for the same car in different markets. Also, in regards to the Skyline, the new one that is being sold here as the Infiniti G35. It is in NO WAY the same car that was only available in Japan. The old Skyline R34 style was one mean vehicle, in terms of performance, and the G35 can't even come close to what the old car did. I Like to know what Nissan's plans for this are, since the new GT-R is coming, and if this new Z has a V-8, with AWD, the performance will be close to the other car for probably alot less. Only time will tell.

 

the Z witha 4.5? niiice

def gonna be in a muuuch higher price range, but i think it might be cool.