Did you know that the Arizona Z Car Club put together a NEW Z CAR DESIGN TEAM in 1996 to 1997 and circulated a design that was well received by quite a few people? Well we think is was very nice, hope you do as well. First let's review some of the previous Z Car Designs by Nissan. Let's start with the most debated one below, "Froggy". Although, providing some of the lines we were promoting, it fell flat and not well received by most Z enthusiasts at it's introduction. Nissan quickly went back to the drawing broad. Competition between Nissan design studios arose. Who would design the new Z Car?
"Squatty TOAD" DESIGN "FROGGY"
Here is the side view of the popularly rejected concept design, seen at Auto Shows and Z National Convention, I call the "Squatty Toad" or "Froggy". This is certainly neither appealing nor would be easily identified as a Z Car, if not for the "z" badging.
Janurary 2001 Drawing of the New Z This design may be the one with only 2 days to go. It appears to be the most developed and most closely related to the Arizona Z Car Club design. Now officially verified by Nissan as the "real thing", fresh alloy presents the styling without the released rear tail light section at the last Z National Convention. Here is a rendition of the the New Z.
AUGUST 2000 CONCEPT Z This design was the most developed prior to the latest concept both with elements closely related to the Arizona Z Car Club design. Now the January 8, 2001 is officially verified by Nissan as the "real thing", it presents the styling of the released rear tail light section at the last Z National Convention.
The engine is related as the 3.5L V6. Two engines that were apparently under consideration: VQ30DET direct-injection V6 and VQ30DD
Both are 3-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) engines choices
Nissan will make final engine choice in August 2000
CVT auto transmission available
No turbo-charged version will be available Two engines under consideration: VQ30DET direct-injection V6 and VQ30DD
Both are 3-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) engines choices
Nissan will make final engine choice in August 2000
CVT auto transmission available
No turbo-charged version will be available
2+2 seating layout
Estimated release date: 2002 year
Source: Scoop Internet
2+2 seating layout
Estimated release date: 2002 year
Source: Scoop Internet
JULY 2000 CONCEPT Z
JUNE 2000 CONCEPT Z
APRIL CONCEPT Z
Another shot of the rear of the latest design of the New Z Car for 2002. This is certainly some retro and some modern as far as styling is concerned.
1996/97 ARIZONA Z CAR CLUB DESIGN
ABOVE: " The front and rear styling illustrates sweeping and flowing fenders exhibiting both traditional and modern lines that announce immediately to the onlooker that this is a Z-Car."
The Arizona Z Car Club's Concept Of A New Z Car
Contributed by Andy James & Preston Pratt
"The Arizona Z Car Club's New Z Car design team headed by Preston Pratt, President, met several times during the summer and fall of 1997. The team produced some nice conceptual ideas that were brought to life by the design team's artist, Andy James. The team strongly considered that the concept of the new Z Car should include as its premise that traditional styling combined with a six (6) cylinder engine of between 2.4 and 2.8 liters is an essential part of a successful Z Car marketing strategy. What is presented here are elements of that traditional styling blended with modern lines that create an instant hard top and roadster classic."
"Since it was rumored in several car magazines that Nissan wished it had come out with a convertible mirroring the success of Mazda, we gave our concept Z car a Miata favor. The convertible concept drawings although more caricature in nature, demonstrates that convertible means fun. My, does it look happy to be a convertible!
"The interior of a Z Car should be a pleasant place to be in while driving or just relaxing. What we considered important was to create an environment that provided functionality and did not replicate some of the mistakes of the past, such as, arm rests that easily broke, door handles that were difficult to reach and door panels that provided little utility for simple storage, as was the case with the first generation cars."
"We also thought that the interior should immediately provide basic "creature comforts" that one should expect like adequate leg and head room, comfortable seating, and a stylish interior that is immediately recognizable as a Z Car. The traditional gauges, mid center in the dash, just somehow seemed necessary. The interior invites you to get in and drive."
Stay tuned, check back often, as there are more to come.....
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