Next-gen Z Concept Due In 2014, 200SX Replacement Still Unlikely: Report

A lighter and smaller successor to Nissan’s 370Z is expected to debut in concept form in 2014, according to a new report this week.

While development of the new car will have already begun, a report from British mag Auto Express offers new details on what the next Z could be packing.

The report reaffirms the widespread belief that the new model will be lighter than the current 370Z’s 1515kg, thanks in part to a smaller engine.

According to Auto Express, the new heart will be a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the 3.7 litre naturally aspirated V6.

This contrasts with comments to TMR from Nissan Product Planning and Strategy boss Francois Bancon, who suggested that this downsizing could come in the form of a smaller-capacity V6.

Bancon acknowledged that a four-cylinder engine remained an option, however. “Whether it's a four-cylinder or a smaller-capacity V6, I don’t know, those details are not confirmed yet," he told TMR.

A less-powerful engine option would be also expected to come with a lower entry price than the 370Z’s current $68,640.

200SX

Despite ongoing reports to the contrary, this information also casts further doubt over the long-rumoured 200SX replacement, with a broader and cheaper Z line-up likely to take the fight to the new Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins.

With Bancon describing the Silvia as a ‘business disaster’, speculation of a new Silvia should really end here.

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