350Z goes Porsche-baiting

[bihus]

Standard Nissan 350Z not serious enough for you? Well, if you?re looking for a faster, hairier 350Z Nissan may have the answer ? the 450Z.

So far the more powerful coupe has not been confirmed for production, but rumours from our sources in Japan suggest that Nissan is seriously considering it.

The 450Z would swap the 350Z?s 3.5-litre V6 for a 4.5-litre V8, already in use in the Japanese market Nissan Fuga and several US-market Infinitis, and in a 450Z power could increase to over 400bhp. There?s also the possibility of a four-wheel drive transmission.

Should it be built, there?s a strong chance the car could make it to Europe, too. Although the V8 doesn?t currently comply with Euro4 emissions regulations, the Infiniti brand is coming to Europe in the next 18 months which means Nissan will have to alter the engine anyway.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News_Article.asp?NA_ID=217791

 

[bartboy9891]

ok so, Nissan is making an 4.5L V8 AWD 400hp sports car. skyline with less hp and larger engine which will be cheaper but slower?

 

[jayjaya29]

I don't think it will happen, especially with the GT-R prototype and all.

But I sure do hope they do come out with it, it should be a beast.

 

[zenkidori]

It would compete too much with the GTR and the 350Z I think to be released outside of Japan. Would be awesome tho, I had the idea of a LS1 powered 350Z for a while, that would seriously rock as the 350 is somewhat lacking in the go department.

 

[Dino]

adding a 4wd system would not add any weight to the already porky 350.
why can't they just offer a turbo version, that would be so much nicer.

 

[Kebab gud]

hmmm .. 450Z .. AWD .. V8 .... they got i all wrong .. its not a 450Z .. its a GT-R ..

 

[zenkidori]

Ah ha! Indeed if you spy some sort of AWD high powered 350Z they could just be testing drivetrains for the GTR.