NEW Hood for 2007 Z

[palmerwmd]

Taken by Jamie, your Intrepid Freshalloy Photographer.

What does everyone think?

Fred..

[helldorado]

Not a fan. I think its a stopgap measure until the all new Z is released so they could package in the new engine without a whole new car. Also indicates that the fully assembled VQ35HR is physically taller than the outoing VQ35DE.

[Tried]

.

[Ish_]

First gut reaction

OMFG THAT THING IF FRIGGIN HIDEOUS

After some thought...
See First gut reaction


btw: Did stillen get contracted to make that hood

[idrive]

the dual throttle bodies must be adding some additional width and height, price you pay for advanced engineering on an aging chassis

[montyz81]

Originally Posted by palmerwmd

Looks like they are trying to bring back elements of the Z's original hood.

[Ish_]

Originally Posted by montyz81

Looks like they are trying to bring back elements of the Z's original hood.

Well they missed the mark there

[Afty]

No sir, I don't like it. But IMO it's a fair trade for the improved HR engine.

[idrive]

supposedly the track model for the 07 Z (which will be postoned a bit) will feature some more distinctive characteristics, rumors of lotus/cosworth influences, also there may be a "club level" lightER weight model appropriately called the CR (Club Racer). these are things I've heard from recent rumor mills so I guess we'll see.

[sentry65]

I thought the new engine was taller, which explains why it's been rumored it'd have to sit lower in the next gen Z

it is....interesting looking though

[ZYAL8R808]

Originally Posted by idriveaTTz32

the dual throttle bodies must be adding some additional width and height, price you pay for advanced engineering on an aging chassis

What aging chassis? The FM is only about 4 years old. The G35 came out in spring of 2002 and the 350Z came out in fall of 2002.

[helldorado]

And the 07 G35 sedan, 08 G35 and I'm assuming 08 Z will all be riding on the FM 2.0 chassis.

[Jawad]

I hope not. If they're going to give it new engine and chassis, it better look new too.

[helldorado]

Some sources are saying 09 for the new Z.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=117040

Nissan is busy reworking its signature sports car for 2009, and our latest set of illustrations gives you an early look at the changes. Clearly this will be an evolutionary design that softens some of the harder edges of the current model.

According to our source, one of the bigger changes will be a wider track, that will necessitate extended wheel flares front and rear. Up front, the 2009 350Z will also get a slimmer look, with a less upright airdam and smaller headlight clusters. The windshield might get relaxed a degree or two, but the 350Z's instantly identifiable silhouette will remain as will the hatchback rear end.

Mechanically, the 2009 350Z isn't expected to change much. The overall suspension design will stay, although its tuning may get softened a notch or two to make it more livable. With one of the best V6s in the world already under the hood you can bet that aspect of the 350Z won't change, but look for Nissan to bump horsepower to around 325.

Much of the criticism of the current model revolves around the cabin. Nissan already made one round of upgrades which helped in the materials department, but look for the next-generation model to go even further. Convenience features like more storage and softer armrests may be added despite the Z's reputation as a serious sports car.

With Nissan already gearing up to introduce the new Skyline at next fall's Tokyo auto show, the 2009 Nissan 350Z may not make an appearance until early 2008 with sales beginning later that year.

[Dnepr68]

after finding this article Nissan 350Z GT-S
the new hood shape make sense.

[Deathmage]

thank gawd I'm not buying that, or else I'll have to replace it with a topsecret hood.

[southgachik]

Ewwwwwwwwwwwww. That is horrible looking!

[HKSPWRDZ]

Not a fan......the lines are gone......

[IKnowNothings]

looks to me like a hood from an e46 m3
I don't like it either

[HKSPWRDZ]

Originally Posted by Deathmage

thank gawd I'm not buying that, or else I'll have to replace it with a topsecret hood.

Yeah I thought about that too, but.....it will have to be a new design cause of the increased height of the plenum.

[SmoothZ]

I'm sure if that was the first Z I bought, I wouldn't mind it. It would probably grow on me, just like my current Z grew on me.

[tahms350z]

I'm sure once we see it in person it will come together, we will just have to wait and see.

[Tallz]

Could it be because of new pedestrian safety legislation in Europe?

I remember reading that the new Jaguar XK and the Mini Cooper have raised hoods (at least 4" from engine) relative to original concept (XK) and previous models (Mini), respectively. The manufacturers wanted to pass the pedestrian collision test in this New Car Assesment Program (NCAP -- sort of like IIHS tests?). I couldn't find any indication that both models will have these bulbous hoods when sold in NA, as well.

Honestly, if the safety stuff has any bearing on this, I think it's an attempt to take an unsightly but necessary design change (to accomodate a global market) and make it 'design cue' reminiscent of past Z cars.

It all provokes this question: Is that a blower in your engine compartment or is your Z car happy to accomodate my bottocks?

[S-Tuned]

i think it gives it a more aggressive look then the 03-06 hood

[drew935]

I'd say if it doesn't disrupt the aerodynamics and you get a better performing engine under the hood. Then it's all good.

[gunluvS14]

definitely different, i don't know if I like it yet.

[max2k]

I saw the 2007 at the Autoshow, it looks better in person. The pictures does not do it justice.

[Deathmage]

Originally Posted by max2k

I saw the 2007 at the Autoshow, it looks better in person. The pictures does not do it justice.

I said the same thing I hated in the pictures, but I actually liked it when I saw it in person..weird.

[Cowboyblue7]

How does it stand up to the FA Z?