That looks photoshopped.

The new Z is really growing on me. Looks fantastic.

 

It actually might be painted on - it overlaps some of the molded labeling.

Aren't the GT-R brakes cross-drilled from OEM? Not sure about 2-piece. Would be easy enough to just adopt/slightly adapt the GT-R suspension to the Z car, especially if the new Z is AWD instead of RWD.

Parts-bin shopping, but... when the parts bin has good stuff, why not?

 

https://www.tirestickers.com/

 

Here's hoping for a totally murdered-out version that is primarily matte black. LOL.

 

RWL tires? They probably won't have the Z stickers/paint. If you look close you can see that they are Dunlops- looks like the same type as what is on the GT-R.

In other new car release news it sounds like Audi will be releasing their new RS3 on July 19th. It looks like they are going to try to mitigate their nose heavy handling (ie. understeer) with technology. They plan to have an "RS Torque Splitter" that is supposed to send power to the outside wheels in a corner ala 2009 GT-R. Welcome to the party Audi. It should be like a mini GT-R with a much nicer interior and newer tech. Hopefully this translates into much more impressive lap times.



Speaking of lap times, did anyone notice that Cadillac just laid down a 252.9 at VIR in the CT4-V Blackwing!?! This makes it the fastest 4dr. on that track by quite some margin and faster than every GT-R except the Nismo!!! Looks like they got this one pretty well dialed in.



Finally, if your budget does not allow the last two cars, there are now spy shots of a completely uncamouflaged Elantra N. If this is truly a newer version of the Veloster N in sedan form, this car should be really good and put the GTI on notice. New GTI should be here soon too. What a good time to be an enthusiast!

 

I'd recommend watching that VIR video if you want to see what a non-dramatic hot lap. It didn't look like he was pushing it - there are places you get squirrelly if you're going in hot.

 

Unless I come across a very low-mile B8.5 S4 with a 6MT for a reasonable price, pretty sure I’m gonna stick with the G for quite a while (like 5+ years, probably more).

Only other car I’d really consider is a 3-series sedan, but really couldn’t see myself buying a (likely used) BMW. M-cars are out of the question for me, the performance would be too underutilized to justify the premium, and the maintenance would be too much of an incremental over a mass produced Japanese sedan.

Or maybe Nissan will accidentally produce a Q50 Red Sport with a 6MT…

 

6MT would be nice, but not going to happen.

I drove the Red Sport recently. Nice car, but it's not all that.

 

No one is going to emissions test a manual unless there's a substantial sales potential. And sadly, enthusiasts make up a small percentage of the car buying demographics. Case in point: most Miatas sold are automatic. No car positioned as a 'luxury' brand is going to have a stick anymore, unless they have the equivalent of an M division that makes specific enthusiast cars, or they are so niche that not many people buy them with either transmission (IE, Jag).

I'm hopeful the new Z will have a stick as an option. But, if Nissan never entertained the idea of the R35 GT-R with a stick... not sure it will happen. Or it'll be on the option list, but you'll never see one on a dealer lot.

 

I thought the same thing when I watched the video so I was shocked to see the time they laid down. I cannot wait to see the time that Car and Driver gets for their Lightning Lap.

No worries Mike. The Z will 100% have a stick shift option. It is one of the few details they have been touting since the prototype was released last Sept. In the coupe 350Z and 370Z we sold about 95% with the stick shift. About the same percentage for A/T in the roadster though.

 

Good to know. Still won't be able to own a 2-seater as a DD until 2028 or so... but I might be able to buy one as a toy. Miata for now, maybe a Z if I make partner in the next year or so.

Edited to add: I'm trying to get in touch with a farmer about an hour from me that has a 350 under a tarp in his field... convertible, looks rough. No rust though from the non-cattle side of the fence. This would be a track toy if I can get it for reasonable money, so interior/top/creature comforts = pbbbbt. If I can get it for $500 or less I don't actually care if it runs LOL. I can get 3.7 and 3.0T engines for pretty cheap used.

 

Powertrain from a Q50 Red Sport with a proper 6MT, improved handling, and shedding 400 pounds... sounds great on paper.

 

 

This was a fun one to drive...

 

Ford Maverick with the 2.0 and AWD is a maybe for me next year or two.