Nissan Boss Wants a Z Convertible: 'I Would Like Nothing More'
Posted by kstetter@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 149 comments
Posted by kstetter@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 149 comments
t-mille@reddit
Cool, but it's been years since the current coupe came out and almost nobody wanted to buy that. There's no business case for a convertible.
xClapThemCheeks@reddit
Strip it way the fuck down and make it a Miata competitor-ish
TheTrueFetus@reddit
Oh god please no. Convertible 350z's and 370z's are butt ugly.
PastPalpitationCry@reddit
Maybe a targa rather than a full open top?
AllYouNeed_Is_Smiles@reddit
1000% this. Nice homage to the 300ZX as well
ExtraNoise@reddit
I miss the t-tops in my Z31 so much. Driving it made me feel like a 1980s Miami coke dealer.
A t-top or targa in the RZ34 would be amazing!
CurbsEnthusiasm@reddit
Exactly
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Ew no, at that point they may as well do nothing. Driving with Targas is so much worse than real convertible!
PastPalpitationCry@reddit
idk I've never driven in one. But aren't they better from a packaging/reliability/structural perspective?
The Z already has horrible boot space, a real convertible would kill even that which would steer a lot of potential buyers away. Also they would have to elongate it which may make it look worse. And looks are the best part of the new Z. Its why Im planning to buy one soon.
xrelaht@reddit
An Englishman who doesn’t love convertibles?
PastPalpitationCry@reddit
Im not English. But I am In the middle of a top gear binge watch.
kstetter@reddit (OP)
Other commonwealth countries use the term boot
T-Baaller@reddit
I've driven the MX-5 RF and I found the added structure felt a bit cramped.
However, that's because I'm a big guy to try and fit any miata. Corvettes with targa tops that I've sat in felt fine, and I'd expect a 400Z would also feel just fine.
Captain_Alaska@reddit
They’re still worse convertibles though. Targa tops and t tops are like really big sunroofs. Convertibles with the roof down have less wind noise and buffeting so they’re a lot nicer to drive with the roof actually off.
In fact if you have the roof down and windows up in a convertible it’s normally quieter than a normal car with a window down.
And targas are only better if it’s a fixed roof car with a removable panel, retractable targas like the RF Miata have pretty much all of the downsides of a normal convertible v
Teledildonic@reddit
That would absolute be dope.
Chonky MX-5 RF
solo118@reddit
YESSSS
_galaga_@reddit
T tops like the 280z/300zx
OldRed91@reddit
I'm curious what share of 350s and 370s were sold as convertibles. Would the option help drive sales of the new Z? Or would it be a waste of resources?
rapzeh@reddit
They tried to replicate the elegance of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet and failed.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Those are actually pretty cool, I had a job at an old lady's house and asked about hers and we went for a drive in it. 100% recommend trying one sometime
m1a2c2kali@reddit
Definitely need more SUV convertibles
Lower_Kick268@reddit
It was a cool idea I think you guys all unfairly critize them for. Yet people buy 2 row convertible Audis all the time, but won't entertain a cool 2 door crossover with one
BrunoEye@reddit
Sitting in the back of a convertible is fun up to about 30 mph, tolerable up to 50 mph and above that it gets increasingly unpleasant. At 70 mph it gets hard to breathe and very cold.
bigred83@reddit
I briefly had long hair and rode in a c8 without the top. 10/10 would not recommend without a hat
m1a2c2kali@reddit
But yet wranglers and broncos are selling well so there is a market for something like that.
xrelaht@reddit
Those are more like targa tops.
ClosedL00p@reddit
They also look a lot less like aborted fetuses
m1a2c2kali@reddit
The hard tops definitely but the soft tops are closer to convertibles I think?
Drunken_Hamster@reddit
It's because crossovers are cancer in general. Especially really tall ones that are basically just SUVs. Anything taller than a transot connect or crosstrek (24-25in seat height) should be taxed.
It'd be better than the CAFE bs for reducing emissions\fuel use and it would improve rollover safety and reduce headlight blinding for people in normal cars.
Seriously, SUVs and crossovers do literally NOTHING better for the daily driver. I've seen comparisons where they actually have LESS cargo space than wagons and hatchbacks, respectively.
I get wanting to have easier ingress and egress, but that caps out in the mid 20-inch range for seat height for most people, and the average sedan, hatch, or coupe is already 18-20 inches or so.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Crossovers are much easier to use for an average person than a sedan. Way more usable trunk space, similar fuel economy, more capability, great ride quality, why should we tax them? Modern SUV's really dont rollover easily either, as an owner of trucks that apparently "rollover all the time" youd have to be a real idiot to get one of these to roll over. Hell if anything my Bolt feels way less stable driving than my Suburban, that thing feels terrible over 70mph, like the car is gonna shake you to death.
bigred83@reddit
I saw a murano cabriolet today. I forgot how breath taking they are
Stand-back-up@reddit
Agreed. Right next to a convertible PT Cruiser.
bigred83@reddit
Those 2 are a dream garage
dial_m_for_me@reddit
Don't tell anyone I told you, but you don't have to buy it
TwentyHourPharmacy@reddit
we still have to look at it tho unfortunately
FalconTurbo@reddit
Yeah, well, the world is full of ugly things and ugly people. Fortunately, your profile pic is blank.
DrScience01@reddit
Takes one to know one?
PEEWUN@reddit
Oof.
ArcticBP@reddit
The two best-selling “cars” in the US are the F-Series and the Silverado. If you can survive the hundreds of thousands of those sold every year, you’ll survive the three or four of these you’ll ever see
Larcye@reddit
I have to literally drive past a Tesla dealership on my way to work 5 days a week and am forced to look at the ugliest fucking cars in the world at this point. He can suck it up as far as I am concerned.
mellofello808@reddit
THey only sell 10 Zs per year. They would probably sell 3 convertibles for the whole run.
Suck_My_Thick@reddit
I've only seen one Z in person in my entire life.
ClosedL00p@reddit
I told my mother, and she still bought one. And loves it like a foster child she adopted on while on ecstasy and then sobered up realizing she’s stuck with it for a lil while.
Apart from being fugly, it genuinely sucks as a daily driver if you care to travel with anything more than a backpack
jk147@reddit
Nissan somehow loves putting convertible on cars that didn’t really had them in mind during design. Case n point, Murano crossCabriolet.
jondes99@reddit
The 300ZX looked okay as a convertible, but that coupe was a much prettier starting point.
Mental_Medium3988@reddit
not the worst thing a nissan ceo ever asked for.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
What? No they're not lol, try driving one they're awesome
iSlacker@reddit
The Gs are hardtop convertables though right? Thats different it keeps mostly the same lines.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
The G's are hardtop the Z was soft top, Ive drove both and theyre both good
iSlacker@reddit
Yeah, they drive fine im sure. The convertible Zs are objectively ugly. Im a Nissan fan boy (if they'd do something...) ive had a G35 coupe and a 370, my best friend has a 350. The convertibles are ugly. Lol
Lower_Kick268@reddit
They look awesome with the top down, nobody buys a convertible to drive with the top up.
BrunoEye@reddit
When you're inside one you can't see the car but you can see the sky.
stakoverflo@reddit
🤷♂️ No rag top looks good up, but I like them with the top down
ZombiePope@reddit
The Z 'verts look exotically dreadful
spongebob_meth@reddit
In the z case they look horrific either way
Spicywolff@reddit
Some of the jags and Porsche do, their roofs doesn’t show the bars inside. It looks like a legit hard roof but it’s a ST.
Thatredfox78@reddit
They have their place, I think they are kinda cool but wherever
iSlacker@reddit
Seriously, I don't get it.
knowledgeable_diablo@reddit
100%
Training-Expert5598@reddit
I'd buy it. Not like I'd ever take the regular Z on the track or anything. Might as well enjoy the sunshine at the cost of some rigidity.
Jethro_Tell@reddit
T tops are the money.
WillSuckDick4Coffee@reddit
370 verts are fine looking. 350 verts are an abomination
UnfairOcelot7218@reddit
If this does become a reality, I hope Nissan simultaneously clamps down on the price gouging dealers engaged in when the Z first launched. I believe that had a pretty significant negative impact on sales volume.
kstetter@reddit (OP)
They should wait until they sell some Zs before jacking up the price.
Ford's Bronco is selling pretty good and that's what they did, sell it cheap at the start and slowly increase the price.
DoesntFearZeus@reddit
Could have sworn I read about dealer price gouging on early Bronco's too.
peakdecline@reddit
Broncos receiver heavy discounts in order to move product. MSRPs on cars have gone up because of inflation.
TwentyHourPharmacy@reddit
you mean because of greed and idiotic consumerism
joe2105@reddit
No, go look at the numbers. I would love to have the hope that it was greed and would correct but many cars are "cheaper" today than they were 10 yrs ago. It's the unfortunate reality that everything costs more.
AwesomeBantha@reddit
Pretty sure that the bigger negative impact on availability was that both the auto and manual versions were recalled and on a do not sale order for a few months after release, IIRC this meant that you could only buy them “used”, hence the crazy price.
Gonna be honest, I don’t really care that much if a few dealers jack up the price immediately after a popular vehicle launches, as long as the price stabilizes a few weeks/months later. That happens with many high demand products. Even the NA Miata was marked up when it launched in the US in the summer of 89… and cost $13k.
k0fi96@reddit
Is that really still happening because I am seeing slightly used for the same price as a gr86 near me.
by_a_pyre_light@reddit
It's not that it's still happening en masse, it's that the fact it happened at launch really stunted the initial hype.
AmazonPuncher@reddit
Nobody on reddit knows what price gouging means.
goosemaster0@reddit
What impacted sales volume is the fact its a non competitive product in a dying segment.
C8, Bronco, CTR, 911, the list is endless. ADMs have literally zero impact on the success or lack thereof of a vehicle.
ZombiePope@reddit
One of the big reasons it's noncompetitive is because of its pricing.with ADMs, it gets cross shopped with Z4 M40s, supras, and m2s. Those aren't comparisons it's capable of winning.
goosemaster0@reddit
You have been able to get a Z under MSRP for literally years.
ZombiePope@reddit
Dealers near me apparently havent gotten that memo lol
goosemaster0@reddit
Doubt it.
ZombiePope@reddit
Good for you.
vw18t@reddit
Manufacturers can try to discourage it (allocation decisions, incentives, pressure through dealer agreements), but they don’t fully control retail pricing once the car hits the dealer lot.
JCarterPeanutFarmer@reddit
“We’re all looking for the guy who can make this happen” bitch YOU ARE THE BOSS. Make it happen then!
UltraHawk_DnB@reddit
I would just like a Z... cries in european
s3cf_@reddit
the only convertibles that look good are Miata and Boxster
Jagmod770@reddit
Can we have a Targa Z instead
magbarn@reddit
Wasn't the Murano Convertible made because Ghosn's wife wanted a convertible?
JillierHaroldLamaar@reddit
Can they stick the stock 370z engine in it so I can get a Z for under $45,000?
zerosystem03@reddit
Why not just get a 370?
dootytootybooty@reddit
They seem to be somewhat available under 45k nationwide at the moment. I saw a few under 40k.
papermarchmellow@reddit
You can afford it now. Just picked up a performance 6 speed for 39k with 10k miles on it. CPO warranty
sonbarington@reddit
How bout a targa?
MrPsychoanalyst@reddit
Yeah... I can do that
hockeyjmac@reddit
They could bring the t-top back. The Z is already going for a retro look.
Different_Height_157@reddit
Either one makes sense
Rodic87@reddit
Targa/T-Top would be perfect. It works well with the Corvette... and was great in the og Z's.
jrileyy229@reddit
A 4k pound Z, exactly what we need
AstronautGuy42@reddit
I would buy the absolute fuck out of this
rhunter99@reddit
Give me a Maxima you cowards
Seeker80@reddit
It could be rwd like the original, and use the 300hp tune VR30. Think of a stretched Q50.
xrelaht@reddit
The 1st generation Maxima made about 140hp. That’s 40% more than the contemporary Camry in its top trim. The XV70 Camry already made 300hp with the V6: a new Maxima should be at least 420.
Seeker80@reddit
Wouldn't be priced like it needs to be. The rwd platform will drive up costs enough already. A rwd Maxima with the 300hp VR30 would still be 0-60mph in the low-mid 5sec range. Plenty fast. The quickest fwd Maxima was there for a couple years, but it wouldn't be anywhere near as comfortable or nicely equipped.
xrelaht@reddit
I meant that as a joke, but if we’re being serious…
Sedans barely sell in the US. Luxury sedans are an exception: with that much power, it could be marketed as a budget M3, though it might need to be an Infiniti for that.
Seeker80@reddit
The Maxima could be more 5-series sized, Nissan's flagship. Or if we're talking Japanese imports, like the Avalon, but sporty.
Nice alternative to a lower-powered Charger. It could get tweaked for a Nismo, but who knows how much demand there might be for that.
The returning Q50/Skyline will have that 'budget M3' slot well in hand. A returning Q70 would be a great platform for the Maxima. They could 'de-content' it and use a lower-powered VR for the Maxima and leave the Q70 with the V8 option(if it were used at all).
MillerSavage153@reddit
God I miss my Maxima
V8-Turbo-Hybrid@reddit
Altima is only large sedan for Nissan now, and they only sell it China.
TurbulentTalk4963@reddit
Maxima convertible
Morbidly_Off_Piste@reddit
Nissan boss should want a Model Y or Rav 4 killer, not a goddamned convertible Z.
kstetter@reddit (OP)
They are making a Rav 4 killer though
Chrodesk@reddit
"I would like nothing more" sounds like CEO speak for "it wont happen"
they sold 5500 of them in the US last year.
I dont know what their global volume is, but you dont design a new body style to divide 5500 units.
DTM-shift@reddit
Maybe if designed from the get-go with both options. Tough to imagine the business case for adding it to the current version.
V8-Turbo-Hybrid@reddit
Espinosa is trying to play as another Farly in his company. They love to talk to any shits, but we don’t know they really doing or not.
IAmWellBehaved@reddit
This. It doesn't sound likely, the Z is already low volume in coupe form, and Nissan's resources are limited right now. I wouldn't get my hopes up.
V8-Turbo-Hybrid@reddit
Making a Convertible variant would be a money pit and affect coupe profits. That was reason why Toyota and Chrysler chosen no convertible in their affordable fun cars. You need to make sure how many people really going to buy.
OldKentRoad29@reddit
Forget a convertible. Nissan should revive the Silvia.
SmashPlayersRretards@reddit
Why not both -> Nissan Silvia Varietta
xrelaht@reddit
You may be in luck.
skatefrenzy@reddit
Please for the love of god, make it a targa or T top, not a full vert.
Fearless_Neat_6654@reddit
Nissan is all talk
They promised everything and haven't delivered anything
Lower_Kick268@reddit
This is a joke no? They're one of the few companies actually going out and making cool cars that are affordable
Fearless_Neat_6654@reddit
Aside from the Z, in the past 2-4 years, what cool new car have they made at any price point?
I'll wait
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Frontier Pro 4x, Nismo Armada, new Sentra, new Leaf, there's 4 right there.
GoldenState15@reddit
None of those are cool cars
Fearless_Neat_6654@reddit
Come on, bro...
In what world are the Sentra and Leaf considered cool?
The Frontier is just a very normal truck, and the Armada is a nice mom's car. Neither is particularly cool
Until we see the new Xterra, GTR, Infiniti sedan, Silvia, etc, I'll assume Nissan is just saying all of this to keep enthusiasts interested in the brand.
I promise you the next "sporty" or "cool" thing to come out of this company will be a Rogue Nismo with no performance upgrades, but nice red accents
Lower_Kick268@reddit
They're considered cool when you have 22k and want a sedan that looks cool or a 30k EV that gets 300 miles of range and doesn't look like poop. Not every car needs to be a racecar or sports car to be cool, sports cars don't keep the lights on at these factories
Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit
Armada Nismo is largely just a sport appearance package; GM does it with the Tahoe RST and Ford with the Expedition Stealth
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Armada Nismo also comes with more HP, a louder exhaust, badass bodykit, stiffer suspension, its a lot more than just appearance.
Tushroom@reddit
Are you sure your comment isn’t a joke? None of those are cool lol
Fearless_Neat_6654@reddit
Idk bro under the right lighting the Leaf goes hard 😂
Lower_Kick268@reddit
All of them are cool to me, your cool and my cool aren't the same.
kstetter@reddit (OP)
They are promising some interesting models are coming soon
Fearless_Neat_6654@reddit
For that last 5+ years they've been promising
None have arrived
Drunken_Hamster@reddit
Idk if they could make it look right, I'd have to see a concept first. Otherwise, T-tops would be a great throwback to the 300 since the 400 already takes styling cues from the older gens.
Alternatovely, they can make it do that, but also make the rear glass vertical (ferrari 355 style, iirc) so it can roll down.
Or they can keep the roof shape and go full ragtop landaulet style, possibly with the glass retracting down and vertically into the trunk\behind the seat so that the ragtop can go flat-ish against the rear deck for more airflow.
szatrob@reddit
Company is on the verge of insolvency, but the main NISSAN guy thinks this should be a priority?
2ingredientexplosion@reddit
Targa/T-top top would look so much better.
dedboooo0@reddit
my guy is trying to make a murano cross sequel
ShortBrownAndUgly@reddit
THat sounds kinda interesting actually
nickybuddy@reddit
Targa. It needs a targa. Bring the targa top back.
costafilh0@reddit
Should have been a targa and a MT from the start.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Please!! Convertible G37 is awesome to drive
WarCrimeGaming@reddit
Welcome back Murano cross cabriolet
RobinsShaman@reddit
If they give it 600 horsepower maybe
DookieMcDookface@reddit
And a manual
iroll20s@reddit
murano crosscabriolet part 2.
HiTork@reddit
Weren't the 370Z convertibles discontinued first in the US due to lack of demand? They didn't appear for the final model year in the USDM (though Canada apparently got them).
man__i__love__frogs@reddit
Ok but folding hard top like Miata RF. Please no soft top.
Spicywolff@reddit
The Z is already expensive MSRP wise vs competitive options. Adding a ST. ST I’d expect MSRP to go up, which works against it.
ZaheerAlGhul@reddit
The convertible Zs have always been ugly
SnowDucks1985@reddit
Can we just get a Maxima instead 😭😭
Recoil42@reddit
Okay, but only if you bring back the Murano Cross Cabriolet first.
WordWithinTheWord@reddit
I always thought the proportions were best on the vert Z models.
Delanorix@reddit
Me too.