With the Nissan 370Z debuting way back in 2008, it’s about damn time for Nissan to bless us with a new successor. Sure, it’s been updated on a somewhat regular basis and is fairly modern at this point, but its replacement is long overdue. Unfortunately, Nissan doesn’t see it that way, and instead of bringing us a new Z-car for 2018, we end up getting the 370Z Heritage edition. That model gets revised exterior lights, and some special paint to trim inside and out. Outside of the new Exedy, high-performance clutch, it’s just another damned special edition. I was really hoping Nissan blew its special-edition budget with all of those pointless special editions in Chicago earlier this year, but I guess not.

The worst part is that the Z-Car’s next big move is so clouded in mystery and uncertainty that it’s enough to give just about any enthusiast a raging hate boner and then some. So, where does the road to the next Z-Car take us? At this point, your guess is as good as any because Nissan doesn’t even know. In fact, in light of that new “Heritage Edition” I mentioned earlier, Nissan may make the next Z a damned crossover… Yikes! Back in 2014, we heard that news that the next Z-car would have multiple engine options, including a four-cylinder hybrid engine (for those of you who don’t know, the Z has always had a six-cylinder.) In mid-2015, it was said that the next Z-car would be a revolution, with hints that it would take on the Toyota 86, which means it’s going to lose in the power department and probably get a little smaller.

But, that’s not the latest news either. Just six months or so ago, fuel was added to the fire when Car Advice reported the next Z-Car would be a crossover, and it was backed up thanks to the Gripz concept that we saw in 2015. And, the trail goes cold yet again, with 2018 bringing us the “Heritage Edition” that will be previewed at the New York Auto Show.

Continue reading for the full story.

Heritage… What A Joke

The original Z hit the market for the 1970 model year – you may remember it as the Nissan 240Z, the Datsun 240Z, or the Fairlady Z, depending on the market. It’s great that Nissan wants to honor the heritage of one of the best sports cars ever produced. But, that heritage goes right out the window if the next Z-Car turns out to be a crossover, and it damn sure doesn’t need to compete with the Toyota 86, either.

When are we going to see the next Z-Car? I wish I could say, but one thing is for sure, we’re all ready to see the next generation. Come on, Nissan. Quit wasting time with lame special editions and give us a proper successor to the 370Z already. Don’t make it smaller or any less powerful. Don’t make it a freaking crossover. Make it a car that’s worthy of the heritage you’re so eager to promote that you introduce a special edition two and a half years before the 50th anniversary.