Did Nissan make the right call by naming it just "Z"?

[Donalex]

The 300 was named for the liter size of the engine (3.0), and not the TT horsepower. Auto TT's are 280hp and N/A's are 220hp.

 

[takemorepills]

"400" would have been a re-interpretation of the established naming protocol, which was always based around engine displacement.

I can't/couldn't believe how so many people disregard the naming heritage of the car so they can insist on calling it 400.

I think Nissan dropped the numerical reference for 2 reasons:

1. Marketers are DUMB, and probably balked at the car being called "300Z" due to the numerical retrograde. "300Z" is actually an unused name, and Nissan had no issues using "300ZX" for 2 different generations. Anyways, marketers probably want to name a future SUV after the Z.....so eff 'em

2. Dropping the numerical reference allows a "send-off" of the nameplate.

The moment I see an "automotive pundit" call the Z a "400Z" I immediately check the publish date, and if it is post Z reveal, I immediately write them off as a hack.

 

[ShearMe]

My only problem with calling it just "Z" is how many people on the street seem confused. "It's a Z what?"

 

[METROdigital]

My only problem with calling it just "Z" is how many people on the street seem confused. "It's a Z what?"

Walk away from those folks.

 

[KCZ]

I would have liked Fairlady Z, but just Z is OK. Renaming it after thirty year-old models (300ZX) would have been a big mistake.

 

[Fanatic]

Nissan Z is okay.

 

[Jah_Happy]

Walk away from those folks.

Yeah I gave up trying to explain it lol. I just say its a Nissan Z and if they ask again Ill just say new Nissan lol.

 

[VR30Infection]

Throughout the years I have heard many people say, "I wish Nissan would bring back the 300 ZX TT !!" I've heard people say, "Nissan should come out with a real Z again" referring to the same car. There was always a feeling hovering over the automotive world like Nissan went backwards with the 350 Z. We went literally backward in power output, and lost the ease of tunability. It wasn't that hard for a 90 TT to hit 400 HP compared to what is needed for a 350Z to put down those numbers. I am sure a lot of this has to do with marketing research as well as the tightening up of emission requirements across a product line. We finally have our car! If you are a NA purest the 370 is great. If you are one that thinks that a set of snails belongs under the hood of every Z car... Well, here we are As far as the name is concerned, I have always heard every single one of them referred to as "The Z" or "Your Z" "MyZ" no matter if it was a 260, 300, 370 or what ever. I like Fairlady belonging to the JDM. It gives those of us a warm feeling when we put the badge on our cars or see one with the badge. If they would have brought the name plate over it wouldn't have bothered me though. If they would have went back to 300ZX I would have been okay with that as well. Or dropping the X due to the lack of the +2 seats. 400Z is stupid. Its never been about power output so why would anyone start now ?? If marketing is king, and there was anyone that would have thought that a 300 would have been going backwards, then Nissan wouldn't have needed to worry because those people wouldn't have been buying one anyways more than likely. For the sake of a vote, I'm going with Nissan Z. The reason is easy. That is what I have, and I'm happy its what I drive. I'm happy to be part of this crowd, this team! I'm happy we have companies like Z1, Concept Z, Specialty Z and others. I'm happy we have people that are across the board in every direction from Drift to drag to race track and even those that will bag them and lay frame (please don't abuse your Z though ) Long live the Z