Filed under: 350z,370z
by Forbes @ 4:27 pm on June 25, 2009
Most of us know that Nissan has been in the hybrid market for a few years now with offerings in the mid-sized sedan lines. A not so well kept secret is that this technology is actually on loan from Toyota, so yes that hybrid Altima you just bought is more closely related to a Prius than you may wish.
Recently Nissan has made a very strong effort to break out on it’s own in the new electric craze. The all electric Nissan-Cube test vehicle (officially named the EV-02) has been roaming the world’s test tracks and city streets for some time now indicating that the factory must be close to making some sort of decision on where to head with all of this.
Back in February news broke that Nissan had in fact filed for a loan from the US Department of Energy through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program. In just the past few days the loan has been approved for such automakers as Tesla, Ford, and our beloved Nissan, which is set to receive around $1.6 billion US. Where will this money go? In the loan, Nissan agrees to spend the money on furthering its “GREEN” production on US soil and on products that it will sell here. The plan as of now is to begin building an electric vehicle assembly line at the Smyrna, TN plant where Nissan North America is headquartered. The new line will be capable of pushing out up to 100,000 ‘green-ish’ vehicles a year. I say green-ish because there is no official announcement as to what will actually be produced here, full on electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids of some sort.
SO, HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO ZCARBLOG??? Nissan plans to release it’s first hybrid (of it’s own original design, no Toyota parts) sometime between 2010 and 2011 most likely in the M35 (M37 by then?) sedan. The kicker here is that this platform uses the same VQ heart as the Z Car. What is stopping Nissan from putting this nifty electric hybrid motor under the Z sheet metal? Would you like better gas mileage in your Z? Of course you do, but would you trade in the signature VQ exhaust note for it?
Please leave me your thoughts, I’m interested to hear what all of you think on this subject. If you have a long response simply email rob@zcargarage.com with the heading of “HYBRID Z” and he will forward them to me. Thanks!!!
Here is your chance to own a car that has been featured in the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas as well as numerous vendor websites. This car is one sweet ride. Click on the picture above or the link below to check out the entire listing!
It is time again for one of the great car shows of the bay area. I know what you are thinking, I already put up a post about the ZONC show at the Blackhawk Auto Museum. Nope, it’s time for the 43rd annual Palo Alto Concours D’Elegance at Stanford.
This Sunday, Stanford University will once again host the councours on one of it’s northwest lawns along Sand Hill rd. If you are wondering why I’m posting this, it’s because Z Car Garage has been invited to be part of the display for Japanese cars. Last year we brought Rob’s Go Green 240z to the show, but this time I think we will be presenting a more traditional 240z for all to enjoy.
This event is held in very high regard in the automotive community and the level of cars that are brought out definitely reflect this. For example: The PA Concours is and authorized Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg club meet, these cars are extremely rare and valuable, and they don’t get shown all that often, so don’t miss the chance to see these beauties in person.
It seems that the show isn’t ready to allow Japanese cars to be entered for judging just yet, but we are happy that they are beginning to realize the historical importance of these cars in the big picture. Please visit their website below for all the links and information.
I have included a small map below just to give you an idea of where the event is located.
Filed under: 350z,Events
by Forbes @ 9:38 am on June 23, 2009
Our friend Scott was nice enough to get some footage for the latest installment of our summer track event posts while he was at Thunderhill Raceway last Friday. Please find a reputable track event organizer, like Hooked On Driving, and get your car out on the track to have some fun!
This video shows what a well set up Z can do in the right hands, and I especially love all the little comments he added about all the cars he passes, wicked. Also, if this car sounds different to you than in previous posts then give yourself a high-five. It received a new Motordyne “Shockwave” single exhaust. I will have photos, dyno numbers, and more info on the new exhaust this week. Enjoy!
Filed under: Events
by Forbes @ 4:44 pm on June 22, 2009
One of the best Nissan/Datsun/Infiniti in the Northern California area is the annual Blackhawk auto show put together by the ZONG organization. This event consists of beautiful cars from all over the state and the winners are decided by the fellow entrants which always makes for an exciting trophy presentation. We will be bringing quite a few choice cars from the shop as well as unveiling the production version of our ZCG Big Brake Kit for the 240z.
Another great reason to make the trip to Blackhawk is the amazing auto museum. If have any sort of appreciation for the automobile, or art in general, this place is a must!! There are cars of all generations from every marque, some of which you may have never heard of. The rolling artwork here are some of the finest examples still in existence. You will not be disappointed.
I have heard rumors that ZONC has been in contact with Nissan North America to possibly bring a surprise vehicle, can you guess what it might be? I’ll fill you in when I get a confirmed yes or no. Click on the flyer below for all the detail and make sure to check our the photos from last years event. We hope to see you there!
