TOKYO — Nissan is planning to shoehorn the 4.5-liter V8 that powers several Infiniti models into its 350Z sports car to create a 400-horsepower hot rod.

The muscled-up coupe would be called the 450Z, says U.K. magazine Autocar. So far, the more powerful coupe has not been confirmed for production, but Nissan is seriously considering it in a bid to compete with the likes of Porsche.

The 450Z could also have an Audi quattro-style four-wheel-drive transmission in order to make sure the V8's output can be safely transferred to the road. The only problem is that the V8 currently doesn't meet all worldwide emissions rules. But Nissan is planning to modify the engine to meet Euro IV standards as it's planning to launch Infiniti in Europe in early 2007.

What this means to you: More power means higher price and more profit for the car companies, but it's not exactly going to please the environmental lobby.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108154

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108154

[post="50142"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

GTR Skyline anyone?

Also wouldn't it be 400Z since the 350Z uses a 3.5 L V6 and the Nissan V8 is a 4.0?

Three years ago I said the only thing the 350Z/G35 need is a highed end 4.5 V8 powered variant. Limited production would be fine but I'm sure they'll sell al the ycan make.

I'm not so sure that's a good idea. I think 350Zs can get up to about $35k, and I'm guessing the V8 would come at a pretty big premium. I think most buyers would spend a few more bucks and go for the Vette if the 450Z gets over $40k.

I think it's a good idea... I love the sounds of this. Although, any availability of more power is okay by me. :D

GTR Skyline anyone?

Also wouldn't it be 400Z since the 350Z uses a 3.5 L V6 and the Nissan V8 is a 4.0?

[post="50153"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Nope. The Infiniti car V8 is a 4.5L.

the next generation nissan V6 could be a 4.0 and the 400Z being the first car w/ it

They're already using a 4.0L V6 in the mid-sized trucks. which makes 265hp as is. Getting 400hp out of a car version og that engine should be child's play for them.

They're already using a 4.0L V6 in the mid-sized trucks. which makes 265hp as is. Getting 400hp out of a car version og that engine should be child's play for them.

[post="50319"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

yeah, the current 3.5 started life in the Pathfinder while the maxima had a 3.0

Typical move for a japanese make- increase displacement to increase HP.

Typical move for a japanese make- increase displacement to increase HP.

[post="50336"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

if you followed the 3.5L engine a few years back, it had less HP and slowly graduated up to the ~270 now


what the hell are you stuffing about?

^ Uh, didn't we American's (sort of) do that in the '60s and '70s until the gas crisis? Uh, yeah. Sounds a little hipocritical to me.

^ Uh, didn't we American's (sort of) do that in the '60s and '70s until the gas crisis? Uh, yeah. Sounds a little hipocritical to me.

[post="50340"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

yea, what a dumbshit

Edited November 30, 200519 yr by carpetbagger

if you followed the 3.5L engine a few years back, it had less HP and slowly graduated up to the ~270 now
what the hell are you stuffing about?

[post="50339"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I think he was being sarcastic :)

Typical move for a japanese make- increase displacement to increase HP.

[post="50336"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Jezzus Guys take a breath and think for a minute...

He was being sarcastic. Substitute "American" for "Japanese" and you have a very over used gripe form the Automotive rags.

Give 'em hell Balthazar I got your back! :)

I would have thought that Infiniti would do a G45 before doing a V-8 Z, but maybe Nissan will do both. There are some people who just don't like sixes, and this engine could breathe new life into these vehicles.

Jezzus Guys take a breath and think for a minute...

He was being sarcastic. Substitute "American" for "Japanese" and you have a very over used gripe form the Automotive rags.

Give 'em hell Balthazar I got your back!  :)

[post="50376"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

It didn't sound sarcastic. But, hey, my sarcasm radar is getting pretty rusty already. :D

A Nissan car with a V8 just seems weird to me. I think a G40 or G45 makes more sense. For the Z car, I would have thought they'd do a (twin?) turbo'd V6 first.

Well, at least some of you guys are awake. Thanks Sixty8.