Speaking with Inside Line, Nissan design boss Shiro Nakamura revealed that the company is currently working on a smaller Z-car, both in terms of overall size and weight. Nakamura says the next Z is still "at an early stage" in the design process, but that a concept version of the car could be ready in time for the 2014 Detroit auto show.
That leaner physique means the next Z may arrive with a turbocharged four-cylinder in place of the current car's 3.7L V6. Although down on cylinders the four-cylinder Z would at least match the performance of the current car while offering better fuel economy. Nakamura believes a more efficient Z would make the car appeal to more people.
"It needs to be lighter, and more accessible to open the door to more people," he said.
The next-generation Nissan Z is expected to bow for the 2015 model year.
