RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

Formula is already there though. Slap the 3.0 RS400 motor into the Z, configure a 6MT to adapt to the new motor as an option and use the already in use 7AT JATCO OR adapt the DCT the GT-R uses to it - boom, unleash on the public. That gives the Z around 400/400 horsepower/torque numbers and barely any research into a new power train/driveline set-up. Adapt the new chassis/body to distribute the weight. They won't be able to keep the lots stocked.

future62

Such a configuration would cost "entry level Porsche" money... and not be much faster. Sales would be problematic

Truthfully the Z is probably in its best state. If they could find a way to put the Akebonos and LSD in the base model for the same money I think they'd maximize its appeal. With the auto it's a 12 second car out of the box

Lego_Maniac

iTrader: (3)

Pretty much, it's a low volume model. All the adapting, redesigning, certifying for crash and epa, not to mention the impact to CAFE probably wouldn't generate enough ROI.

Baadnewsburr

iTrader: (3)

I just hope they keep making the Z cause it keeps the cost of parts for my g low...

mdigiorgio35

for those wondering, an old roommate of mine just picked up a 2018 red sport yesterday, (he had a Q50 sport). He loves it, currently leasing but will probably buy out at the end. He said its fast as hell, great handling, thick steering wheel, really fun to drive. Night and day from Q50 sport. I understand its a $55K car, but he got it for like $44K cause Infinit's year end is 3/31. soooo something to keep in mind when everyone is looking around this time.

7Head

iTrader: (1)

Is the 2017 Q60 RS mostly the same as 2018 Q50 RS? Because I test drove the 2017 Q60 RS before and I thought the steering was very numb. The car handled well, cornered flat, but very non-communicative. It was really just guess work as to how much grip front tires have. Granted I have never drove the older Q50/60, so maybe they did improve a lot. Still, the G37 felt more natural and fun to drive, even if I can probably corner faster in the new Q.

mdigiorgio35

neither him nor i can speak to that because we've never test drove the Q60 RS. I know he missed the feeling of the G when he went to the Q50 sport, so my guess is he got that feeling back in the Q50 RS

Boomer-Bob

iTrader: (1)

Isn't the DAS optional?

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

2018s with he 2.5T arrived early at some dealers and no 6MT

So excited when I got my license 12 years ago....Just in time for cars to become tablets on wheels.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

I thought it was crazy that Mazda announced that the turbo motor would not be available with a stick in the new 6 a while ago- especially since they claim to be a car company for enthusiasts.

Nissan just released a new Altima today in New York that looks a lot better and now has an AWD option for the first time and a powerful turbo motor to replace the V6, but you can only get AWD with the base 4 cyl (non-turbo) engine??

Hyundai also released the new G70 today that is available with a manual transmission, AWD, and the powerful turbo V6 from the G80 Sport, but you cannot get the manual with AWD or the turbo V6??

WTF car companies?? Why not combine the obvious performance features? What is the point of a manual transmission option if you cannot get it with the most powerful engine or AWD??

Lego_Maniac

iTrader: (3)

Because tens of enthusiasts wanting the powerful motor + manual transmission doesn't generate a positive ROI relative to R&D, assembly flexibility, EPA certification, crash testing, etc

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

Unfortunately, Lego is right. If enthusiasts were buying these cars new from factory with the manual option then the option would be there. America is lazy and no one wants to drive anymore; and it''s sad. The country that gave birth to the muscle car is creaming at the opportunity to forfeit the first taste of freedom experienced as a youth at the idea of self-driving cars. All so they can cram another dough-nut down or make phone calls that can't wait 15 minutes.

Just kinda wild that other countries have 60%+ of their cars as manuals and $6.00+ for a gallon of gas and at $3.00 for premium we are giving up the privilege.

/rant

future62

Here's a real bummer. The next 3 series won't be available with RWD OR a stickshift with the 6 banger. Hopefully the 2 series will carry that torch.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

I get what you guys are saying from the perspective of the bean counters who work for these companies, but at the same time their rationale used to be that the manual should stay around because it either got better mileage or it provided better acceleration than an A/T. Now neither of those is true so the only reason to have it must be for enthusiasts.

If that is true then doesn't it make sense to offer it with the bigger engine or AWD so more enthusiasts will buy it, which will in turn help justify the engineering and development costs to have the manual in the first place? Or is it that they already have the manual lying around and it already pairs with the base engine or without AWD so they make a half assed attempt at saying, "Here's your car, you enthusiasts. Now stop sniveling!"

future62

Yea I agree 4DRZ. If they are going to offer a manual with anything it should be the top dog engine. Otherwise it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.