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Jay Leno, The Past & Future Of The Datsun Z / Nissan Z 

World famous car guy Jay Leno was in Japan recently where he paid a visit to Nissan’s design studio. Not only did he jump behind the wheel of a restored Fairlady 240 ZG, he also chats with designer Shiro Nakamura and takes a peek at design progress on the next generation Z. If what we see in the video is true, it seems Nissan is planning to take the Z back to its roots for the upcoming model.

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Added: Oct-3-2012 Occurred On: Oct-2-2012
By: ZANGADO
In: Sports
Tags: Jay Leno, The Past & Future Of The Datsun Z car, automotive
Location: Japan (load item map)
Marked as: approved
Views: 1933 | Comments: 20 | Votes: 3 | Favorites: 2 | Shared: 3 | Updates: 0 | Times used in channels: 2
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  • Leno is such a relaxing guy - great video. If they do go with big mirrors on the fender I hope they make them pop-up so that when you power down they melt out of sight.

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    PootiesDaddy (27.90)

    (3)

  • The Z needs to be put on a serious diet, the earlier models just had a more nimble feeling to them that the newer ones don't have.

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    sic semper tyrannis (108.50)  
    sic semper tyrannis
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    • @sic semper tyrannis

      Yes.

      Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
      WolfBite120 (719.70)  

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    • @sic semper tyrannis
      350Z weighed 300kg more than the old S2000 and couldn't fit an anorexic supermodel in the boot. I got a spade, 2 bags of gravel and 6m of 100mm drainage coil in an S2000 boot a few weeks back, with room to spare.
      Nissan should go back to the Z and rethink it properly, like Honda did with the S2000. They can do it, they just need to bash the bean counters over the head.

      Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
      N4CR (947.80)  

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    • @N4CR S2000 is an excellent car in so many respects, and would perhaps be the only car I would be willing to switch over from my FD Rx-7 as the fuel economy is so much better than my gas guzzling rotary. Anyhow, I think Nissan did a better job capturing the spirit of the Z in the Silvia models, cheaper, lighter, more nimble, and a hell of a lot more fun to drive when properly tuned. Perhaps Nissan needs to have a zen moment contemplating the new Toyota 86, as that car is more z than the actual More..

      Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
      sic semper tyrannis (108.50)  
      sic semper tyrannis
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    • @sic semper tyrannis
      Hahaha well posted! Batmobile yum yum yum, I agree about the fuel. Reliability was also another reason partner got s2k as its a shared daily with a motorbike lol. Apparently the Rx8 isn't as guzzling when driven lightly at higher rpms as opposed to what you'd expect, not sure if same for rx7s though. Have you tried that? Mate had a few rotaries over the years and they were gorgeous, 323 wagon, s4 rx7 and a batty. Keep looking after yours, I think clean lower km examples are More..

      Posted Oct-4-2012 By 
      N4CR (947.80)  

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  • Comment of user 'LSDforuandme' has been deleted by author!

  • Love these cars. I had a 72 with Chevy small block conversion & my cousin still has a 73 that'll be in my garage soon for me to put in new trunk floor panels. Would love to see a new one based on the old design. :@)

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    Ruffus (4325.04)  

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  • Very nice video thanks¡¡¡

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    oscarfdff (34.94)  

    (2)

  • I saw a small block V-8 240Z a week ago.

    Looked sweet, a well done build.

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    Buzz1964 (1057.52)  

    (2)

  • Very Cool Video! Thanks
    I hope Jay can afford one when the new design hits the market!

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    BrentAudi (34.76)  

    (1)

  • Hey, Shiro... TEACH YOUR PEOPLE THE GOLDEN RATIO!

    Then Nissan will stop crapping out mass copies of horrendous automotive abortions. Now I can see the no-talent hacks that have been cranking out these horrid abominations.

    Make the new 240z to the EXACT dimensions and ratios of the original and you will have returned to elegant car design.

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    AdobeWanKenobi (233.94)

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  • How nice would it be to get paid to sit around and draw awesome concept cars?
    I especially appreciate the artistic license the designers are given. No wonder the Z car is still held in such high esteem.

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    Scrubby001 (118.40)  

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  • Is Leno available in a tube yet?

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    beer foot (93.40)

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  • Comment of user 'DirtyUncleBerty' has been deleted by author!

  • Those are nice looking cars...unlike jay's ugly ass useless tank car

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    viral_jail_food (104.80)  

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  • Jay Leno has Zero taste in cars, and the knowledge of a peanut.

    THEY ARE CALLED REAR QUARTER PANELS ASSHOLE!! REAR QUARTER PANELS YOU FUCKING FRAUD! NOT HAUNCHES!

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    kishart (86.80)  

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    • Comment of user 'DirtyUncleBerty' has been deleted by author!

  • The 1600 is my drool car. Best datto there will ever be.
    In saying that the 360z is damn nice to ride in. It drives smooth as hell and handles perfectly. Id happily have one of each in my garage!

    Posted Oct-3-2012 By 
    luldayze (485.50)

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