[HyperFX]

Mercedes-Benz-Powered Nissan Z - New and Future Cars
When it was announced that Nissan /Renault was partnering with Daimler-Benz, we didn’t have a clue as to how close this relationship would be.
By Sam Mitani / Photo-Illustration by Best Car

July 14, 2010


When it was announced that Nissan/Renault was partnering with Daimler-Benz, we didn’t have a clue as to how close this relationship would be. We’re now hearing that it will be quite close, with the two companies planning to extensively share platforms and engines. The first reports from Japan suggested that the next-generation Infiniti G sedan and coupe, as well as future M sedans, will be built on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform. Then came more interesting news: how this relationship would affect the 370Z.

There are reports that the Z’s VQ V-6 may start being phased out soon (this engine was introduced in 1995, meaning it’s already 15 years old). Replacing the VQ 3.7-liter V-6 in the Z may be a trio of Mercedes-Benz powerplants. The likely candidates are the E-Class’s V-6 diesel engine, a V-6 hybrid setup and quite possibly a V-8.

If a diesel makes its way into the Z, it will be the 3.0-liter unit from the E350 BlueTEC. This powerplant puts out 211 bhp, making it much less powerful than the gasoline engine in the current Z, but torque is rated at nearly 400 lb.-ft. The hybrid option will most likely be the 3.5-liter V-6 mated with an electric motor—the setup currently in the S400 sedan. As for the possibility of a V-8-powered Z, we feel that it’s far-fetched at this point, but both Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-liter and Nissan’s 5.6-liter make sense. If Nissan engineers design the next Z to accommodate one of these potent engines, then the Z will have the power-to-weight chops to take on the Chevrolet Corvette. Nissan can even toy with the idea of fitting Mercedes-Benz’s 500-plus-bhp AMG engine, creating a beast that’ll give the GT-R a run for its money.

[Cal]

I'm not sure how I feel about this....

[ej25ti]

Yea I saw this before... DISLIKE!

[bersh]

the vq is one of the best engines ever made.
if anything the e-class should use it.

[West]

I like that Z, I dislike the rumor. Thank goodness its from Best Car.

I think its time for a engine refresh with Nissan, but that's not a good direction. Diesel is the last thing the Z needs.

[Cal]

It needs one of these

[ej25ti]

Originally Posted by bersh

the vq is one of the best engines ever made.
if anything the e-class should use it.

haha LIKE!!

[HyperFX]

Someone feels left out of the latest 2 company engine development fashion trend recently started by Toyota/Subaru. Lets all be friends and hold hands around the campfire. J/k A Hemi powered Mustang anyone?

[ra23celica]

This chassis and engine cross sharing is going crazy - but if it delivers better cars, we should be all for it.

[Cal]

I want Nissan and GM(Chevy) to mate the VQ/VR with the LS series.

[ej25ti]

^^ no? lol :P

[scoobie]

Originally Posted by bersh

the vq is one of the best engines ever made.
if anything the e-class should use it.

Bahahaah. So true! You should in charge of Nissan/DC.

[SUPRAtruc2JZGE]

I won't be surprise if Toyota Team up with BMW.

[Cal]

I would rather Nissan do the above versus Mercedes.

[SUPRAtruc2JZGE]

JDM > DTM

but if it mutanted, IDK! something like this JDDTMM, JDTDMM, JDMTMD .....whatever?><!@#$&^)&(&^

[Cal]

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters? Wouldn't EDM be more appropriate?

[ej25ti]

Originally Posted by Cwrigh25

Wouldn't EDM be more appropriate?

no that'd be too easy

[SUPRAtruc2JZGE]

How about WFuM??? "We Fxxxed up Motors" lol!! just kidding!