Driving Sports

During the 2008 L.A. Auto Show we had the opportunity for an exclusive one-on-one interview with the head designer of the Nissan 370Z, Mr. George Yanaka, Product Chief Designer, Nissan Japan. The original interview was done in Japanese and was translated by our staff.

Driving Sports - Please introduce yourself to our readers.
George Yanaka - My name is George Yanaka. I am a chief designer in the product design department at Nissan. I am in charge of directing the design dept of 370Z. Our focus for this new car is how we can express emotions from the older generation, 350Z. That was our main focus.

How did you start on the design for the 370Z?
We gave an assignment to every Nissan designer around the world to sketch out what your Z would look like. That was the start. We had hundreds of submissions from around the world and a sketch done by Randy Rodriguez at NDA, in San Diego, caught our attentions.

So it was an American who designed the new Z?
Yes, the key sketch was done by Rodriguez, but from there we took his sketch to Design Studio in Atsugi, Japan and developed it into final shape. There were many smart ideas from many designers and we combined and collaborated the ideas. It was really a good and positive collaboration, there was no discouraging of others’ ideas. Everyone wanted to go up higher with this collaboration.

Were there any particular hurdles with this design?
With this new car, we shrunk the wheelbase by 100mm (compared to the 350Z), but one issue was how to apply a shorter wheelbase with the new design. This became our discussion point with our designers. There were pros and cons to that. Many of us were worried that by shortening the wheelbase, we’d end up with a smaller car – in a bad way. We had long debates and discussions regarding this change. At the end, we are very pleased with the massive, sharp and proportionally compressed design of the new Z.

In order to improve the performance, the Z wears 275/35R19 tires in the back. Although overall length got shorter, we increased overall width, about 30mm wider. Because of this, we wanted to make good use of all the area in the rear fenders, and our end product was a big improvement from 350Z. We wanted the drivers to enjoy the rear view of the Z in the side mirrors. Also as the 370Z passes other cars on the streets, we wanted the 370Z drivers to show off the aggressive rear fenders of the new Z to others!

Does the 370Z share it’s motor with other Nissans?
Yes, the Infiniti G37 uses the same engine. Of course, 370Z’s engine is tuned differently but it is basically a same power plant.

As you were designing the new Z, were you thinking about any specific competitor cars? Were there any target models?
Hmmm. that is a very difficult question to answer….
For performance, I say Porsche Boxter or Cayman would be our close rivals. For appearance of the car, I don’t think there are any rivals. The Z has a very unique and independent position in the performance car category. The car stands out on its own. Also it seems when consumers do car shopping and decide to buy Z, they don’t really wonder around and compare with other models. It is our duty to please those faithful buyers and listen to what they want. It is challenging but that’s what we do.

Who do you see as your target buyer for the 370Z?
Men in their 30s would be our target customers, but globally males in their 50s with younger minds tend to buy the Z’s, too.

When will the cars be available to buy?
In the US, the cars will be out on Jan 1st, 2009 and in Japan, they will be available on Dec 1st, 2008.

Lastly, what is your favorite design with this new car?
I must say….. Rear fenders. I want everybody to be electrified with the sharp rear looks.

ARIGATO-GOZAIMASHITA!

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