What Z heritage did you infuse into the design?
To me, the best Zs were the first S30 and the previous Z33. The 350 borrows more 240Z and 300ZX, while the 370 is more a combination of 240Z and 350 inspired design. The Z closest to my heart is the S30, the first generation Zs, which is why the 370 leans more in that direction-to try and honor its rich history while giving it a fresh and thoroughly modern design.
Besides the OG Z, were there any other inspirations when it came to the design?
I've always felt that my best inspirations came from looking at things other than cars. I looked at the aggressive lines of sharks as an example. If you look at the beltline and the belly of the 370Z, you can see the shark influences: it's built like a torpedo and it screams speed and power. Other imagery of animals running with powerful rear legs and strong stances were influences, as were the muscles of the athletic, toned body of a sprinter. I also looked at fighter jets and motorcycles. I have a collection of bikes and was restoring an MV Agusta F4 while working on the 370, which gave me a lot of ideas for new surfaces and mechanical details. An example is the wheels, which are directly inspired by a Ducati's steering triple clamp. Also, Zs have a long-winning history in racing and motorsports, which is where the wide body and flares came in.
What's your favorite aspect of the exterior design?
There are many details that I love about the 370-like seeing the forms in the hood while I'm driving the car, the massive fender flares and unique rocker-but my favorite detail is the belt line. We worked hard to get that line sweet and dynamic in every view. It does a lot of things-it's graceful, yet has enough tension to look like it's lunging forward to attack. It gives you an impression of a long hood, and by sweeping up, the belt line gives the car a more reminiscent feel, back to the 240Z, which connects its history. I have to give much credit to the incredibly talented sculptors at Nissan. They are artists and a fantastic group of guys to work with-not once did they complain about remodeling the side of the body a hundred times over.
If there is one thing you could have changed on the Z34, what would it be? Cough, fangs, cough.
Don't get me wrong. I'm elated about the Z34, but as a designer, you're almost never fully satisfied, and you always want to change things-as the modeling staff at NDA can attest. If it's your design, it's like your baby and you want to follow it until the end. I didn't have that opportunity, but fortunately, the designers who finished it in production are extremely talented and maintained the theme while improving and refining it.
So we know the S30 is your favorite Z; which is your least favorite?
I don't want to anger any of the Z lovers who still own these cars, but the ones from 1979 to 1986. Those 280s and 300ZXs don't really do it for me. That's just my opinion and my family has actually owned some of those cars.
Now we can add angry Z owners to the list along with MR2 owners [laughs] Besides the Z, what are some other designs you appreciate?
I get like a little kid inside when I see exotic cars like certain Ferraris, Lamborghini, Porsches, or other classic exotics. But I also appreciate cars with character and strong design themes no matter what brand.
Now that the Z is done, what's your next project?
The Z was done a few years ago so this is kind of a delayed gratification. Luckily for us designers, Nissan has a wide range of products and we're usually open to sketch on many of them. I can't really tell you what I'm working on but I have some exciting things in the works.
Boo! If you could pick a car from any manufacturer to design, what would it be?
I've been very blessed... but what I really want to design in the future is a really hot sport bike. I wish Nissan would start making bikes or do a concept one. That, or an exotic super car.
Do you have the 370Z yet?
It's being meticulously crafted with love at a Nissan plant as we speak-it's on its way!
Once the Nissan stork drops off your own Z34, what five aftermarket modifications would you do to it?
I would usually say the wheels first, but since I sketched these, I'll keep them for a little bit-someone needs to make the stock ones in a bigger size. Springs next, because the car definitely needs a nice drop. A full exhaust would come next, then an intake and an aftermarket ECU.
Couldn't agree more.