http://images4.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos/6070618.001/6070618.001.1L.jpg

There have now been two sets of spy photos that have turned up showing a development mule wearing a hacked up Nissan 350Z body. At first everyone assumed it was a Nissan vehicle. However, in the background of the most recent batch of spy photos, a mystery car has been identified by our readers as one of the Lexus LF-A prototypes.

Since the photos were taken on public roads, it seems highly improbable that the LF-A would just happen to be in the same location as Nissan's latest mule. Taking a look at the Z mule in profile shows proportions pretty close to the FT-HS concept that turned up at the Detroit Auto Show. So this truncated Z is more likely a test platform for a production version of the FT-HS/Supra/whatever you want to call it that's been cleverly disguised in the clothes of another brand.

[Source: World Car Fans]


http://images4.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos/6070618.001/6070618.001.mini3L.jpg

Wow that would be crazy if it's true.......if it is true wonder what Nissan had to say about it ha ha

LOL I like the stretch of imagination of some rumors.:rolleyes:

...although I do also like what I hear.:D

Honestly though, what are the chances of the Lexus exotic testing side by side with a test mule from some other company, on the same stretch of road at the same time? Probably .0000001.

While it may not necessarily be the FT-HS, there is certainly something going on with this "350Z" and the fact that it is testing with an LF-A in toe is probably more than coincidence.

Also notice the windows are different, and a more pronounce kink in the roofline than what is seen on production Z-cars.

hmmm, While I would love if this were true, later photos came out showing the Z mule pulling into what was said to be Nissans HQ :(
The article is kinda old.

I saw a video on edmunds, that Z would be soon called 370Z. Due to the new engine thats used in the G37.

That would be very sneaky of Toyota to pull off such a thing... :D

while there is a new Z coming out, and 370 would coincide with the new G37 engine...there is no specific info that the 37 engine is in a Z. nor do I know of any remodeling to a "new" Z. And honestly, the Z in that picture is completely resphaped. Take a look at the rear wheel outlets...they're less round on the rear bumper than stock Z's. If you take a look at the whole upper frame (windows, roofline, trunk lid thing) you'll notice how it seems to really not resemble a Z. and having seen mules of the LF-A and such, that line looks awefully familiar. even the hood, there's a clear upper lever outlining the engine...and those headlights look "built-into" something else...aka a front end that isnt for a Z. I have seen pics on leftlane of the LF-A in germany, but I shall wait to comfirm this FT-HS mule...


very sneaky

That would be very sneaky of Toyota to pull off such a thing... :D

extremely sneaky, i wonder if thats even legal.

I would love that to be an FT-HS, but it just seems so unlikely, just like the two cars testing running in to each other

If only it were true. That's definitely a car that would be on my shopping list.

That would mean the FT-HS would be very small. The brakes do look different but I am no expert on the 350Z....

What does the FT-HS stand for or is just what it says.. :uh:

What does the FT-HS stand for or is just what it says.. :uh:My guess is Future Toyota - Hybrid Sportscar.

My guess is Future Toyota - Hybrid Sportscar.

Thanks for the clarification.. Your probably right.. :thumbup:

extremely sneaky, i wonder if thats even legal.
It's legal to imitate, but not to duplicate and market.

For example, have you seen the Hyundai Continental GT? :D
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/contiimg_0005_450.jpg

extremely sneaky, i wonder if thats even legal.

Well, if the development team paid for the 350Z that they are "using" as a mule, then it's all legal. It's no different than The S2000 with the 2JZ in it... It's just an engine swap with almost no budget... :D:D:D

That would mean the FT-HS would be very small. The brakes do look different but I am no expert on the 350Z....

I read somewhere that the FT-HS is about the size of the C6 Corvette.

It's legal to imitate, but not to duplicate and market.

For example, have you seen the Hyundai Continental GT? :D
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/contiimg_0005_450.jpg

That is just nasty!?! :p

I've witnessed 2 nasty rides while driving home:

1) Lexus pickup (old Toyota truck with an "L" on the grill)

2) BMW Quest

:egads: Whatever floats your boat!?!

Anyone noticed that both mules were LHD?

if this is true then Nissan must have been like "WTF" when they saw the 350Z mule pic
lol

if this is true then Nissan must have been like "WTF" when they saw the 350Z mule pic
lol

It would be like Toyota sabotaging Nissans sales as some of the enthusiast wait for the new Z when there isn't it is just a Toyota running around

that is definitely a Z and not a FT-HS.
it is coincidental that the two cars were out at the track together, it just happens.
the GT-R and LF-A were at the track together at one point.

manufacturers dont tend to do that sort of modifications when they test. in addition, that Z was accompanied by other Nissans and Nissan's new target for the Z, the Cayman. The LF-A just happened to end up behind it.

btw that Z also carries nissan's modifications to the FM platform that havent seen production yet...

btw although its not obvious in these pics, the brakes are nissan/akebono sourced calipers on 14" rotors and are one of the indicators that this is the next Z; nissan and akebono are now working together on Z/G braking components, although none of their products have reached production yet (or actually sale- the G37 will feature the calipers first, and they're already in production)

The profilepic of the Z has clearly been photoshopped...my guess is this particular pic is a 2 page scan that was merged...notice that there is an invicible vertical line with quite a few horizontal lines that dont quite match up :)

Nissan should go retro with the design.. The Datsun 240z is a timeless beauty.

http://re3.mm-a4.yimg.com/image/2958415213

While I personally love the current design of the Z, I did really like that Datsun 240Z, too. My mother had one when I was younger and it was an awesome car!

The profilepic of the Z has clearly been photoshopped...my guess is this particular pic is a 2 page scan that was merged...notice that there is an invicible vertical line with quite a few horizontal lines that dont quite match up :)

That's tape you can see the tape in the first shot.