Nissan 350Z fans will have another enhanced flavor to look forward to if the dedicated group of Nissan development engineers have their way with the Marketing department. The Goodwood Festival of Speed (hosted July 7-9) hosted the first public outing of the Nissan 350Z GT-S concept, along with many other exotic road cars in the Supercar Paddock and in the renowned hillclimb course. A Novidem (Swiss) supercharger has allowed for a 25% increase in horsepower from 300hp to 382hp and an increase in torque to 314 lb-ft from 260 lb-ft. Zero to 60 mph times are cut by 2.5 seconds in the 0-100mph time over the standard Nissan 350Z, with the clock stopping 1 second earlier in the 0-60mph time.

Numerous suspension and chassis upgrades augment the increased performance of the Nissan 350Z GT-S. Nissan engineers have sought after many upgrades and suspension changes. Working hand-in-hand with specialists from Bilstein, the changes concentrate on optimizing road performance, with improvements in both handling ability and ride comfort, particularly on British B roads. Styling goes along with function, as wider wheels and tires complete the chassis alterations.

Steve Robbins said: "We could have produced a balls-out racer with huge power outputs and very little suspension movement. But while this would have created a superb racer, it would have been virtually unusable on the road. Instead we approached the GT-S from an engineering stand-point with a view to creating a 350Z that provides more of everything: performance, handling, looks, comfort and excitement."

So will we see the fruits of the engineers' labor in production? It's tough to say, but many can only hope for a brighter and more powerful future from Nissan. The Big 3 have a wound that itches; it is the time to scratch at it.