The all-new Nissan Z has been officially unveiled as the seventh generation of the Fairlady family. Designed as a tribute to Z cars of past, the new Japanese sportscar retains most of the design cues as seen with the concept car that previewed it.
The all-new Nissan Z sports the brand’s VR30DDTT twin-turbopetrol 3,0-litre V6 under the bonnet that has been rated at 298 kW and 475 N.m of torque. This power is sent to the rear via a six-speed manual gearbox or a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Claimed performance figures have not been detailed by the manufacturer.
In a first for a rear-wheel drive car from the brand, the all-new Nissan Z sports an advanced launch assist control system for the manual transmission together with a carbon-fibre composite driveshaft and downshift rev-matching.
While the all-new Nissan Z utilises the same platform as the outgoing 370Z, there have been significant revisions made to the suspension such as the inclusion of new monotube shock absorbers with a larger diameter for the front and rear dampers. The front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, aiding in straight line stability. For stopping power, ventilated discs are applied to both axles. The front boasts a set of four-piston callipers, while the rear two.
Dimension-wise, the all-new Nissan Z measures 4 379 mm long, 1 844 mm wide and 1 316 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 550 mm. Using these proportions, the design team has translated a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car design, with a long bonnet, lower rear stance and a silhouette that pays homage to the first-generation Z.
Within the cabin, the all-new Nissan Z has been designed to fit the driver and passenger “like a glove” as it blends modern technology with vintage Z touches. Key equipment such as a set of three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel, 8,0-inch touchscreen audio display in the center and climate control switches near the shifter have been included. For the driver, a 12,3-inch customisable digital display boasts a redline shift point at the 12 o’clock position. This metre display is all-new with three display modes to suit driver preference.
For the United States market, the all-new Nissan Z will be offered in Sport and Performance grades, each with a choice of a six-speed manual or new nine-speed automatic transmission.
A limited edition Nissan Z Proto Spec is also offered featuring exclusive yellow-colored brake callipers with Z logo, bronze-coloured alloy wheels, exclusive leather-appointed seats with yellow accents and yellow interior stitching throughout. Production of the Nissan Z Proto Spec is limited to 240 units.
The Z Performance grade features a rear spoiler that creates positive pressure where the rear hatch and spoiler meet in an attempt to mitigate rear lift. The front spoiler takes advantage of knowledge gained through Nissan GT-R development to utilise negative pressure zones.
Local introduction of the Z into South Africa is yet to be confirmed by Nissan South Africa.
