Nissan Z Remastered
Lately we’ve been on the topic of manufacturers reinvigorating original classics into new models, so it seems only appropriate to tell you about the confirmed release of Nissan’s new Z just this week.
52 years ago, Nissan released the original Z model, the Fairlady Z. Also known as the 240Z outside of Japan. The 240Z still retains it’s popularity today, even obtaining cult-like status.
It’s no wonder that theyre keen to keep the Z heritage going, with 1.8 million Z’s sold across the board, but also forming their line of affordable sports cars.
“For us at Nissan, the Z is a part of who we are, and represents years of our commitment to customers. Through the Z, we bring the latest sports car design, performance and excitement to as many people as we can,” said Ashwani Gupta, chief operating officer/chief performance officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Impressively, and unlike usual, they’ve released the final model looks basically identical to the concept version.
Luckily they’ve improved on the powerhouse over it’s previous models, and even some of it’s rivals. The Z will boast a 3L Twin Turbo V6(VR30DDTT), with the option of either a 6spd manual or whopping 9spd automatic!
Power output will see a respectable 298kw, 50 more than the previous Z model, the 370z. Though only barely noticeable differences in body dimensions.
The fun doesn’t stop there, breaking new ground for Nissan is an “Advanced Launch Assist Control System” for both the automatic and Performance model manual. While the manuals also include Downshift Rev-Matching and a Carbon-Fibre Composite drive shaft.
The 2 model variances you’ll see are:
Sports:
- Paddle shifters (Automatic version)
- 320mm front/307mm rear brakes with two-piston calipers
- Three-point front strut tower brace
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- LED headlights and tail lights
- Keyless entry/push-to-start
- Black woven cloth interior trim
- Eight-way manual driver’s seat
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker sound system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- Front and rear parking sensors
Performance:
- Paddle shifters
- Advanced Launch Assist Control System
- Limited-Slip Differential
- Downshift Rev-Matching(Manual version)
- 355mm front/350mm rear brakes with four-piston front calipers
- Leather steering wheel
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 19-inch forged alloy wheels
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Front & rear spoiler
- Synthetic suede seat inserts, leather bolsters, Suede door trims
- Heated seats, four-way power adjustable
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Eight-speaker Bose sound system
- Wi-Fi hotspot(potentially US only)
- Aluminium sports pedals
Both models will have 2 different drive modes, Standard and Sports. With Sports mode activating dynamic vehicle control, faster acceleration, active sound enhancement and a sports-mode steering profile.
“Our designers listened to thousands of current Z owners, made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design. “Ultimately, we decided the Z should travel between the decades, including the future.”
The styling cues follow closely to that of the first generation Fairlady Z.
Including the half circle LEDs that pay tribute to a limited edition JDM only 240ZG.
The rear taillights scream 300ZX.
The inside also shows cues reminiscant of it’s previous generations, with placements of gauges and dash shapes.
The 12.3-inch instrument cluster has 3 different display modes, arranged in focused positioning thanks to input from Nissan Super GT500 driver Tsugio Matsuda.
You’ll also feel like you’ve been taken back in time to the 90’s with 3 gauges sitting on the top center of the dash.(boost, turbo speed, volts)
The Z will have a combination of 3 interior colours, Graphite, Red and Blue. Various exterior colours will be available, in different configurations that include two-tone and black roofs.
Safety is hasn’t been forgotten, with Autonomous-Emergency-Braking, Lane Departure Assist, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Parking Sensors all standard.
Whispers also exist of a limited edition “Proto Spec” whichwill be limited to just 240 and come with additions such as: yellow-colored brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-colored alloy wheels, leather seats with yellow accents and yellow interior stitching.
NOTE: US Model Shown and Australian model may vary.
The Z will hit the Australian market in 2023.
Images and information, courtesy of Nissan