An all-new Nissan Z is on its way and for the first time in the U.S. it drops a numerical designation, and will be known simply known as the Z.
Nissan recently revealed the latest generation of its iconic sports car via global broadcast from Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse, about five miles from where the original 1970 Datsun 240Z made its world debut in October 1969.
"When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
"The Z has always been an accessible sports car – always placed at the intersection of aspiration and attainability – of dreams and reality. This latest iteration is now ready to thrill Z enthusiasts, and create a whole new generation of Z fans as well, when it comes to market here in the U.S. early next year,” said Gupta.
Trims
The Nissan Z lineup will be offered in Sport and Performance grade levels along with a special "Proto Spec” edition, which is limited to just 240 units.
The Z's long hood and low rear stance pays tribute to the original rear-wheel drive model. Nissan says LED headlights with two half-circles are inspired from the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 1970s. The Z Performance grade features a rear spoiler.
Inside, the driver-centric cockpit includes a 12.3-inch customizable racing-inspired meter display, available leather-appointed sports seats and 8-speaker Bose audio system.
Photo Credit: Nissan
Powertrain
All Z's share a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine that delivers up to 400-horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. It's a 68 horsepower boost and 30 percent increase in torque over the last model and Nissan says it has an estimated 15 percent improvement in 0 to 60 mph acceleration. Owners can opt for a standard 6-speed manual transmission with motorsports-inspired EXEDY high-performance clutch, or a new 9-speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters.
Photo Credit: Nissan
In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, Z Performance models equipped with a manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that Nissan says helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position. It's a feature on all automatic transmission-equipped models. Manual transmission-equipped models also feature a carbon-fiber composite drive shaft, with SynchroRev Match added to 6MT Performance models.
Aluminum paddle shifters are standard on all 9-speed automatic-equipped models, with unique paddle shifters, the same design as found on GT-R, on Performance models.
Safety
All Z models include a range of standard driver assistance and safety technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
Availability
The new Z is scheduled to go on sale next spring. Take a look at some of the Z's through the years below:
