Nissan reveals newest Z car

By: Unique Cars magazine

Date: 27.09.2021

Nissan has revealed its latest Z car featuring a twin-turbo V6 in a body with styling tones harking back to the original 240Z and a 2022 Australian arrival date

For many, one glimpse of the Z will win them over. Like the early Z cars it features a long bonnet, tapered glass and a short tail.

The most obvious connection to the original 240Z design that captured the world 52 years ago is quite obvious in its silhouette. The new Z rides on the same length wheelbase 2550mm, as the previous 370Z whose platform can be traced back to the early 2000s.

Its stunning form is thanks Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s global head of design and a Z-car fanatic. "We found ourselves gravitating towards the sketches that touched the high points of certain decades while remaining true to our vision of the future," said Albaisa.

| Read next: Nissan's iconic 'Z' cars

"Ultimately, we created a Z that travels between the decades while being completely modern." While not all of the car is what we’d describe as completely modern, maybe that’s not such a bad thing where the Z-car’s niche is concerned.

Natural aspiration has been ditched in favour of a 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine putting out a hefty 298kW and 475Nm. Manual transmission buyers get a close ratio six-speed manual to play with along with a high-performance clutch, a carbon fibre tail shaft and launch control. The auto is a nine-speed offering with standard and sport modes, launch control and paddle shifts like the GT-R. Both get rev matching technology.

Nissan has added electronic power-steering, double wishbone front suspension with greater caster angle for enhanced stability and a multilink rear set-up. The Performance variant, one of two announced for the US market gets a mechanical clutched LSD and larger rear spoiler for increased downforce.

| 50 years of Z: A timeline of Nissan's breakout sportscar

Depending on the model the new Z rides on either 18-inch alloys with Yokohama ADVAN tyres or 19-inch forged alloys fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 hoops.

Inside, the cabin features the latest technologies but in a package that sports a retro feel with the analogue gauges sitting next to the clean centre dash housing an 8.0-inch touchscreen, push button start, and adaptive cruise control. The nostalgic theme continues with a deeply dished steering wheel and suede on the backs of the bolstered sports seats.

| Buyer's Guide: Nissan 240Z 1970-1974

"Simply put, our goal is to make this the best Z yet, period. With each generation, we raise the bar, pushing the limits of Z and continuing to tap into the human instinct for that next thrilling journey," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the new Z.

The specification and price for the Australian market are yet to be announced.

From Unique Cars 457, Sep 2021

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