The all-new seventh-generation Nissan Z has finally made its global debut, representing more than 50 years of ongoing passion and dedication towards driving excitement.
Powering the all-new Z is 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine which produces 405 PS and 475 Nm of torque. Paired to the engine is either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
Mechanical goodies
Also part of the package is advanced launch assist control system, and a carbon-fiber composite drive shaft and Downshift Rev Matching in the manual variant.
While both front and rear dampers use a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter than the outgoing 370Z, the front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including caster angle which has been increased, aiding in straight line stability.
Two drive modes are offered with the automatic transmission – Standard and Sport.
Two driving modes
While the Standard mode is best suited for commuting and long highway drives for a pleasant, stress-free drive, Sport mode unlocks the Z’s performance potential, offering faster acceleration control, a sports-mode steering profile, active sound enhancement, and sports-mode vehicle dynamic control.
The Z Performance grade models on the other hand, utilize a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential.
For the exterior, the new Z takes on a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car design, with a long hood, lower rear stance and a silhouette that pays homage to the first-generation Z.
Exterior design
The designers utilized the latest technologies to streamline the design, and incorporated LED lighting to give dimension without unnecessary elements.
The LED headlights have two half-circles that hark back to the Japan market-only Fairlady 240ZG of the 70s, which fit naturally with the new Z’s identity.
The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the all-new Z from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile, whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture.
The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.
Tribute to predecessors
The rear combination lamps incorporate modern technology into the styling reminiscent of the Z32 300ZX, including new 3-D signature LED taillights that are distinctly Z.
The Z Performance grade features a rear spoiler that creates positive pressure where the rear hatch and spoiler meet, mitigating rear lift.
The front spoiler takes advantage of knowledge gained through Nissan GT-R development to utilize negative pressure zones.
The all-new Z is available in three monotone exterior colors and six two-tone exterior colors including two new colors, Seiran Blue and Ikazuchi Yellow – both with a Super Black roof.
Interior
Inside, the cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches. The centre stack takes inspiration from previous generations, with three analogue pod gauges on the instrument panel, 8.0-inch touchscreen audio display in the center and climate control switches near the shifter.
The interior design team also sought advice from professional motorsports legends, such as Nissan Super GT500 driver Tsugio Matsuda, to give the Z an ideal sports car cabin for various driving situations.
This can be seen in the instrumentation, with all vital information found in the 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the 12 o’clock position. The 12.3-inch TFT meter display is all-new with three display modes to suit driver preference.
The new Z’s center stack uses a three-zone approach, placing three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel (boost, turbo speed, volt) within the driver’s eyesight. Both the manual and automatic shift levers are new, each of them custom-engineered for optimized grip and comfort.
The new, deep spoke steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing the vintage aesthetic.
The design of the seats utilizes know-how from the GT-R’s development to enhance both hold and fit.
Comfort?
The expanded use of suede on the seatback suppresses initial lateral shake on the body, creating more comfortable drives, as well as reducing body movement when the vehicle is aggressively cornering.
Three interior color environments are available – Graphite, Red and Blue. The limited edition Proto Spec features yellow accents throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature layered seat material to create depth and a gradation effect.
A limited edition Nissan Z Proto Spec is also offered featuring exclusive yellow-colored brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-colored aluminum-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.
