Nissan reveals the Z

Thursday, 19 August 2021

Nissan has dropped the numbers from the Z's name, but pumped up the numbers under the bonnet with a twin-turbo V6.

Nissan has finally revealed the production version of the car we all expected to be called the 400Z, but with one big change – the 400 is gone and the successor to the 370Z is now just called the Z.

Two models will be sold, called Sport and Performance, with the optional Proto Spec trim additional to Performance.

Every model gets styling carried over largely wholesale from the Z Proto, like teardrop LED headlights and a chunky rectangular grille with similar dimensions to the outgoing 370Z’s grille holds oval fins for a modern touch.

The new Nissan Z is finally here, boasting big power and retro looks.

Around the back is the same 300ZX-inspired rear end, with Performance versions sporting a new spoiler on the bootlid. A gloss black diffuser surrounds twin exhaust outlets.

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Buyers will be able to choose from six colours that contrast with a black roof, or three single-tone options.

Sport models get 18-inch wheels while Performance cars get 19-inchers. Nine different exterior colours will be available, six of which coming with a contrasting black roof: Brilliant Silver, Boulder Grey, Seiran Blue, Ikazuchi Yellow, Passion Red, and Everest White.

A completely rehashed interior comes complete with a trio of analogue dials in the dash.

Otherwise, Nissan offers three single-tone paint options: Black Diamond, Gun Metallic, and Rosewood Metallic.

Inside are bucket seats similar in style to those in the GT-R, coming in black cloth or leather for Sports and Performance models, respectively. The centre stack has a trio of analogue gauges for turbocharger boost, turbo turbine speed and a voltmeter.

The twin-turbo V6 makes more power but less torque than the Toyota Supra.

An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard kit while a larger 9.0-inch unit with sat-nav and WiFi comes on Performance trims.

Proto Spec cars get yellow brake calipers, bronze 19-inch RAYS wheels, a yellow-accented interior with suede inserts.

It pays to mention just 240 Proto Spec cars will be made (get it, like the 240Z) but this figure only applies to the US for the moment. It’s unclear how many (if any) New Zealand will get.

As for under the skin, we already knew the Z rode on a heavily reworked 370Z platform. It has better structural rigidity, better suspension, electronic power steering that apparently retains a “strong mechanical feel,” and wider front tyres on both models.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, a total of 298kW and 475Nm of torque, up 51kW and 108Nm over the 370Z. Nissan doesn’t specify performance, but it should be quite a bit faster than the old car. Notably, this is more power (but less torque) than rival Supra.

The Z will come with a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The manual gets “an advanced launch assist control system” to help launches, while auto models get a proper launch control system. Manual-equipped cars also get a carbon fibre composite driveshaft with rev-matching.

Automatic Performance Zs also get the same shift paddles as the GT-R.

It hasn’t been confirmed yet but a Nismo version is almost certainly being worked on as well. It will likely push power close to 350kW, perhaps even more.

There are still a few blanks left to fill, namely price and availability. All we know is that the 400Z will arrive in New Zealand “next year”.