All-new Nissan Z sports car debuts; US launch scheduled for next year

KUALA LUMPUR: While putting an end to all suspense and eagerness, Nissan has finally unveiled the all-new Z sports car at a special event in the US. The latest version is the seventh-generation Z, which represents more than 50 years of its legendary history. The car features attractive styling, advanced tech along with the thrill of exploring the open roads. It is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. next year in two variants - Sport and Performance, along with a special Proto Spec guise.

Dubbed as an “approachable sports car for the modern age,” the new Nissan Z is an important part of the company’s turnaround plan called “Nissan Next,” which combines cultural change and product investment.

“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.

Under the bonnet, the new Nissan Z is equipped with a 3.0-litre V-6 twin-turbo engine that brings a significant increase in the grunt over the predecessor 370Z. The engine delivers a sharp, yet the smooth response to the driver’s input, says Nissan. It generates a maximum power output of 400 hp, and a peak torque of 475 Nm at 5,600 rpm, that’s a bump of 68 hp in power and 30% in torque. A six-speed manual transmission and a nine-speed automatic are the two available gearbox options.

Apart from the extra oomph, the chassis, cooling, suspension, and steering of the new car are also tuned to ensure that it continues to support the driver’s intentions, explains the automaker.

In terms of design, the production-spec Nissan Z is based on the Z Proto concept, which the company showcased last year. It has a modern yet retro appearance that features a pointed nose, squared-off grille, oval headlights, horizontal tail lights, 18-inch wheels, and a black diffuser that surrounds dual exhaust tips. A rear spoiler and 19-inch rims are available with the performance trim.

The Nissan Z colour palette has nine options including:

• Six two-tone paints with a black roof - Brilliant Silver, Boulder Gray, Everest White, Ikazuchi Yellow, Passion Red, Seiran Blue 
• Three single-tone paints - Black Diamond, Gun Metallic, Rosewood Metallic

Moving inside, the two-seater sports car has a tech-forward cabin with appointments like a 12.3-inch customizable digital driver display, 9-inch infotainment unit with navigation and Wi-Fi, eight-speaker Bose audio system, heated leather chairs with power adjustment, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, automatic temperature control, front and rear sonar sensors and more.

About the Nissan Z price, there is no official information at the moment.

Also read: Next-gen Nissan Navara to be introduced by 2025