Nissan has unveiled the new Z sports car, and it is a very nice-looking machine indeed, with a sleek exterior look matched by an interior that radiates quality and reflects the performance heritage of the Z brand.

Two models of the Z are to be available – the Z Sport and the Z Performance – and are scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of 2022.

Both rear-wheel-drive models are powered by a 3-litre V6 twin turbo engine that dishes out 298kW and 475Nm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a nine-speed auto available as an option. Aluminium paddle shifters are standard on all the auto-equipped models.

Two drive modes are offered on automatic models – Standard and Sport with Sport mode delivering faster acceleration control, a sports-mode steering algorithm, and vehicle dynamic control settings.

All Z Performance grade models utilise a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential. Suspension specs include front and rear dampers that use a new monotube shock absorber design. A front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, improving straight line stability. A two-point front strut tower brace is standard. The rear independent multi-link aluminium suspension has also been reconfigured.

Braking comes via 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Larger sport brakes with red-painted calipers are standard on Performance grade models.

The Z Sport grade rides on 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport tyres, while the Z Performance features 19-inch RAYS forged aluminium-alloy wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.

In the U.S., the new 2023 Z is available in three monotone exterior colours and is also offered with a two-tone exterior, including six colours combined with a Super Black roof.

On the inside, the new Z pairs modern tech with vintage touches. There’s a centre stack with three analogue pod gauges on the instrument panel, an 8-inch or 9-inch (Performance variant) touchscreen audio display in the centre, and a 12.3-inch customisable information display.

The 12.3-inch display has three modes to suit driver preference, with “Sport” mode prioritising the tachometer in the centre and in the driver’s field of view. The Sport mode also allows for a boost gauge to be displayed.

The Z Sport grade offers black woven cloth and manual seats. The Z Performance adds leather-appointed surfaces, 4-way power driver’s seat with lumbar and thigh support, 4-way power and heated seats.

A touch of retro styling is nice, but the Z comes fully loaded with modern convenience and safety features, including Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start,

Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Temperature Control, RearView Monitor, two 12-volt power points, and two USB points.

The 8.0-inch display includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant amongst other features. The Performance model gets the 9.0-inch touchscreen display which has navigation and WiFi hotspot tech – features not available with the 8-inch version.

All models will have driver assistance systems that include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. Tyre Pressure monitoring is standard.

A special edition model is going to be available called the Proto Spec. It will be limited to 240 units in the U.S., and includes yellow-coloured brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch RAYS aluminium-alloy wheels, exclusive Proto Spec leather-appointed seats with yellow accents, exclusive Proto Spec suede and cloth door trim with yellow stitching and special Proto Spec interior stitching.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2021)

14 September 2021