Nissan Z [AU] (2023)

Nissan Z [AU]

Very few automotive manufacturers can boast the sports car lineage of Nissan's Z. An icon for more than 50 years, the Z has been the first word in Japanese performance since 1969.

It's a proud legacy, which is why Nissan's seventh-generation model pays homage to its illustrious past, while celebrating its exciting future.

Nissan's passionate team of designers and engineers forged a fresh path with the new Z Coupe, but one which draws inspiration from the past, seamlessly integrating both in a fresh concept infused with a unique and dramatic design vision.

The new Nissan Z Coupe is, to its core, a genuine driver's car, and creates a fresh chapter in the Z lineage. In every respect, this is a sports car designed and engineered for the "Zenthusiasts".

From the decision to equip the new model with a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine to provide outstanding power to weight and performance, to the driver-focused choice of offering a six-speed manual transmission in a world dominated by automatic gearboxes, all while brooking no compromise in safety, comfort or equipment levels, the new Nissan Z Coupe sets the bar at its highest level yet.

"There's always a risk in reimagining a true icon," says Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson. "There's a lot of history to live up to, and a lot of fans that expect nothing but the very best. Needless to say, the all-new Nissan Z more than lives up to its legacy. Both a homage to the past and a showcase of the present, this is performance reimagined."

The Z team, led by Program Designer Director Shinichiro Irie, aimed to produce a sports car which embodied the philosophy of passion, innovation and challenge.

"We aimed to make it something that appeals to all, something for people to fall in love with at first glance," he says.

He wanted to take tradition "and combine it with modern technology; blending both in a balanced way that feels fresh, but still has Z DNA at its core."

Some of the Z's unique visual elements will be striking at first observation, such as the silver accent that enhances the car's roofline, similar in shape to the katana, the traditional Japanese sword, with the rear drawing its capsule light treatment from the 300ZX. The proportions of the Nissan Z Coupe signal that this is unmistakably a front-engine, rear-drive performance vehicle.

The new generation two-seater Z Coupe strips back the variants to just two - one manual transmission and the other automatic - but was launched in Australia with the Z PROTO, a limited-edition model featuring unique Ikazuchi Yellow paintwork and a unique alloy wheel and brake caliper combination.

Such was the demand, the Z PROTO was sold-out in Australia before launch.

The highest levels of driving technology, safety and comfort are delivered in the new Nissan Z.

Chosen for this seventh-generation performance car was Nissan's VR30DDTT twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, which improves power to weight by almost 13 per cent over its predecessor, with improved structural rigidity and a faster sprint capability.

Underpinning the Nissan Z is all-alloy double wishbone front suspension, with a multi-link alloy independent rear. Ventilated front and rear discs, enclosed by 19-inch forged-alloy wheels, provide the ultimate in stopping power.

The six-speed manual transmission variant is matched to an EXEDY® clutch system, with power fed to the rear wheels via a carbon-fibre composite tailshaft for lightness and strength. Advanced rev-matching is also offered for lightning-fast downshifts.

The automatic is a shift-by-wire nine-speed transmission, with paddle shifters on either side of the leather-accented steering wheel. Two driving modes are available: Standard and Sport, which unlocks performance by changing the steering profile, activating the Active Sound Enhancement system, and engaging sports mode in the Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Both automatic and manual models also feature launch control, a first for the Z.

High levels of passive and active safety are a given, with the Z featuring the full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features including Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, High Beam Assist, Land Departure Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Parking sensors are fitted front and rear, with a rear camera.

The Nissan Z Coupe's two-seater cabin, accessed via vertical handles hidden within the door apertures, exudes both class and sportiness.

Blending technology with tradition, the driver's 12.3-inch TFT binnacle display can be switched between three settings: Standard, Enhanced and Sport, the latter putting the tachometer centrally in the display, with an electronic upshift alert at the 12 o'clock position.

Recessed across the middle of instrument panel is the traditional three-gauge Z display, while below is an 8.0-inch display which manages the comprehensive infotainment provided.

A high-quality eight-speaker BOSE sound system is standard equipment, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two USB connection are also provided for extra charging and connectivity options.

A leather-and-suede-accented sports interior, with heated, four-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, and a steering wheel adjustable for height and tilt, make for a comfortable, cosseted cabin and driving environment.

Attention to detail abounds with items such as the illuminated vanity mirrors, four cupholders, and full smart-phone integration with steering-wheel functionality.