This is the sports car Nissan fans have been waiting for.
The Nissan Z is back, combining throwback looks with a punchy motor and the modern technology expected of a new car.
Tipped to be Nissan’s last traditional sports machine before electric cars overtake petrol models, the new Nissan Z will replace the ageing 370Z in the brand’s Australian showrooms next year. It’s also a spiritual successor to turbocharged weapons such as the Nissan 200SX and GT-R.
The big news is under the bonnet, where a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 298kW and 475Nm outputs replaces a 3.7-litre V6 with 245kW and 363Nm.
Crucially, the new car’s maximum torque arrives from just 1600rpm, far earlier than the outgoing model’s 5200rpm peak twist.
The powerful motor featured in Infiniti’s unloved Q50 Red Sport sedan, a car that impressed with straight-line pace that overwhelmed wayward handling.
It should make the new Z significantly quicker than the outgoing model.
And tuners will no doubt offer aftermarket solutions with extra boost to deliver Porsche-rivalling pace.
Purists will appreciate Nissan’s decision to retain a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission in the Z, which has a classic rear-wheel-drive layout.
A new nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is an optional extra.
The car’s exterior styling represents something of a throwback, with headlights inspired by the original Datsun 240Z, and tail-lights that pay tribute to the 300ZX coupe of the 1990s.
But the interior is resolutely modern, offering a customisable 12.3-inch digital dashboard and 9-inch touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Modern safety features such as auto emergency braking, forward collision waning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are also included.
A performance pack for the new model adds a mechanical limited-slip differential, bigger brakes with red calipers and firmer suspension. It also trades 18-inch wheels for lightweight 19-inch rims with better rubber.
Heated leather seats with electric adjustment are also reserved for the higher grade.
Fans of the brand can also choose a “Proto Spec” option that adds yellow brake calipers, bronze-coloured wheels, yellow interior elements and a special shift knob.
Local prices and specifications for the model are not available yet, but it is expected to cost less than $70,000 on the road.
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