The new seventh-generation Nissan Z car is simply known as the Nissan Z and Nissan has revealed all of the numbers we’ve been waiting for.
Speculation had mounted during the long build up to the car’s production reveal that it may be called 400Z, continuing the alpha-numeric lineage that started in 1969 with the 240Z and has included the 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z and 370Z.
But instead, the latest iteration of Nissan’s two-seat coupe drops all of that to just be known as the Nissan Z.
The new Nissan Z brings to life the Z Proto that was unveiled in 2020.
And there’s very little difference between the two from a design perspective. Even the wheels look the same, as are many of the details and the basic shape.
It looks like a heavy evolution of the previous 370Z with some retro flashes inspired by the 300ZX that is one of the most stylish Zeds created.
Nissan has also filled in most of the missing details with the new Z.
Rather than an all-new vehicle, there are mechanical bits and pieces from various existing models.
Underpinning the new Z, for example, is an evolution of the architecture under the previous 370Z, albeit with revised suspension.
And the engine is a familiar piece of kit. Under the bonnet is the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 borrowed from the Infiniti Q50 and Q60.
As in that car, it makes 298kW and 475Nm.
Nissan considered a hybrid system for the new Z but decided against it for now.
That’s perhaps unsurprising given its biggest competition is the Toyota GR Supra.
Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta says the new Z is about driving enjoyment.
“Z is the pure expression of thrill. It is Nissan’s passion wrapped up on four wheels,” he said.
“The Z is more than a sports car you drive, it is an extension of the driver that moves and responds to the driver’s intentions. Whether on an unexplored winding road or your daily commute, the Z brings a smile and awakens the senses.”
The V6 TT can be hooked up to either a six-speed automatic or nine-speed auto.
The six-speed manual gets a carbon fibre drive shaft, while the auto reverts to steel.
No word on weight, although aluminium doors, bonnet and hatch should ensure the kilos aren’t out of control.
Nissan has not stated a 0-100km/h claim, other than to say it should be about 15 percent swifter than the 370Z. Best guesses are that should have it somewhere around the 5-second mark.
There will also be two versions of the new Z, the Z Sport and Z Performance.
In essence, the Z Sport is the basic model that misses out on fruit such as seat heaters, electric seat operation and some of the snazzier trim. It rides on 18-inch alloys and Yokohama Advan Sport tyres (245/45 front and rear).
The Z Performance adds all of that, as well as leather seats with different bolstering. There’s also a rear spoiler, front lip spoiler and suede trim on the seats and doors. Plus it steps up the Sport model’s 8.0-inch infotainment screen to a larger 9.0-inch display.
Mechanical changes to the Performance model include Sport suspension as well as 19-inch forged alloy wheels and larger four-piston brakes (the Sport gets two-piston front calipers) with red calipers. The tyres are also Bridgestone Potenza S007 in a staggered size; 255/40 up front and 275/35 rears. Plus the Performance picks up the rev matching for the six-speed manual (which was previously standard on the Z).
A limited edition Z Proto trim will be offered in the United States but is not coming here. It includes various yellow highlights, including to the seats and brake calipers.
All new Z variants will get smart key entry, adaptive cruise control, digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Z is due in Australia some time in 2022.
“This iconic nameplate has been loved by generations of Australians, and we look forward to its arrival in Australia next year,” a spokesperson told us.