Nissan confirms new-gen Z for 2022 Aussie launch

AFTER years of waiting, Nissan has finally unveiled its new-generation Z car in production form and announced key specifications, including the confirmation of a 298kW/475Nm twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a 2022 Australian arrival.

Known simply as the Z, the new two-seat coupe will be offered in the US at least (Aussie specs to be confirmed) in Sport and Performance guises, both of which make use of the force-fed six and square off against the Toyota Supra GT and GTS.

In any case, the engine will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmissions and the Performance version scoring a heap of extra toys and platform upgrades including launch control, rev-matching, upgraded brakes and a limited-slip differential.

Peak power comes on song at a 6400rpm – just 400rpm shy of the redline – while maximum torque is available across a 5000rpm band from 1600-5600rpm.

Nissan is yet to publish any performance figures, though a sub-five second dash from 0-100km/h should be on the cards for the manuals while the automatics, especially the Performance version, should comfortably crack the low fours. 

For reference, a six-cylinder Supra – which has less power but more torque – stops the clock in 4.1 seconds.

Measuring 4379mm long, 1844mm wide and 1316mm tall, the new model is 139mm longer than the current 370Z but 6mm narrower and 4mm lower, the two generations sharing a 2550mm wheelbase.

In terms of styling, there are no great surprises with the new Z thanks to the extensive promotion and coverage of the Z Proto first shown off in September last year, with only a few key details being tweaked here and there. 

As reported previously, elements of virtually every previous Z car can be spotted in the new design; the front end is a modern take on the original 240Z, including the teardrop-shaped headlights, while the rear end was inspired by the 300ZX of the 1990s.

The cab-back silhouette is a hallmark of every Z to date, with traces of both 240Z and 370Z visible in the roof and hiplines.

This retro-meets-modern design language is continued within the cabin, which Nissan says has been “designed to fit the driver and passenger like a glove”.

Blending modern technology with classic design cues, the Z’s dash features three analogue pod gauges oriented towards the driver showing boost pressure, turbo rpm and battery voltage.

A slim pair of air vents below crest an 8.0- or 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (in the Sport and Performance respectively), underlined by physical shortcut buttons and dials.

The HVAC controls then fill the gap between the dash and a raised centre console dominated by the gear shifter.

In keeping with classic sportscar ethos, the interior is minimalist in its design, the simple centre console housing a single cupholder and a select few buttons (seat heating, boot release, rev-matching and starter).

A manual handbrake lever adds an extra level of authenticity.

Drivers are greeted by a Z-branded multifunction steering wheel and a configurable 12.3-inch digital cockpit display – one of many modern technological highlights.

While the local pricing and finer specifications are yet to be confirmed, the US-spec Z Sports will come with cloth upholstery, manual seat adjustment, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and Bluetooth connectivity.

As well as the aforementioned go-fast upgrades, stepping up to the Performance adds leather upholstery, heated seats, satellite navigation, an eight-speaker Bose sound system with active noise cancellation and sound enhancement, NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi hotspot, sport pedals and heated wing mirrors.

Performance versions are also identified by their 19-inch Rays forged alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber, integrated front splitter, rear spoiler and ‘sport grade’ mufflers.

All versions will come with the usual array of safety features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and intelligent forward collision warning among others.

Nissan chief product specialist for Z Hiroshi Tamura said the company had set out to “make this the best Z yet, period”.

“With each generation, we raise the bar, pushing the limits of Z and continuing to tap into the human instinct for that next thrilling journey.”

Nissan representative executive officer and chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta echoed Mr Tamura’s sentiments, describing the new Z as the ultimate embodiment of the brand’s passion.

“The new Z retains its authenticity as a pure sports car to keep you connected to the road while bringing in the latest modern technologies to make sure the car can help keep you connected to your life,” he said.

A Nissan Australia spokesperson confirmed the local specification details would be confirmed closer to the model’s launch next year, an event both the brand and fans were looking forward to.

“More than just powerful and agile, the 2023 Z is designed to be one with the driver for all kinds of on-road adventures,” added Mr Tamura.

The current 370Z has been on sale in Australia since May 2009, meaning it will have had a 13-year model life by the time its successor arrives – easily making it the oldest offering within the sub-$80,000 sportscar segment, of which it currently occupies a 2.5 per cent share with 89 sales this year as of July 31.