Biography
The Nissan Z, known in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z (Japanese: 日産・フェアレディZ, Hepburn: Nissan Fearedi Zetto), is the seventh generation of the Z-car line of sports cars manufactured by Nissan. The model succeeded the 370Z, though is built on a modified and revised version of the previous generation's platform. The model also drops the numerical nomenclature of the previous generations. The production version of Z was introduced in August 2021. it featured Nissan's VR30DDTT engine and built on an evolution of Nissan FM Z34 platform, giving a model code "RZ34". It also has two transmission options, a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Deliveries began in late 2022 and was offered with two trims, "Performance" and "Sport". More powerful and track-focused, Z Nismo was introduced in July 2023 with significant upgrades over the standard version. The Z is also involved in various motorsports, such as in Super GT and GT4 Racing. It is well received among car enthusiasts and motor publications with winning a Drive's Car of The Year award and becoming a finalist of World Car of The Year awards. The production model Z was foreshadowed by the Z Proto concept, which was presented on September 15, 2020. The production version of the Z was unveiled on August 17, 2021, at New York City by Nissan's official YouTube channel, and the car was presented by Cody Walker (brother of Paul Walker). The production model was offered in two trim levels: Z Sport (Fairlady Z Version S in Japan) and Z Performance (Fairlady Z Version ST in Japan). Production of the new Z, began in April 2022, with sales set to begin in June 2022. However, in April 2022, Nissan announced that worldwide deliveries of the Z will be delayed until mid 2022, due to the impact of the supply parts. Deliveries began in late 2022. Nissan announced that the Z would not be available for European markets including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Türkiye and Ukraine, due to strict emissions and noise regulations. The Z is only sold in the Japanese, North American, Australian, New Zealand, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern (GCC countries) and Latin American markets. Pricing for the Japanese market Z was announced in April 2022, with the base version S (Sport version) starting at ¥5,241,500 (US$41,081 as of exchange rates at the time), and the version ST (Performance version) starting at ¥6,462,500 (US$50,650 as of exchange rates at the time). United States pricing was also announced, starting at US$41,015 for the Sport version, and US$51,015 for the Performance version. The Z Performance (known as Fairlady Z Version ST in Japan) has the same VR30DDTT, a 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine, generating a maximum power output of 298 kW (400 hp; 405 PS) at 6,400 rpm and 475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft; 48 kg⋅m) of torque at 1,600 to 5,600 rpm with a redline at 6,800 rpm. This trim also has the same 6-speed manual transmission and 9-speed automatic transmission. This trim retains all the features and upgrades of the base Sport trim as well as other features. Other upgrades includes: SynchroRev Match rev-matching system for manual transmission models, GT-R-inspired paddle shifters with launch control for automatic transmission models, an even sportier suspension setup over the Sport trim, larger brake rotors with 14.0-inch for the front and 13.8-inch in the rear and also red floating aluminum calipers with four-piston up front and two-piston for the back. For the Performance trim Nissan also offers a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential, 19-inch Rays super lightweight forged alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 high performance street tires, front and rear spoilers to improve downforce, sports dual exhaust outlets, heated leather seats with four-way power-adjustable, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation, NissanConnect services and eight-speaker Bose audio system. The manual transmission version has curb weight of 1,604 kg (3,536 lb) and the automatic transmission version has a curb weight of 1,634 kg (3,602 lb). The Z has a limited top speed of 249 km/h (155 mph). In a drag race conducted by Hagerty, Z Performance automatic transmission version accelerated from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.0 seconds, completed the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 187 km/h (116 mph). The manual transmission version accelerated from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.3 seconds, completed the 402 m (1/4 mile) in 12.8 seconds at 180 km/h (112 mph).