Currently reading: New Nissan Z revealed with retro design and 400bhp V6
Seventh generation of Japanese firm's sports car line features new look and tech but isn't coming to the UK

Nissan has revealed the production version of the new Z sports car, which features a 400bhp twin-turbo V6 powerplant and new retro-infused design.

Previewed last September by the Z Proto, the new Toyota Supra rival will be the seventh generation of the Japanese firm's Z-car line, following the Nissan 370Z. It will go on sale in the US next year, but due to what Nissan has previously referred to as "a shrinking European sports car market and specific regulations on emissions", it won't be offered in the UK.

The rear-wheel-drive Z switches from the 3.7-litre V6 of the 370Z to a new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, also used in the Infiniti Q60 coupé. As well as offering 68bhp more power than the 370Z's engine, the new unit produces 350lb ft of torque at 5600rpm, 30% more than the previous model's.

The Z is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or a nine-speed automatic. Both ’boxes offer a 'performance-grade' launch assist control system and manual models feature a carbonfibre composite driveshaft and a downshift rev-matching function.

Nissan says a key focus for the new Z was to build on the handling traits of previous-generation models. Chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura said: “More than just powerful and agile, the all-new Z is designed to be one with the driver, for the car to be a ‘dance partner’ for their on-road adventures.”

Nissan says the new model offers better body rigidity than the 370Z, along with a new electronic power steering system and wider front tyres to boost cornering performance.The front and rear dampers use a new monotone shock absorber design, which, Nissan claims, results in a reduction of dampening force of around 20% to improve stability. The double-wishbone aluminium suspension has also been revised. Standard models sit on 18in wheels, with 19in wheels on higher-end versions.

Automatic variants will offer Standard and Sport drive modes, with the latter offering faster acceleration, sportier steering, sound enhancement and revisions to the car's dynamic control settings.

The new Z features styling elements that echo the original model in the range from 1969, and maintains the long bonnet and short rear that are hallmarks of the model line. Nissan design boss Alfonso Albaisa said the new design is intended to "travel between the decades, including the future."

The new model gains LED headlights, featuring two half circles that draw on those of the 1970s Fairlady 240ZG, while the design of the front of the car has a profile based on the original model. There is also an aerodynamic-honed front splitter and higher-end Z Performance models also feature a rear spoiler.

The interior is intended to blend modern technology, including an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, with classic Z design elements. There is an analogue driver display set-up. Nissan says it sought advice from racing drivers to hone the interior layout, which, it says, can be seen in the configuration of the 12.3in customisable digital display. 

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The seats are styled after those in the GT-R to offer improved comfort and fit, and feature increased use of suede, which, Nissan claims, suppresses lateral shake on the body to increase comfort.

The Z will be launched in the US market with Sport- and Performance-grade models, with the latter featuring 19in wheels and extra bodywork elements. A limited-edition Z Proto Spec will be offered at launch, featuring yellow brake calipers, bronze aluminium alloy wheels and other bespoke styling elements. US pricing has yet to be disclosed.

The Japanese-market version of the car, which will be called the Fairlady Z, will be revealed later this year.

READ MORE

Nissan Z Proto previews retro-influenced V6 sports car

Nizzan 370Z: Autocar's in-depth review

Matt Prior: No Nissan Z is one way to encourage EV adoption

 

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Silvia Surfer 18 September 2021

If we want to have fun drivers cars again, the law on cars and fuel in the future will need to be changed.

Get your votes in for this please!

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Exempt vehicles that use sustainable fuels from 2030 ban 

Silvia Surfer 18 September 2021

We need to make emissions reporting fairer!

Emissions based on tailpipe only are unfair.

Get your votes in, please!

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Include vehicle battery and charger manufacture in vehicle emissions reporting

ACKS 19 August 2021

Why haven't these cars ever garnered any kudos? Maybe this will be the one to be a genuinely fast, fun good looking drivers car?