News Nissan Z: 50 years of excitement

Nissan chronicles the evolution of a legend

YOKOHAMA, Japan (Sep 23 2020) - While much of the attention has been focused on the unveiling of the Z Proto, Nissan is also paying homage to the past 50 years of Z cars with a display of models in Yokohama from its Nissan Heritage Collection.

The cars on display at the Nissan Pavilion last week for the Z Proto unveil chronicle the evolution of the legendary sports car, include the very first Z that appeared in 1969 and other select Z models through the generations:

This is the one that started it all. The “Fairlady Z” S30, also known as the Datsun 240Z in parts of the world including North America, offered the public a fun, dashing and reliable European-type sports car at an affordable price. Introduced in December 1969, it was an instant hit, putting Nissan on the world’s sports car map and causing other Japanese manufacturers to follow in its footsteps.

The top-of-the-line model, the Z432, featured the iconic S20 engine. The 24-valve DOHC inline-6 also powered the Skyline GT-R (PGC10), producing 160 horsepower. (The “432” of the car’s name is derived from the engine’s four valves, three carburetors and two camshafts.) Magnesium wheels kept the curb weight down while looking stylish. A limited slip differential transferred the Z432’s power to the pavement and ensured smiles while doing it.

Equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-4, the original Datsun 240Z was designed for the North American market and debuted there in 1970. In response to customer demand, it went on sale in Japan in November 1971.

For the Japanese market, three variations were offered: the Fairlady 240Z, 240Z-L and 240ZG. The latter was the most noteworthy, sporting a unique front end – what Nissan calls the “G-nose.” (The “G” stands for “Grand.”) The 240ZG’s fiberglass nose piece, glass-covered headlamps and bolt-on fender flares stood out from other 240Z models and remain popular with enthusiasts today. The new front end gave the 240ZG a drag coefficient of 0.390, helping the car reach a maximum speed of 210 kph.

The domed headlamp covers inspired the Z Proto’s headlamps, creating a signature that blends the past with a modern look.

In 1978, the Z underwent its first full model change. The new Z, dubbed the S130, sported a new nameplate and came with a 2.8-liter inline-6 called the L28E. The car was offered in both 2-seater and 2+2-seater configurations and was considered more refined and luxurious than its predecessor.

In 1980, Nissan added a T-top version of the car, to cater to those who enjoyed the charms of a convertible sports car without sacrificing body rigidity.

A specialized “Super Z” 280Z, with gullwing doors and other special equipment, starred in a popular Japanese TV crime drama, “Seibu Keisatsu,” giving the 280Z legendary status in Japan.  

Introduced in 1983, the Nissan 300ZX (Z31) featured Japan's first mass-produced V-6 engine with turbocharger, the VG30ET, which replaced the inline-6 of previous models. A 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was added to the lineup to celebrate Nissan’s 50th birthday.

With only 5,148 vehicles produced for the U.S. market and 300 for the Canadian market, the special edition two-seat coupe wore an exclusive silver/black color scheme and was powered by a turbocharged engine. This car came with all the bells and whistles. The only customer option available was the choice between an automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.  

Introduced in 1989, the 300ZX, codenamed Z32, was unlike any Z that preceded it. With a fresh new styling direction and super high performance, it rivaled the best sports cars in the world. The reimagined fourth-generation Z car came in either a two-seater or a 2+2, with two different variations of the VG30DE engine: a 225-ps 3.0-liter V-6 or a twin-turbocharged version, dubbed the VG30DETT, that produced 280 ps.

The car also boasted world-class handling, thanks to advanced technologies that included 4-wheel multilink suspension, super HICAS 4-wheel steering, and high-performance 4-piston brakes with aluminum calipers. The model on display is the top-of-the-line 2+2 300ZX Twin Turbo.

After the 300ZX (Z32) was discontinued in August 2000, many wondered if Nissan’s iconic sports car would ever be back. The question was answered in 2001, when an all-new Z concept car was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. The mere hint of the Z’s return caused shockwaves across the car industry, with the public and media praising the look and potential performance of the new car.

The response was so positive that Nissan brought it to the market in July 2002. The 350Z came equipped with a smooth-revving, high-output 3.5-liter V-6. Called the VQ (short for VQ35DE), the engine produced 280 ps and 363 Nm of torque. The 350Z (Z33) was produced until December 2008. Nissan sold more than 250,000 of the 350Z during its six-year run, before it was replaced by the Z34, called the 370Z.  

Following on the heels of the Z33, the powered-up Z34 – known as the 370Z in many parts of the world – made its debut in 2009 and continues to this day. Equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 336 ps, the Z34 represents the sixth generation of the Z-car line. While it may appear similar to its predecessor, this latest Z was in fact extensively reengineered, with a more compact and stable body. While its overall wheelbase and length were reduced by 100 mm and 69 mm, respectively, the width increased by 33 mm. Significant weight savings were achieved by using aluminum for the hood, door panels and hatchback and by optimizing various body structures. The model on display is the Version ST, with a 7-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters.