CAR /
IMPRESSION
August 2, 2022
Test drive of the Nissan Fairlady Z — A dancing partner that moves as one with the driver | NISSAN
Impressed by the Sporty Engine That Revs to the Red Zone
The drivetrain has been revamped. The 3-liter V6 engine from the Skyline 400R has been adopted and refined, with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission with improved operational feel or a newly designed 9-speed automatic transmission.
What impressed me was the enjoyable feel of the sporty engine, tuned to deliver a massive 475 Nm of torque from as low as 1600 rpm and revving all the way to the red zone. While this can be fully appreciated with the MT, the smooth and comfortable driving feel of the AT is particularly noteworthy.
The AT allows for appropriate use of engine torque and achieves a fuel economy of 10.2 km/L, better than the MT. It is based on designs Daimler uses in passenger cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which Nissan purchased and thoroughly refined to match the Z's specifications.
At the same time, the differential gear has also been refined. As a result, engineers at Nissan proudly state that its durability has been improved for high-speed driving, resulting in performance that is more than sufficient for racing.
According to Hiroshi Tamura, the Chief Product Specialist at Nissan Motor Corporation who led the planning, the new Z is a "dance partner." This implies a sports car that moves as one with the driver, allowing for enjoyable cornering. This is in contrast to the GT-R, also designed by Tamura, which is described as a "mobile suit."
Regarding the styling, as mentioned earlier, there are no large spoilers front or rear, nor are the fender flares ostentatious. I felt it was a discerning choice to limit the expression to what designer Irie described as a "form that exudes power from within."
It is a perfectly suited finish for owners who desire sufficient speed while also valuing the unique elegance of a sports car.
There are broadly two types of lineups. The engine is common, with differences in the transmission. Grades are distinguished by brakes, tire size, and equipment. These include the "Basic Grade" (5,241,500 yen for both 6MT and 9AT), "Version S" (6,063,200 yen for MT only), "Version T" (5,687,000 yen for AT only), and "Version ST" (6,262,500 yen for both MT and AT).
Unfortunately, due to parts supply shortages, Nissan Motor Corporation announced on July 19th that it would suspend orders for the new Fairlady Z. Orders are still being accepted through July, so interested parties should act quickly.
NISSAN FAIRLADY Z (Basic Grade)
- Body Size | Length 4,380 x Width 1,845 x Height 1,315 mm
- Wheelbase | 2,550 mm
- Vehicle Weight | 1,570 kg (6MT) | 1,600 kg (9AT)
- Engine | 2,997cc V6 + Twin Turbo
- Maximum Output | 298 kW (405 ps) / 6,400 rpm
- Maximum Torque | 475 Nm (48.4 kgfm) / 1,600-5,600 rpm
- Fuel Consumption (WLTC Mode) | 9.5 km/L
- Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
- Rear Suspension | Multi-link
- Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs
- Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs
- Front Tires | 245/45R18
- Rear Tires | 245/45R18
- Seating Capacity | 2 people
- Price | 5,241,500 yen
Contact
Nissan Customer Service Center
Tel. 0120-315-232 (9:00-17:00, excluding Dec 31-Jan 2)
http://www.nissan.co.jp/