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August 20, 2021
Nissan Unveils the New "Z" Sports Car—Evolving as an "Accessible Sports Car" Like Its Predecessors | Nissan
NISSAN Z
Nissan Unveils New "Z" Sports Car
Nissan announced its new sports car, the "Z," at an event held in New York City on August 18.
Text by Akira Hara
Exterior Design: An Homage to the "Z" Legacy
The "Z" has been loved by fans worldwide, with over 1.8 million units sold, making it one of the best-selling sports cars globally. The new "Z" adopts attractive styling and advanced technology, aiming to provide an exciting driving experience for both existing and future fans, just like its predecessors, as an "accessible sports car."
The new Z measures 4,379mm in length, 1,844mm in width, and 1,316mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550mm.
The exterior design pays homage to the "Z" lineage, including the original S30 model, with a silhouette that features a long hood and a low-slung rear stance, characteristic of rear-wheel-drive sports cars. The flowing roofline from the nose to the squared-off tail, and the rear section being slightly lower than the front fenders, create a distinctive side profile.
The LED headlights, with their distinctive twin-arc design reminiscent of the 240ZG (S30), harmonize with the new "Z" identity. The rear combination lamps, inspired by the Z32 model and incorporating cutting-edge technology, feature new 3D signature LED taillights to express the "Z" essence. The "Performance" grade includes a rear spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift, while the front spoiler incorporates know-how gained from GT-R development.
The interior is characterized by a three-tiered center console and three gauges on the instrument panel (boost, turbo speed, and voltage). To create an ideal sports car cockpit, advice was sought from professional drivers, including Nissan's own driver, Tsugio Matsuda. The 12.3-inch full digital meter display has been redesigned to show crucial information at a glance, such as the tachometer needle pointing straight up and the shift indicator flashing to prompt an upshift. Three display modes are available to suit the driver's preferences.
The newly designed shift lever, for both manual and automatic transmissions, prioritizes grip and comfort. The steering wheel, with its deep spokes, is designed for quick driver input without compromising traditional aesthetics. The seats, benefiting from know-how gained in GT-R development, offer improved hold and fit. The extensive use of suede on the seatbacks minimizes lateral body movement for a comfortable drive and suppresses body sway during cornering.