Staff Writer
The production-specification Nissan Z sports car has been unveiled before its global launch sometime next year.Preview as Z prototype concept In September 2020, the seventh-generation Z car uses a 405-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a new retro design. A Japanese-spec model with the Fairlady Z logo is expected to be unveiled later this year.
- Borrow design clues from the original Z
- The new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is more powerful than the 370Z
- Provide 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
2023 Nissan Z: Design from the original Z
The styling elements of the new Z correspond to the original model Z in 1969, and retain the long hood and short rear that are the hallmarks of this model series. Alfonso Albaisa, head of Nissan’s design, said that the new design aims to “traverse decades, including the future.”
The new model is equipped with LED headlights, the two semicircles are based on the design of the Fairlady 240ZG in the 1970s, and the front design is based on the outline of the original model. There is also an aerodynamically polished front splitter, and the higher-end Z Performance models are also equipped with a rear spoiler.
Z will offer sports and performance models, the latter with 19-inch wheels and additional body elements. The limited edition Z Proto Spec will be available at launch, featuring yellow brake calipers, bronze alloy wheels and other custom styling elements.
2023 Nissan Z: The cabin combines technology with retro design
The interior is designed to incorporate modern technology, including an 8.0-inch touch screen infotainment system in the center of the dashboard, and classic Z design elements, such as the three dials on the top of the center console. Nissan said it sought advice from racers to hone the internal layout, which it said can be seen in the configuration of the 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster.
The seat adopts GT-R style design to provide better comfort and fit, and increase the use of suede leather. Nissan claims that suede leather can suppress the lateral movement of the body to improve comfort.
2023 Nissan Z: Engine and Transmission
The rear-wheel drive Z switched from the 370Z’s 3.7-liter V6 to the new 405-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine, which is also used in the Infiniti Q60 coupe. In addition to 69 horsepower more than the 370Z engine, the new device also produces 475 Nm of torque, which is 30% higher than the latter.
Z is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both “boxes” provide a “performance level” start-up auxiliary control system, and the manual model has a carbon fiber composite transmission shaft and a downshift speed matching function.
Nissan said that a key focus of the new Z is to build on the handling characteristics of the previous model. Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura said: “The new Z is not only powerful and agile, but also designed to be one with the driver, making the car a “dance partner” for their road adventures.”
Nissan said that the new model provides better body rigidity than the 370Z, as well as a new electronic power steering system and wider front tires to improve cornering performance. The front and rear shock absorbers use a new monotonic shock absorber design. Nissan claims that this design can reduce the damping force by about 20% to improve stability. The double wishbone aluminum suspension has also been modified.
The automatic variant will provide standard and sport drive modes, the latter providing faster acceleration, sportier steering, sound enhancement and modification of the car’s dynamic control settings.
2023 Nissan Z: Will it come to India?
As mentioned above, the new model will be on sale in the international market in 2022, and the Fairlady Z will make its debut in the Japanese market later this year. Coming to India, Nissan did provide the old 370Z as a halo car in the market from 2010 to 2014. However, it remains to be seen whether the new Z can also be brought to India as a limited number of CBU imports.
See also:
2023 Nissan Z Image Gallery
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