WE FEEL LIKE WE’VE BEEN waiting for it for months, but Nissan has finally released details of the Z to be offered to Australian buyers.
A performance story that began more than 50 years ago with the iconic 240Z, the seventh-generation Nissan Z expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2022.
The new Nissan Z lives up to its proud past, with timeless style and heritage design cues, and exhilarating performance thanks to a potently twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
The new Nissan Z will arrive in Australia in mid-2022 in one well-equipped trim level, the Z coupe, but will be joined at launch by a strictly limited-edition Z Proto Spec flagship model.
“The Z name is an icon in Australia and around the world, and has been for more than half a century,” says Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson. “When it comes to creating a new Z vehicle, that legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
“I’m thrilled that the new Z doesn’t just further the story, it rewrites it. From power to handling, technology to cabin comfort, this is a vehicle designed to delight, and we can’t wait for its Australian fans to get behind the wheel.”
Performance is everything in the Z story, and it’s at the heart of the Z coupe, with this stunning rear-wheel-drive sports car fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential and launch control as standard equipment.
Available with a nine-speed automatic complete with paddle shifters, or a six-speed manual with synchronised rev control for faster shifting, the Z coupe is set up for performance from the outset.
The six-speed close-ratio manual transmission includes an EXEDY high-performance clutch and a carbon-fibre composite driveshaft, increasing the connection between man and machine.
The advanced nine-speed automatic transmission is tuned for quick response and faster acceleration, and pairs with aluminium paddle shifters for even more driver control.
While its design is classic, the Nissan Z’s on-board technology is anything but, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart phone integration, and a fully customisable 12.3-inch TFT meter display with three display modes designed to match your driving mood.
“Normal” mode offers a sporty feel with the centre area free for navigation, audio and vehicle information. “Enhanced” mode pushes the tachometer and speedometer to the edges of the display, giving more space in the centre for a larger navigation map and information to be displayed. “Sport” mode prioritises the tachometer in the centre with shift-up light at the top for shift information in the driver’s field of view. The Sport mode also allows for a boost gauge or G meter to be displayed.
The Nissan Z coupe is also equipped leather-accented seats, while the cabin is fitted with both Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement, the former to lock out road, wind and tyre noise, and the latter enhancing the natural driving soundtrack.
Safety remains a cornerstone of Nissan vehicles, and the Z coupe’s Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of safety systems includes front and rear parking sensors, Rear View camera, Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Warning & Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.
The Nissan Z Proto Spec will be offered in limited numbers at launch.
It begins with bespoke 19-inch bronze forged alloy wheels, which frame the unique yellow brake calipers exclusive to the Proto Spec. The black interior treatment is finished with unique yellow interior accents and stitching, perfectly synching the exterior and interior design themes.
And for the full Z experience, the Proto Spec is available in a stunning two-tone yellow and black exterior design scheme, pairing an Ikazuchi Yellow body with a Super Black roof.
Both the Z coupe and Z Proto Spec are fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers significant gains in both power and torque.
The engine is tuned for immediate response, and that, along with the increase in key outputs, will see the new Z’s zero-to-100km/h time reduce by around 15 percent.
To achieve the increases, small-diameter turbochargers were adopted, as well as a turbo speed sensor to ensure the capabilities of the turbos are fully utilised (max spooling speed). The twin turbos balance power output and response time, while the use of an electronic variable valve timing (e-VVT) intake valve system ensures optimum response, adjusting the intake valve timing on-the-fly to achieve excellent response and fuel efficiency in a variety of driving scenes.
The Nissan Z legend continues in Australia in mid-2022. If you’re lucky enough to be considering one, we’d suggest expressing your interest now, if you haven’t already done so.