No surprise – Nissan new Z is proving a huge hit in Australia already.
Nissan’s new Z which is soon to launch in Australia has already sold out all allocation for the limited edition Z Proto Spec (details below). Thankfully, Nissan Australia is doing all it can to keep stock coming of the ‘normal’ Z spec, which brings savings and the same performance underneath.
“The Z is the ultimate expression of Nissan’s sports car credentials and we expected demand to be strong for this incredibly special vehicle,” said Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson. “I’m excited to confirm that all Australian production of Z Proto spec is now sold-out.”
“All future owners of the Z have plenty to look forward to, with the fastest, most powerful and most exciting Z car ever; set to arrive in Australia very soon.”
The new generation Z will arrive in Australia very soon, priced from an attractive $73,300 before on-road costs. That puts the Japanese twin-turbo sports car at a starting price well under (at least $10k less than) its direct rival, the Toyota Supra.
The first batch of models due in Australia will consist of the $73k Z, and also the limtied-edition Z Proto Spec, which is priced from $80,700 before on-road costs and is now sold out. Both are offered with the choice of either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
“I know Australian fans of the Z family have been waiting patiently for further details about this impressive new sports coupe, and I’m thrilled to be able to confirm pricing and further specification details for our market,” says Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson.
“The fastest, most powerful and most exciting Z car ever is now ready to launch in Australia, and I can’t wait for people to climb behind the wheel of this new icon.”
The limited-edition Z Proto Spec gains unique 19-inch bronze alloy wheels, unique yellow brake calipers, black interior finished with unique yellow interior accents and stitching, and the option of a two-tone ‘Ikazuchi’ yellow exterior paint with black roof.
The Nissan Z is now powered by an Infiniti-sourced VR30DETT 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine producing 298kW at 6400rpm and 475Nm from 1600-5600rpm – more power but less torque than its direct rival the Toyota Supra which makes 285kW and 500Nm from a BMW engine.
The automatic is a nine-speed transmission with manual shift override via aluminium steering-wheel-mounted paddles and launch control. The manual has six cogs with an EXEDY light-weight clutch, carbon-fibre driveshaft and automatic rev-matching.
Sitting on the same platform as the 370Z, the new Z has a revised double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension setup. The larger passive dampers are fitted with increased caster up front, larger front and rear stabiliser bars bolted in, a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential in the rear and 14-inch front, 13.8-inch rear Nissan Sport brakes. The wheels on the US Performance model are 19-inch RAYS forged aluminium alloys with Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber. The Sport variant gets 18-inch alloys with Yokohama Advan Sports. Australian specification is yet to be confirmed, but expect it imminently as the model should soon hit showrooms.
A significant upgrade to safety sees the model now come with AEB with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, though adaptive cruise has not been specified.
Inside the cabin, the exterior retro influence carries on, with a 240Z-inspired dash housing three analogue gauges for boost pressure, turbo speed and volts. The black cloth sports seats have suede highlights and share access to an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the driver enjoys a 12.3-inch digital cluster.
“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,” added Paterson.
The only concern for buyer will be stock supply hold ups from semiconductor and other shortages, which Nissan says is effecting some models although it is doing well to keep a steady stream coming Down Under.
You can expect our first-drive review this month, and our local driver around mid-2022 when the model launches.
Alex Rae