Nissan has given us a first look at the range-topping Z Nismo coupe.
Almost two years since the launch of the production-ready Z sports coupe, Nissan has uncovered the range-topping Nismo version. Shown for the first time with Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg at the wheel, the marque is set to release final details later this year.
The Nissan Z shares its two-seater two-door configuration (and underlying chassis) with its 370Z predecessor. At 4382mm long the Z is 142mm longer than the 370, and almost bang-on the same length as a Toyota GR Supra. At 1850mm wide and 1310mm tall it is a little narrower and taller than the Toyota, but has an identical footprint on the road with a combination of 255/40 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear rubber.
Under the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged V6, specifically the VR30DDTT unit that powers high-specification variants of the Infiniti Q50 and Japanese-market Nissan Skyline. While Nismo figures are still under wraps, power is rated at 294kW for the standard car, with 476Nm of torque available from a relatively high 5600rpm.
The standard car’s six-speed manual transmission is accompanied by a carbonfibre driveshaft and has a rev-matching function – something that the 370Z pioneered back in 2008 – plus a launch control function that’ll electronically hold the revs at the optimum level when the clutch is dipped, ensuring the fastest possible getaway when the clutch is released. Nissan will also offer the Z with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all ‘Performance grade’ models also feature a totally mechanical limited-slip differential.
Aesthetically, the Nissan Z draws its inspiration from two of its most famous predecessors, the original 240Z and the 1990s 300ZX. The silhouette is pure ’70s Nissan, with a long bonnet, wraparound screen, flat roof and familiar C-pillar motif. The nose is dominated by a single aggressive opening, flanked by two LED headlights that, together with their surrounding bodywork, mimic the circular headlights of the 240Z. The Nismo variant receives forged Rays wheels, trademark Nismo red detailing, a wider track and updated aero elements, just like its GT-R relative.
The clean, simple surfacing is another nod to the Zs of yesteryear, ending in a tail that includes some references from the 300ZX around the new LED tail lights. The design is squat, compact and traditional in most senses, and lacks the almost caricature-like expression of a Toyota Supra or Alpine A110.
The Nissan’s interior uses a simple layout dominated not by digital interfaces – although there are many – but by a simple driver-centric graphic that tilts the whole dash towards the driver. As with almost all Zs, three round auxiliary dials are incorporated into the upper dash, while the manual gearlever and handbrake (yes, it has a manual handbrake) sit within a pleasingly restrained centre tunnel.
There is a pretty big catch with the Nissan Z car, however. It won’t be coming to Europe in any of its forms. Nissan Europe confirmed such from the outset, stating: ‘The Nissan Z Proto is an homage to Nissan’s sports car heritage, passion and innovation, updated for the modern age. However, a shrinking European sports cars market and specific regulations on emissions mean that Nissan was unable to build a viable business case for the introduction of the production version of the next generation Z-car in Europe. In Europe, Nissan’s priorities remain on its commitment to renew its crossover line-up and accelerate its range electrification strategy.’