Japanese automaker Nissan has unveiled their latest Z/Fairlady sportscar, the seventh-generation Z-car. Powered by a twin-turbo petrol V6, the 3.0-litre engine produces a substantial 298 kW and 475 Nm of torque. Nissan says the Z can either be equipped with a six-speed manual or nine speed auto 'box.
Underneath the pretty bodywork, the new Z-car utilises the same platform as the sixth-generation 370Z, but with significant changes to the suspension. The design (which stays true to the original concept first seen last year) pays tribute to the iconic Z cars of the past. A long bonnet, squat rear stance and sleek profile pays homage to the original 240Z, while the square taillights are a nod to the legendary 300ZX Z32 of the late 80s and 90s.
The cabin has been extensively reworked. A cleaner, more modern look replaces the rather busy interior of the 370Z. Analog dials sit atop the facia, displaying boost, turbo speed and battery voltage. The infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen, is housed within the dashboard. The instrumentation binnacle has gone digital too, with a 12.3-inch display that can be tailored and customised to the driver's preference.
Production will commence in Japan, with US prices starting at around U$40,000 according to Nissan. The local arm of the Japanese automaker is yet to confirm whether the exciting Z-car will make it to South Africa.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Nissan Z cost in South Africa?
Nissan South Africa hasn't confirmed local pricing or availability for the new Z yet, but based on US pricing starting around $40,000, expect it to land somewhere between R800,000 and R1,000,000 if it makes it to our shores.
Q: Is the Nissan Z worth buying over other sports cars?
With 298 kW and 475 Nm from its twin-turbo V6, the Z offers serious performance that should rival the Toyota Supra and Porsche Cayman, making it a compelling choice if the price is right for South African buyers.
Q: What engine does the new Nissan Z have?
The seventh-generation Nissan Z packs a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 298 kW and 475 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
Q: Will the Nissan Z be available in South Africa?
Nissan South Africa hasn't confirmed whether the new Z will officially launch locally, so South African sports car enthusiasts will have to wait for an official announcement from the local distributor.
Q: How does the new Nissan Z compare to the old 370Z?
The new Z uses the same platform as the 370Z but with updated suspension, a completely redesigned interior with digital displays, and significantly more power at 298 kW compared to the 370Z's 245 kW output.
Should You Buy It?
The new Nissan Z looks like a proper return to form for the legendary nameplate, but here's the rub, South Africans can't actually buy one yet. If it does land locally with an estimated price tag between R800,000 and R1,000,000, it'll be competing directly with the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4, both of which offer similar twin-turbo six-cylinder performance. The Z's 298 kW output and that gorgeous retro-modern styling make it a compelling proposition, especially for purists who appreciate the manual transmission option. However, until Nissan South Africa confirms local availability and pricing, this remains a tantalising maybe rather than a definitive recommendation. If you're shopping for a sports car right now, the Toyota Supra at around R900,000 offers proven performance and local support, making it the safer bet until the Z officially arrives.
