There aren't many series of cars that can provide the same value, comfort, and speed as the Nissan Z series of cars. Since the late 60s, the Z cars have been a perfect balance of speed and comfort, making them one of the most popular series of sports and GT cars of all time.
The lineup of vehicles is soon adding one more with the 2023 Nissan Z car launching sometime in 2022. That makes this the best time to look back at some of the greats from the series and what makes this group of sports cars so special. Here's how Nissan's Z cars have evolved over the years.
10 Brief History
Nissan Z cars are some of the best value for money sports cars available on the market, with hugely successful models like the 350z and 370z. It can actually be quite hard to remember that these cars date back many years.
The first C car was manufactured in 1969 and sold the following year. Originally marketed and sold as a Datsun in other countries and as a Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, the first cars were sold at the same dealerships as the Nissan Bluebird.
9 1st Generation
The first-ever Nissan Z car was the 240Z, or Fairlady Z, as it was known in Japan. This was given a modest 2.0-liter straight-six making for 130 hp back in 1969. However, the US 240Z equivalent was given a 2.4-liter inline-six, producing an increased 151 hp.
The success of this car meant Nissan produced some other models in the S30 range, like the 260Z and 280Z, and this popularity makes it one of the most popular lines of GT Sports cars in history. In 1974, we saw the 260Z with a 2.6-liter engine and an increased 154 hp. However, most US models actually saw their power decreased to 139 hp due to US emissions regulations.
8 2nd Generation
The second generation 280ZX, not to be confused with the 280Z from the previous generation, saw a slight change in style but kept the same overall classic body shape from earlier model Z cars.
Released in 1978, the changes included an increased focus on luxury due to customer demand and despite sharing a similar name, the 280ZX only shared the 5-speed gearbox and 2.8-liter engine from the aforementioned car. Its success was huge, giving it the prestigious import car of the year award in 1979 from Motor Trend.
7 3rd Generation
The third-generation Z cars are where the styling began to change much more drastically, the Z31 300ZX saw a full redesign in 1984 with a boxier body and a brand-new 3.0-liter V6.
The engine used in the Z31 was also used in winning cars in the IMSA GTP racing series in the late 80s. Non-turbocharged versions of the V6 had a power increase to 160 hp over past engines and turbocharged 300ZX's came with 200 hp, making them particularly powerful for the time. The Japanese 300ZX Turbo was actually the most powerful production car in the country at the time.
6 4th Generation
Despite keeping with the 300ZX name, the Z32 was changed fairly drastically from a visual standpoint at least. The boxy frame was still present, although it was much smoother and the headlights had lost their pop-up functionality.
In fact, the only thing that wasn't changed from the Z31 was the 300ZX's 3.0-liter V6. It had seen a few parts upgraded, however, and now made 222 hp, with the turbo variant coming in at 300 hp. The improved handling and attention to comfort made this one of the first Z cars to be seen more like a GT car than a sports car. It's still one of the most popular cars for those looking for an inexpensive foray into JDM vehicles and at the time of its release in the early 90s, it had won multiple awards for its design.
5 5th Generation
Without a doubt, the most instantly recognizable Z car of modern times has to be the 350Z. Those who've even encountered the Need for Speed or Fast and Furious franchises only briefly should still be able to recognize the 350Z.
The design of the 350Z is perhaps the most drastic in the lineup so far, as it changed the entire body shape completely in favor of something much more rounded. Regardless, Nissan still kept with the GT theme of the Z cars and the 350Z remains one of the best and most popular inexpensive options for a GT car on a budget. The 2002 350Z launched with a huge 3.5-liter V6. The most powerful non-special edition model was released in 2007-08 with a massive 306 hp. These versions are also the most desirable, thanks to the improved transmission and general speed increases over past cars.
4 6th Generation
The most recent 6th gen Z cars we have on the market began production in 2008 and only stopped in 2020 making them one of the longer-running series of Z cars of all time.
The 370Z shares the same basic outline as the 350Z that came before, although appearing slightly more rounded and sleeker. In true Nissan fashion, the 370Z again sees a larger engine and more power, this time coming with a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 with power outputs ranging from 328 hp to 350 hp. This makes it the fastest Z car in the entire history of the lineup and is perhaps the most refined Z car with small tweaks over the already great 350Z.
3 Concept Models
It's always interesting to look back at some concept models to see what we've gained and sometimes even lost over the models that finally do reach mass market. Nissan's history with concept vehicles is well documented, and they make for some interesting viewing.
One of the most interesting is the 240Z Concept, which was created by Nissan buying original 240Z cars and updating them in the form of a restoration program. This was to keep the interest in the Z series of cars alive, as Nissan, unfortunately, had to pause production of Z cars due to financial complications. These throwback 240Z's came with the same 2.4-liter engine found in the 240SX. Recently, we've seen the concept for the upcoming Z car which, from what we know so far, looks very similar to the model that will be released for production.
2 Rare And Special Editions
Some of the best cars in the Z lineup require some special edition models in order to fully commemorate and capitalize on the greatness of the vehicle. Some models like the 50th Anniversary 370Z seen here are made as a tribute to former cars.
The Anniversary 370Z represents the 50 years since the original 240Z was released. The most striking aspect of the car comes in its visuals with a unique livery and interior design with the engine being identical to the standard 370z. The 35th Anniversary 350Z model also seen here was almost the complete opposite as although on the outside it looked almost identical to the base 350Z, the car came with an additional 13 hp, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, and a premium Bose sound system.
1 The Future
As for the future, it seems like the Z series is in good hands, as the new Z car is due to launch in 2022 with the model we see here.
The car will launch with a 400 hp, twin-turbo V6 making it one of the most powerful cars Nissan produces as well as either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic. The body shape seems to be a cross between more recent Z series cars and the very early models Nissan ever produced. Either way, the car looks like it could be very interesting, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this incredible series.