The Z car was Nissan’s flagship model for many years and garnered a legion of fans for its fun driving dynamics and affordable price.
The Nissan Z is the latest version of an iconic nameplate that goes back over five decades. For roughly $55,000 at your Nissan dealer, an exciting performance Z Car can be yours.
Nissan Z Performance Car
The Z Car has come in different forms over the years. The current Nissan Z replaces the 370Z and adds more power and tech. It’s still affordable as sports cars go. The base Z Sport starts at just under $43,000, the midlevel Performance model ends up at around $55,000, and the top-level Z Nismo starts at $65,750.
The history of the Z Car in the US market starts in 1970 when the Datsun 240Z went on sale. The 240Z quickly turned into a nameplate that represented affordable performance. There have been several Z Cars since, including the impressive Z32 300ZX with a twin-turbo engine.
The current Nissan Z features the classic look of the Z Car with a long hood and sloping rear window that segues into the trunk area. The moment you see the Z’s profile, you can tell it’s a Z Car.
Retro Design Cues Abound
In aesthetic terms, the new Nissan Z achieves a perfect mix of retro cool and sleek modernity. For example, the LED headlights are all modern, but the slightly recessed positioning on the angular front fascia are similar to the original 240Z. Elsewhere, the sloping roof and low roofline are retro, but the big wheels and tires look all modern.
Behind the 19-inch alloy wheels are 14-inch, four-piston vented brakes in the front and two-piston disc brakes in the rear. Meanwhile, leaning retro is the six-speed manual transmission. In an era where the stick shift is disappearing, the Nissan Z’s manual is a sight for sore eyes. The manual is standard on the Sport and Performance trims, but an automatic is available for no extra charge.
Back to modern features, the Nissan Z has electronic power steering instead of hydraulic. For sports car purists, that might feel like a mistake as it usually dulls steering feel and feedback. However, the steering on the new Z is smooth and the car handles brilliantly.
Twin-Turbo Z Power
The Nissan Z is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque in the Sport and Performance models. The Nismo gets an additional 20 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking at sports cars at your Nissan dealer, you’re probably not overly concerned about fuel economy. However, the Z manages 20 combined MPG with the manual and 22 MPG combined with the automatic.
What it all comes down to is whether the new Nissan Z is fun to drive. This can be answered with a resounding yes. It’s a beast in a straight line, hitting highway speeds without any turbo lag. However, the Z also performs admirably in corners with agile handling. Despite its low-profile tires and sports-tuned suspension, the Nissan Z also rides comfortably and absorbs rough roads with ease.
Ultimately, the Nissan Z is one of the last examples of a dying breed, and it’s clearly made for those who enjoy the experience of actually driving a car.
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