Nissan Releases New Fairlady Z In Japan - Next Car Pty Ltd (2023)

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25th January, 2009

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. released the all new, fully redesigned Fairlady Z sports car last month in Japan.

In the nearly 40 years since the first-generation S30 model debuted in 1969, the Fairlady Z has earned a reputation as one of the most desirable sports cars in the world, with approximately 1.7 million units in global sales to date.

The latest Fairlady Z, while embodying the first generation's signature "Z-ness" in terms of high performance, design and high value, incorporates dramatic advances in dynamic performance and perceived quality. The Z also offers a strong feeling of "newness," as expressed by its fresh exterior and interior styling and new performance features.

The new Fairlady Z's enhanced performance characteristics are a result of its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and the adoption of the larger, more powerful VQ37VHR 3.7-litre V6 engine. It also offers the world's first 6-speed manual transmission with synchronised rev control or a newly developed 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. The combination of more horsepower, new transmissions and a refined suspension helps the Fairlady Z deliver the superior acceleration, cornering and stopping capabilities expected of a true world-class sports car.

Helping the driver take full advantage of the new performance levels is a redesigned interior that aims for "oneness" between the driver and the cockpit, combining sports car functionality with an impression of stellar quality. And, along with its world-class dynamic performance and dynamic design, the new Fairlady Z once again offers exceptional value, giving customers the confidence of having made a wise purchase decision.

A Refined, Sculptural Exterior That Is Pure Z

The Fairlady Z's unmistakable front-engine, rear-drive body proportions only hint at the overwhelming performance inherent under its beautifully sculpted skin. Further notice of the exhilarating driving experience that awaits is given by its iconic "Z-ness" - from the dynamic character line that runs from the headlights to the rear, delineating the waistline and cabin arch to the flared rear guards that strongly accentuate the drive wheels.

The headlights and the rear combination lamps function as the "stop, flick and pullout" motions that end brush strokes in calligraphy. Their treatment produces a "boomerang motion" that has the intended effect of drawing all the styling elements together.

The wheelbase of the new Fairlady Z has been shortened by 100 millimetres from that of the previous model, offering not only crisper handling and dynamic performance but also a more aggressive sport stance. The new Fairlady Z weighs approximately the same as the previous model, despite its enhanced equipment features and the body rigidity measures that have been adopted to improve safety performance. Significant weight savings were achieved by using aluminium for the bonnet, door panels and hatchback and by optimising various body structures.

A raised Z emblem is integrated in the side turn lamps, adding an appropriate touch to the vehicle known world over by a simple letter, Z.

The Fairlady Z comes in a choice of eight attractive body colours, including three all-new Nissan colours: Premium Ultimate Yellow and two three Pearl-Coat (3P) colours - Premium LeMans Blue and Brilliant White Pearl. All exterior colours are standard with Nissan's Scratch Shield, which self-repairs minor scratch marks in the paint surface.

An Interior That Blends Sports Car Functionality With Superior Quality

The new Z's cockpit design pursues a sense of solid security and a feeling of unity with the driver. For example, a wire frame was added to the shoulder portions of the driver's seat for better support. The cushion and main section of the seatback are covered with a slide-resistant suede material. A low driver's seat hip point keeps the body from shifting laterally, providing support for withstanding powerful cornering forces. These features, along with a lumbar support, enable the driver to maintain a proper driving posture at all times.

The interior features a new suede cloth, Forte Suede, which can be attached to three-dimensional panel surfaces (something that was not possible with the types of trim cloth used previously). This high quality, dense suede cloth has a pleasing tactile feel and imparts a soft, embracing sensation to the cockpit area. The lid of the centre stack storage bin is covered with Sofilez, a new, soft-touch synthetic leather that is embellished with double stitching. Meticulous attention was also paid to the material, firmness and finish of the driver's kneepad, providing comfortable support for the inside knee. The centre armrest is thoughtfully rounded to avoid interfering with the driver's shifting action.

In addition, the layout of the pedals and steering wheel was revised for easier operation, enabling the driver to execute driving actions quickly. In addition, the front pillars are positioned so as to allow the driver to see ahead easily on curves, while maintaining wide visibility to the right and left sides.

The new Fairlady Z's three large-diameter, independent meters feature a sporty design, excellent legibility and superior functionality. The diameter of both the tachometer and speedometer was increased and the shape of the steering wheel rim was extended outward on both sides to expand the visible area of the meters. The traditional trio of ancillary gauges, a signature Z design from the first-generation, now has an oil temperature gauge as befitting a true sports car (instead of an oil pressure gauge).

This newest model is the first in the Fairlady Z series to adopt Nissan's Intelligent Key system and a push-button engine starter. When the "Engine Start" button is pushed, the needles of the tachometer, speedometer and the trio of three gauges swing in unison as the engine comes to life.

Other refinements for this generation Z include a glove compartment on the passenger side and there is sufficient space behind the seats for carrying small items without folding the passenger's seatback forward. An accessory case is provided that can be used to hold the vehicle inspection certificate. The luggage area can hold two golf bags, and ease of loading/unloading items has been improved. There is also a Bose sound system and an HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system (factory-installed option).

A choice of three interior colours is offered: Persimmon Orange, which expresses an emotional mood; Black that provides a calm, composed ambience; and Grey, which gives the interior a bright, cool and modern look.

Dramatic Advances in Responsive, Linear and Stable Performance

The new Fairlady Z is powered by the VQ37VHR engine with Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system. It generates maximum power of 247 kW (336 PS) at 7,000 rpm and maximum torque of 365 Nm (37.2 kgfm) at 5,200 rpm. Combining power with ease of driving, this remarkable engine accelerates effortlessly and smoothly all the way to the high-speed range.

The Fairlady Z comes with the world's first 6-speed manual transmission with synchronised rev control that regulates the engine speed to the optimum level, matching the driver's shifting action when changing gears. Also offered is a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that lets drivers enjoy the direct shifting sensation of a manual gearbox along with world-class shift response.

The chassis combines a double-wishbone front suspension with a multi-link rear suspension. In addition to adopting a dual-flow-path construction and internal rebound springs, the shock absorbers incorporate high-responsive ripple control to provide both excellent handling response and supple ride comfort.

Aluminium-calliper opposed-piston Akebono brakes are fitted at all four wheels for driving ease in urban areas and in congested traffic, together with stable braking performance on winding roads and in high-speed cruising.

All of these features combine for an enhanced feeling of high performance, heightening the sensation of driving.

Major Safety Features and Environmental Performance

Every new Fairlady Z comes equipped with a long list of standard safety features, including:

• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Nissan's high-strength, safe Zone Body construction
• Body construction for mitigating pedestrian injuries (with pop-up bonnet)
• Dual SRS air bag systems for driver and passenger
• SRS side air bag systems for driver and passenger
• SRS curtain air bag systems
• Active Head Restraints
• Seatbelts with a pretensioner and load limiter
• And, low-friction seatbelts in both seats

All Fairlady Z models are certified as U-LEVs, emitting 50% fewer emissions than the levels mandated by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations. The new Z features a recyclability rate of more than 95% (as calculated according to the guideline adopted by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 1998 concerning the definition and calculation method of the recyclability rate of new cars). The Z also offers a reduction of interior volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Sales target for the domestic Japanese market is 500 units per month.

Australian Availability

Nissan will release the Fairlady Z in Australia, as the 370Z, later this year.