Nissan Z-car

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300ZX(Z32)
300ZX(Z32)

Z-car usually refers to a series of sports cars manufactured by Nissan. Early on they were released under Nissan's Datsun brand name.

Starting out in 1969 with the 240Z, the Datsun Z-cars have been popular in Japan (where they are known as the Fairlady Z (Note, the Fairladys used 2000 cc L series motors)), the United States, and the United Kingdom. For their good looks, reliability, and strong performance, they have been remarkably affordable automobiles.

Contents

[edit] History

Datsun was a small company that had visions of greatness. No strangers to the sports car game, company executives rightfully saw it as a halo car that would improve its image in the minds of consumers. They had already produced the successful series of Fairlady roadsters that competed against English roadsters, and product planners envisioned a new line of GT cars that would be stylish, innovative, fast, and relatively inexpensive by sharing parts among other vehicles. Prototype work, led by Yutaka Katayama (or "Mr. K" as he was known), began in 1966 with a clay mockup designed by the famed Albrecht Goertz, among others, who had recently helped Toyota with the 2000GT. Two major influences on Katayama during the prototyping process was the Jaguar E-Type and the BMW 1600, as well as the forementioned 2000GT and Datsun's own recently launched Silvia and 510.

[edit] The First Generation (S30): 240Z, 260Z, 280Z (1969–1978)

Main article: Nissan S30

Production of the 240Z started on October 1969, with 2 separate versions: one for the Japanese market and one for the US market. The Japanese 240Z featured a SOHC L20 inline-6 producing 130 hp, while the US 240Z had a L24 inline-6 with twin SU carburetors that produced 151 hp. A third Z, the 432Z(PS30) shared a performance version of the S20 engine with the Skyline GT-R. The US 240Z's engine was not designed with racing in mind as was the Japanese engine, as the Japanese did not think anybody in America would seriously race it there. [1] In Japan, the car was still known as the Fairlady to keep in line with past Nissan sports cars; Katayama fought furiously to have all American badging replaced with "240Z" and refused all dealers to receive cars until he had done so.

The 240Z was released in America on October 22, 1969, and became an instant hit. Combining good looks, powerful performance, and luxury features, it sold over 30,000 units in 1971 and over 50,000 and 40,000 in 1972 and 1973, respectively.

1974 saw the 240Z's engine displacement increased to 2.6 liters, bringing a name change to 260Z, as well as a 2+2 model. Despite the engine size increase, power went down to 139 in the most areas of the US market thanks to new camshafts and carburetors in the face of stiffening emissions regulations. In other regions the power was increased to 154 hp.

In 1975, the Nissan 280Z (not to be confused with the 280ZX, which is a completely different car]] was introduced after another engine displacement enlargement to 2.8 liters. A major change was the introduction of Bosch fuel injection, replacing the previous SU carbs. This resulted in a horsepower bump to 149 hp, enough to offset the added luxury and enlarged bumpers to meet US Federal regulations.

[edit] The Second Generation (S130): 280ZX (1978–1983)

Main article: Nissan 280ZX
Nissan 280ZX
Nissan 280ZX

In 1978, a new Z-car was introduced: the 280ZX. The only thing that was left unchanged from the previous 280Z was the 5-speed manual transmission and 2.8 liter inline-6 engine, while the entire car overall was made more luxurious to meet growing consumer demands. Major changes for this new generation of Z-cars include t-tops, introduced in 1980, and a turbocharged model introduced in 1981, complementing the naturally aspirated (NA) 2-seater and NA 2+2 models. Coupled to either a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, the turbocharged model was capable of 180 bhp and 203 lb/ft of torque, over the 135 bhp and 144 lb/ft of the NA engine.

Notable models include the 10th Anniversary edition [2], featuring gold emblems , gold alloy wheels, and two-toned paint in either gold/red and black, among with luxury features such as leather seats, headlamp washers, and automatic climate control.

The 280ZX was wildly popular, being hailed as Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1979 and going on to set a Z-car sales record of 86,007 units in its first year. While on the one hand it received universal praise for taking the Z-car to further levels of comfort and performance, many enthusiasts also lamented the further emphasis on luxury over driving fun. This would continue with the third generation of Z-car, with a clean-sheet redesign that would take the Z-car to further heights.

[edit] The Third Generation (Z31): 300ZX (1984–1989)

Main article: Nissan 300ZX

The Z-car was completely redesigned in 1984, introducing Nissan's new series of 3.0 liter V6 engines, dubbed the VG series. These were available in both VG30E naturally-aspirated and VG30ET turbocharged forms, producing of 160 and 200 bhp, respectively. These were showcased in sleek new wedge-shaped styling and given a new name, the 300ZX. Like its predecessor, it also proved to be wildly popular, selling over 70,000 units due in part not only to its new styling but also to even more added luxury features. Much like the 280ZX that preceded it, the first-gen 300ZX was thought by enthusiasts as more GT than sports car.

In 1985, Nissan dropped the Datsun badge for good. The 1986 model added smooth flared fenders, the turbo was changed to a water-cooled T3, and the hood scoop over the turbo was dropped. In order to keep up with quickly aging aesthetics, a slight redesign happened in 1987, consisting of new rounded bumpers, new headlights, and new tail lights. In 1988 the turbocharger was switched from the Garrett T3 turbo to a lower-inertia T25 turbo, and the engine to an 8.3:1 compression ratio in order to reduce turbo spool time.

Two special editions were introduced during this period to attract consumers. In 1984, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. It was based on the 300ZX Turbo and was outfitted with every luxury feature available, in addition to revised fenders and requisite badging. [3] Another special edition, the "Shiro Special" (SS), was released in 1988. It was only available in pearl white (Shiro means "white" in Japanese). The SS package consisted of analog gauges and climate controls, stiffer sway bars, stiffer springs, non-adjustable suspension, special seats (recaro), and a special front lower lip spoiler. This package had no options; all 88SS cars are identical. [4]

[edit] The Fourth Generation (Z32): 300ZX (1990–1999)

Main article: Nissan 300ZX
1990 Nissan 300ZX
1990 Nissan 300ZX

The 300ZX name was used on two completely separate cars in the Z-car evolution. While the previous generation (known internally as the Z31) was derided as a sloppy-handling GT car instead of a true sports car, the new 300ZX (Z32) was completely redesigned with the intention of going back to its sports-car roots. The only thing that remains unchanged from the previous 300ZX is the 3.0 liter engine, now with dual overhead camshafts and producing 222 hp in NA form. A 2+2 model, same as previous generations, was produced. The big news for enthusiasts, however, was the turbo variant, now upgraded with twin Garrett turbochargers and dual intercoolers on the front corners feeding both. This was good for an even 300 bhp and 283 lb/ft of torque.[5] Performance ranged from 0-60 times of 5.3-6.0 seconds, at a governed top speed of 155 mph.

Upon its release, the new 300ZX became an instant hit, winning Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" in 1990 as well as "One of the Top Ten Performance Cars". Automobile Magazine honors the 300ZX/300ZX Turbo as its "Design of the Year" and adds it to their "All Stars" list. Road & Track names the 300ZX Turbo "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World", and Car and Driver adds it to their 10Best for the 7 years in which it was in production in America. American Z-car sales reach the one million sales mark in the 1990 model year, making it the all-time best selling sports car. [6]

One of the first few cars completely designed with CAD software, it featured a whole host of technological advancements. On top-of-the-line twin turbo models, four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering). The twin turbochargers, intercoolers, and requisite plumbing left for a cramped engine bay; however, everything fit perfectly with merely the slightest of bulges. The VG30DE(TT) engine also featured dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing.

In 1993, a convertible version was added for the first time in the Z-car's history, as a response to aftermarket conversions. All 300ZXs now featured T-tops as standard, yet there were some rare hardtops (known as "slicktops" to enthusiasts) produced as well. This as well as the 2+2 were only available with the NA engine, as product planners deemed their target market to be uninterested in blistering performance. Today, engine swaps among NA cars are common, and Japan's home market was fortunate enough to see a twin turbo 2+2 after production ended in America in 1996.

Unfortunately, the 300ZX and the Z-car in general lived a short life. The mid-90's trend toward SUVs and away from sports cars was influential in ending production in 1996 at over 80,000 units sold. However, the biggest killer of the 300ZX was its inflated price; at its release it was priced at a little over $30,000, but in its final year this price had increased to over $50,000. This left many people questioning its value, and despite a final Commemorative Edition of the final 300 units shipped to America (complete with decals and certificates of authenticity), the Z-car was on hiatus. In Japan, however, the 300ZX lived on for two more years with a facelift.

[edit] Nissan 240Z Concept (1999)

The Z-car went on hiatus from 1996 to 2002, as Nissan was not only focusing on SUVs but was also in financial trouble. Many people believed that Nissan would not live to see the new millennium, and that the Z-car would die with it. To keep Z-car interest alive, the company launched a restoration program in 1998 where they purchased original 240Zs, professionally restored them, and sold them at dealerships for $24,000.

Furthermore, Nissan launched a concept car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, the 240Z Concept. Clearly a throwback to the original, it was a bright orange two-seater with classic swept-back styling . In addition, it was fully functioning, with the 2.4 liter 4-cylinder KA24DE engine from the Nissan Altima featuring 200 bhp and 180 ft·lbf of torque. The designers used an original 240Z to provide inspiration and the concept was created from drawing to running vehicle in only 12 weeks. [7]

Unfortunately, people felt that the running concept, featuring a paltry 4-cylinder in the face of the Z-car's traditional 6-cylinder engines, was less than a worthy successor to the line. [8] [9]

[edit] The Fifth Generation (Z33): 350Z (2003–present)

Main article: Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z

When Carlos Ghosn of French company Renault stepped in, buying 44.4% of the company in 1999 and becoming its chief operating officer, people still had reason to believe that the Z-car would be lost in the shuffle and would never reappear again. Massive restructuring on a scale never before seen by the Japanese automakers led to such fears, among layoffs, corporate restructuring, and product management issues that resulted. Yet Ghosn surprised people after becoming CEO by telling reporters: "We will build the Z. And we will make it profitable." [10]

Finally in August 2002, Nissan introduced the Z Concept. Much like its previous Z concept, it debuted at the North American International Auto Show and was also painted bright orange. The squat, long-hood/short-deck styling was the result of a competition between Nissan's Japanese, European, and American design studios, with the La Jolla, California studio's design being chosen. The product planners wisely decided to avoid the price problems that plagued the last few years of the 300ZX and shot for a target MSRP of $30,000 while using the Porsche Boxster as a benchmark. [11]

In the summer of 2003, the 350Z was finally released to wide acclaim. It used the 3.5 liter VQ35DE engine from multiple Nissan cars, including the Maxima and Pathfinder. This engine initially produced 287 bhp and 274 lb/ft. torque, but in 2005 was bumped up to an even 300 bhp (exactly twice the output of the original 240Z) and 260 lb/ft. Prices started at $26,000 US, well below the $30,000 mark initially set. Coupled to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (the auto loses 13 bhp in comparison), it is currently available only as a 2-seater hardtop and a convertible, introduced in 2004, and there will not likely be a 2+2 configuration. There are 5 trim packages available, featuring options such as Bose audio systems and leather seats, with the top-of-the-line trim being the Grand Touring. This included revised camshafts, 18" wheels (19" in rear), front and rear spoilers and rear diffuser, and a Brembo braking system. [12]

So far, there have been many special editions released in Japan, Europe, and the US, with the most notable being the 35th Anniversary Edition. Celebrating 35 years of the Z-car (as opposed to the 300ZX Z31's 50th Anniversary Edition commemorating the company), it was based on the Track Edition and came in three colors (Ultra Yellow, Silverstone and Super Black), special 5-spoke wheels, and special Z emblems. [13]

[edit] Engines

The first two generations (240Z/260Z/280Z and 280ZX) of Z-car were powered by a Straight-6, (part of the L-series of Nissan engines, which powered most of their vehicles until the early 1980s) with a displacement of 2.4 L in the first incarnation, and increasing to 2.6 L and 2.8 L in the 260Z, and the 280Z and ZX, respectively.

The second generation, the 280ZX, introduced in 1979 was a complete re-design, retaining only the L28 engine and other driveline components. A turbo option was introduced, bringing performance surpassing that of the original 240z.

The third generation, the 300ZX, switched to a 3.0 L V6. There were 2 generations of the 300ZX, the Z31 from 1984-1989, and the Z32 from 1990-1996. Both the Z31 and Z32 came in either non-turbo or turbo trims. During the 90's the cars price continued to elevate and sales continued to fall. Even a major design change in 1998 couldn't save it, and production finally ended in 2001.

In the 2003 model year, Nissan reentered the US sports-car market with the 350Z, powered by a 3.5 L V6, and styled in an attempt to create a more modern interpretation of the 240Z's lines. It had a new 6-speed manual gearbox, and is capable of over 155 mph.

[edit] Reputation

Among Z-cars, the most sought after are the early 240Zs, due to their being unencumbered with emissions regulations, and thus putting out significantly more power than later Z-cars, until the later 300ZXs. In 1998, Nissan even offered restored 240Zs through its dealerships. Also popular is the Twin Turbo Z32.

The first generation of Z-car are known for unusually quick handling, easily comparable to cars such as the Porsche 911, but usually at a much lower price. For those for whom the inline-6 is not enough, V8 conversions are popular. Some companies have even specialized in producing such conversions (like Scarab Engineering, which is no longer in business, and Jags That Run[14]). Many forums exist for modified cars, http://www.hybridz.org/ and http://www.zcar.com being the major ones.

The 240Z, and to a lesser degree the 260Z and 280Z, were well-regarded for their light weight and good balance, which contributed to their speed and handling. The 280ZX, while maintaining a similar overall look and drivetrain to the earlier cars, was not as well-regarded due to its increased weight, and the addition of more accessories making it less of a pure sports car. This sentiment continued with the 300ZX. The first generation 300ZX was thought as somewhat of a luxury cruiser as opposed to a sports car, despite selling in large numbers. The second generation 300ZX was much improved as a sports car and won high praise from magazines and enthusiasts alike, but later became too expensive and at odds with the affordability offered by the original 240Z.

Nissan has managed to retain the reputation of the Z-car with the 350Z, a car that combines strong performance with good looks.

[edit] In Popular Culture

In the manga Wangan Midnight, the main character Akio Asakura street races a heavily tuned Fairlady Z S30 known as the "The Devil Z". The car received that nickname due to its reputation of it's past owners dying of accidents. The Devil Z is unnaturally powerful as it has a tuned L28 engine, bored and stroked to 3.1 liters combined with twin turbos, producing about 620 bhp. He races his Z on the Shuto Expressway, on a particular stretch called the "Wangan" or "Bayside".

[edit] See also


Nissan Z-car timeline, 1960s-present - v • d • e 
1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
240Z 260Z 280Z 280ZX 300ZX (Z31) 300ZX (Z32) 350Z

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[edit] External links

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