Nissan's Z Cars are the famous series of sports cars built by Nissan since 1969, with the first version being built until the 300ZX ended production in 2000. The Z-car was revived in 2002 with the introduction of the 350Z, and was succeeded by the 370Z in 2008, which ended production in 2020. The current incarnation of the Z-car is known simply as Z (or known internally as RZ34, except Japan, which retains the Fairlady Z name, inherited from Datsun's history).
The early Z cars were designated as the S30 (as well as the Z29) with inline-6 cylinder engines as well being rebranded under the Datsun name in America and Europe, as internationally, these cars were referred to 240Z, all the way up to 300ZX, with the X designating its upgraded powertrain.
The launch of the 300ZX finally marked the end of the Datsun name, as it was the first Japanese sports car to use a V6 engine, and displacements continued to increase, up to 3.7-litres.
It became an iconic car, with several versions appearing in Wangan Midnight, Initial D, Gran Turismo, and other pop-culture media. It also became a favourite among petrolheads, and was a contender in multiple forms of motorsport, with its drifting rival being the Nissan Silvia.
Nissan 300ZX[]
Nissan 300ZX is the fourth incarnation of the Nissan Z-car family that was produced across two similar but unique generations. As with all other versions of the Z, the 300ZX was sold within the Japanese domestic market under the Fairlady Z name.
The first-gen 300ZX, known as the Z31 was produced from 1983 through 1989 and was successful in its sales, becoming the highest volume Z-car for Nissan. To become even more competitive in the sports car market, the second generation Z32 was given up-market. It was redesigned to be faster and featured more advanced technology such as the Super HICAS steering system also featured on the Nissan Skyline GT-R, but it costed more than its predecessor, with consecutive price increases with each model year.
This is the only time has a turbocharged from Z31 using Garrett AiResearch for Z32 and optional 2+2 both SWB and LWB version.
North American market 300ZX ended in 1996, while the international markets continue to sold until 2000. In Japan home market the Z32 receives facelift notably on front bumper with rebranded as Version R (2+2) and Version S (2-seater) with upgraded powertrain.
Appearances[]
- In Old Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson reveals that the 300ZX was a better bargain when comparing it to the Porsche 968.
- In Clarkson's Top 100 Cars, the Nissan 300ZX was ranked 93rd, with Clarkson saying it was a nice car to drive apart from its girth and squishy suspension.
- In Series 3, Episode 8, the 300ZX demolishes the modern 350Z in a generations drag race.
- In Clarkson: Hot Metal, the 300ZX demolishes all the other Z cars in a drag race.
- in Series 13, Episode 5, Richard buys a 300ZX for under £1500 in a bid to prove that RWD cars are better than FWD cars against Jeremy in a Porsche 944 S2 and James in a Ford Capri 2.8L Injection (later a Morris Marina) as they travel across France. Despite his car being well built and fast, he ultimately loses a race on ice against James in the Marina.
- In Top Gear America "Flying Coupe DeVille" Foust selects a 300ZX Z31 for under $1000 against Wood in a Ford Thunderbird TurboCoupe and Ferrara in a Cadillac Coupe DeVille as they try their hand at moonshine running. Ultimately, he wins overall.
- In Top Gear America "Minnesota Ice Driving" Foust selects a 300ZX Z32 as his ultimate winter mobile against Wood in a Subaru Legacy Outback and Ferrara in a Chevy Blazer. Once again Foust wins.
Nissan 350Z[]
Nissan 350Z (known as Nissan Fairlady Z Z33 in Japan) is the two-seat sports car build from 2002 to 2009 and marks the fifth generation (codename: Z33) of Nissan's Z-car line and fifth overal incarnation. The engine configuration becomes a front-midship but retains FR layout. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. Initially a coupé, the roadster didn't début until the following year. Further Z's are exclusively for said seats to current-gen.
Trim levels for the coupé include base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring and Track versions, whilst the roadster was limited to the Enthusiast and Touring trim levels. The Track trim came with lightweight wheels and Brembo disc brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupés. The Nissan 350Z has been succeeded by the 370Z for the 2009 model year.
The 350Z becomes a cult-icon mostly favoured among drifters.
Appearances[]
- In Series 2, Episode 8, Jeremy reviews the 350Z in Sheffield, loathing its speed, handling, build quality, style and overall package.
- In Series 3, Episode 5, the 350Z is sent around the Top Gear Test Track in the hands of the Stig where it sets a time of 1:31.8, matching the Mazda RX-8.
- In Clarkson: Shoot-Out, Jeremy reveals that he hated the 350Z and refuses to allow one to be featured on his show.
- In Series 3, Episode 8, the 350Z loses out to the 300ZX in a generations drag race.
- In Clarkson: Hot Metal, Jeremy pits the 350Z in a drag race against all its predecessors. It comes in third place ultimately losing to both the 300ZX and 280Z.
- In Series 6, Episode 8, Richard champions the 350Z Roadster in a coupe turned convertible comparison in Iceland against Jeremy in an Audi TT 3.2 Roadster and James in a Chrysler Crossfire Convertible. He praises the car's excitement, drive, rawness, speed and looks despite Jeremy and James clearly pointing out that it's unrefined, badly made and has a horrible gearbox.
- In Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip, Richard buys a 350Z Roadster against Jeremy in a BMW Z4 in a battle of Rallycross Roadsters. Despite being faster and more rally experienced, the 350Z ultimately loses to the Z4 in a timed lap battle.
Nissan 370Z[]
Nissan 370Z (known as the Fairlady Z Z34 in Japan) is the sixth-incarnation (S-segment in Europe) build from 2009 to 2022. The 370Z is shorter but wider than the 350Z. Like the 350Z, the roadster produced in the following production year, the engine reconfiguration reverted to FR layout but also increases up to 3.7-litres and retains the naturally-aspirated. The 370Z features the synchro-rev match in manual gearbox.
Early mid-MY 350Z receives first facelift with reduced rear wing size and revised fascia, includes upgraded powertrain. Later revision also follows with improved overall performance. The 370Z ended the production in earlier 2021 to give way the new Z (as RZ34) in 2022.
Appearances[]
- In Top Gear Australia, S02 E06, Morrison reviews the 370Z before the Stig takes it for a lap of the track in 1:13.63.
- In Series 13, Episode 6, Jeremy compares the 370Z GT to the latest BMW Z4 at the Top Gear Test Track. Despite praising the car's speed, handling, price and revomatic gearbox, he criticises the ride, build quality and noise, ultimately preferring the BMW.
- In Top Gear USA "Blind Drift" Foust is challenged to teach a blind man to drift a 370Z against Wood and Ferrara.