The automotive world has changed a huge amount in the past two decades, especially when it comes to affordable sports cars. It’s a shock to realise that it’s now 20 years since the Nissan 350Z was introduced, especially for those of us old enough to have attended the original media presentation in California. Yet the new Nissan Z, which we’ve also met in the US, is only two generations removed from that car and much more similar than it is different.
Back in 2002, the 350Z felt like arenaissance car for Nissan, an affordable two-seat sports coupé that combined punchy V6 power with rear-wheel drive anda handsome exterior, this styled by a young designer from Leicester called Ajay Panchal. The driving experience lacked high levels of finesse, but the 350Z’s combination of strong performance and fun, tail-happy handling won it fans around the world.
But as times and tastes changed, the Nissan didn’t. The 370Z arrived in 2009, and although it was wider and had a slightly plusher cabin, the basics remained as before:
a naturally aspirated V6 up front sending drive to the back. It sold well enough for Nissan to keep making it, and indeed to facelift it and create a hardcore Nismo variant, but never in volumes that would allow any significant investment
in asubstantial update. It lasted 12 years, with its retirement marking the end of the Z-car line in Europe.
Not in North America, though, where Nissan has opted to throw the dice one more time. The general fall in coupé sales meant the company wasn’t prepared to stump up for an all-new model, so beneath the Z’s retro bodywork is much of the 370Z’s structure. The closeness of the relationship is borne out by the fact both share an identical wheelbase.
This story is from the October 26, 2022 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 26, 2022 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AUDI SQ8 E-TRON SPORTBACK
Our big EV has already clocked 10,000 miles. Here's what we've learned so far
RAISING THE SHED
The 'factory' where Tyrrell's F1 winners were made has been saved from demolition. Damien Smith peers inside
LIKE A SCAT OUT OF HELL
Brendan McAleer convenes two Scat Pack Dodges in Hells Gate, Canada, to give the V8 muscle car icons a suitably sizzling send-off
Slow but 'Shaw
For certain EV customers, range and speed scarcely matter, and what they do need is best provided by a small British company called Bradshaw.
"I want to know what they are whispering to their mechanics
Ford boss Jim Farley tells Steve Cropley why both he and the company will continue racing, what's next for Mustang and one thing that would lead to his instant dismissal
JEEP WRANGLER
Jeep updates its brand-defining macho 4x4 as it enjoys a surge in popularity
AUDI Q4 E-TRON
EV is now more potent and more efficient - but is something missing from UK spec?
MERCEDES-AMG CLE 53 COUPE
Extra 67bhp and dynamic upgrades for angrier-looking version of new two-door
MG 3
Cheap-as-chips supermini makes way for all-new hybrid aimed at bereft Fiesta fans
Urus now PHEV only - with 789bhp
Lamborghini's revised SUV drops pure petrol for a V8 hybrid with a 37-mile EV range