The Nissan Z: Past, Present and the Z Proto

Nissan’s Z-Series began in late 1969 with the 1970 model year Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, and the Datsun 240Z in the United States. Its introduction to the sports car industry was the culmination of 3 years of research and design that successfully created a modern-styled, 6-cylinder coupe sports car for the North American market.

The Z is far from being a vehicle of the past, and we are excited to look at the new Nissan Z that was recently revealed. Let’s look at the past, present, and prototyped Nissan Z!

Past Nissan Z Models

In 1969, the Fairlady Z premiered as the first generator of Nissan’s Z cars. Known as the Datsun 240 Z or Z-car in the United States, the Fairlady Z was manufactured for 9 years and over 520,000 units were sold—a record for a single model sports car.

A second-generation Z was launched in 1978 for the 1979 model year. The new interior and exterior of the new Z offered a higher level of luxury and a Turbo model.

Next, the Fairlady Z evolved into a third generation in 1983 as the Z31 and was produced as the 300ZX in American markets through 1989. The new Z31 offered standard air conditioning, leather upholstery, an affordable entry point, and a newly designed V6 engine.

Other iterations over the years included the Z32 (Nissan 300ZX) in 1989, the Nissan 350Z in 2002, the Nissan 370Z, and Nissan 370Z Roadster in 2009 to the present day.

Present 370Z

The Nissan 370Z has been in production from 2009 to now and is a staple in the Nissan Vehicle lineup. It is built with a V6 engine and offers a 7-speed automatic transmission as an upgrade. It has amazing handling and a beautiful refined aerodynamic frame.

The Nissan 370Z is also available as the 370Z Roadster with a convertible top.

What is in store next for the Nissan Z?

Z Proto

The new Nissan Z Proto is the Z35 generation or 400Z and is jam-packed with upgrades. The new Nissan Z Proto is five inches longer than the 370Z and has an elegant shape that evokes previous interactions of the Z. While it is not quite retro in styling, it pays homage to its predecessors.

It comes with 240Z-inspired headlights, 300ZX-like taillights, and a few other notable historical touches. A nod to the past is on the inside, where you will find a three-gauge binnacle atop the dash, but otherwise, it is a fully modernized two-seat couple with large display screens for the infotainment system and gauge cluster.

Under the Z Proto’s hood is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, and an automatic will be optional.

Though the 440Z has a revamped engine, Nissan has not made any claims yet about its performance on the road, other than hinting that the automatic transmission will be slightly quicker than the manual.

Z Proto at Maus Nissan North Tampa

The wait is almost over! The Nissan Proto Z will debut on August 17th, 2021. If you want to experience the power, grace, and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years, contact Maus Nissan North Tampa to schedule a test drive of the Nissan Proto Z. The Z Proto packs a powerful punch, and we cannot wait to see all that it has to offer when it is released!

_Call us today to learn more about the Proto Z or to schedule a test drive— (813) 800-6287 ! _