IT’S ONE of essentially the most anticipated launches of this yr, however one of many largest query marks hovering over the arrival of the brand new Nissan Z has been that of, “how a lot?”.
The outgoing 370Z had a beginning value of $50,490 (plus on-road prices) – an particularly engaging quantity for a low-slung two-door coupe that supplied compelling efficiency – topping out at $64,490 (+ ORCs) for the flagship Nismo variant in computerized trim.
Nonetheless, the 370Z’s alternative (now merely known as ‘Z’) brings with it a major tech enhance each within the engine bay and contained in the cabin. A twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 replaces the previous 3.7-litre naturally-aspirated V6 and produces peak outputs of 298kW and 475Nm – huge steps up in energy and torque – whereas the cabin is far more screen-centric and boasts new connectivity choices. Nonetheless, with extra expertise comes better price.
When it formally launches, the brand new Z will put on a $73,300 (+ ORCs) price ticket no matter whether or not you choose the six-speed handbook or the nine-speed computerized model. A restricted variety of Z Proto Spec flagship fashions will even be supplied, these priced at $80,700.
For Australia, Nissan is bypassing the lower-specification base grade that’s destined for the US market. As an alternative, all Australia-bound Zs will function a bigger brake package deal (four-piston calipers on the entrance, two-piston variations on the rear), a correct mechanical limited-slip differential, sports activities seats, eight-speaker Bose audio, 19-inch alloy wheels, launch management, and entrance and rear spoilers as customary. The Z Proto Spec provides some beauty wow through 19-inch bronze-finished solid alloys, yellow accents on the inside, a blacked-out roof turret, plus an unique Ikazuchi Yellow pearl end matched with vibrant yellow brake calipers.
The one actual spec low-lights are the truth that Aussie Zs will solely get an 8-inch infotainment display moderately than the far more upmarket trying 9-incher that’s obtainable to People, in addition to a quieter exhaust that’s mandated by ADR drive-by noise guidelines.
In different respects, the mannequin represents stable worth. The Z will simply undercut its most blatant rival the Toyota Supra, with that automobile opening at $87,003 (+ ORCs) in GT computerized type. There’s no phrase on whether or not the upcoming handbook Supra will trim that value down.
Nonetheless, it means the Nissan Z will not be essentially the most reasonably priced high-performance coupe. Whereas the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ stay underneath the $50 000 barrier, they’ve at all times performed in a decrease efficiency tier to the Z. When it comes to big-power coupes, essentially the most reasonably priced possibility is now the 6-speed handbook model of Ford’s 5.0-litre V8-powered Mustang GT, which presents 339kW of energy and 556Nm of torque for $64,390 (+ ORCs).
The brand new Z can be launched regionally in the course of this yr, with deliveries of the primary mannequin of Nissan’s huge product offensive scheduled to start within the latter half of 2022.
