A new Nissan Z is coming and we’re so excited we thought it would be a good time to cruise down memory lane.  

The Nissan Z 

The Nissan Z has a strong history and the new 2023 model will be the seventh generation of this popular sportscar.  

History of the Nissan Z

The first generation Nissan Z was a 1970 Datsun 240Z. It was quick, sporty and affordable, which made it extremely popular in the U.S. and Japan (sold as the Fairlady Z). The small, two-door coupe came with a six-cylinder engine, giving it plenty of get-up-and-go.  

The second generation Datsun 280ZX (S130) launched in 1979 and was a bit larger with a greater focus on comfort. Still small and sporty it offered excellent performance, and with an available Turbo, this Z won Motortrend’s 1979 Import Car of the Year.  

The Nissan 300ZX (Z31) was the third generation and hit the U.S. market in 1983. Everyone was crazy over the new V6 turbo engine. Nissan put an even greater focus on luxury here with AC coming standard and leather interior.  

The fourth generation Nissan 300ZX (Z32) came out in 1989 with major updates seen in styling. The V6 engine was close to the same as the third gen, but Nissan did make some changes to boost performance.  

In 2002 we saw the 350Z (Z33) which was the fifth generation and offered a design reminiscent of the original 1970 Datsun. In 2005 it also came in a 35th Anniversary edition that offered some performance upgrades along with refreshed styling. 

This sixth generation 2009 Nissan 370Z (Z34), has a similar look to the fifth generation and came available as a standard hardtop or roadster convertible. As always, performance was a cornerstone for the Z and new materials, engine upgrades and other design improvements allowed this Z go from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. 

Coming Soon—The New Seventh Generation Z

The 2023 Nissan Z will be available starting summer 2022 and is packed with performance and style. Here are some highlights from Nissan:    

• 3.0-liter, 400-horsepower, V6 twin-turbocharged engine with aluminum-alloy block for lots of power in a light package 
• Mechanical limited-slip differential for grip around the corners 
• Available with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission 
• Upgraded suspension with new mono tube shocks, new tuning and electric power steering 

• Performance brakes to enhance stopping power 
• Advanced technology including driver assist and safety solutions like blind spot warning, intelligent forward collision warning and pedestrian detection 
• Redesigned cockpit with new sportscar-inspired digital gauge cluster, performance seats, and a GT-R® inspired steering wheel 
• New styling that calls back to the original Z but with a modern take that will have you feeling that sportscar vibe with every detail 
• Three available models will be the Sport, Performance and Proto Spec (limited edition) 

See them both!

You can soak up all the Z nostalgia and come see an original 1970 240Z at Empire Nissan. They expect to have the all-new 2023 Z parked aside it soon!  

Want to learn about getting a Nissan Z of your own? Contact Empire Nissan in the Ontario Auto Center and they can help you snag the hottest sportscar of the summer.