What is it?
Nissan Z
What's special about it?
This one's a real looker. Calling this Z concept a new, near production-ready car, Nissan says it's slated to go on sale in mid 2002 as a '03 model. Mmm tasty. We dig it.
The exterior styling is something else and was penned in an international effort with contributions from Nissan design studios in Japan and the U.S. from an earlier concept developed at Nissan Design America (NDA) in the San Diego, Calif., suburb of La Jolla.
As fitting of its very sporting essence, the Z is anchored by aggressive wheel forms pushed all the way out to the corners. A long wheelbase and wide stance provide the starting point, while the body was conceived much like that of an aircraft fuselage, with a front compartment, a center cockpit and a rear compartment. The top line is arched in the side view, with its dramatic sweep creating a pronounced spine. The car's beltline also provides a distinctive look, which crosses over the form in the rear and is anchored in the Z's taillights.
Other styling elements include the expression of agility. It's three-dimensional, moving, fluid and relaxed all at once from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast but not just in a straight line and the simple exacting design gives off a polished feel like you get from classics such as the first 240.
The Z's hood, roofline and rear deck are relatively flat giving the sense the center is all one piece. The raised rear deck enhances aerodynamics and eliminates the need for an external or articulated spoiler.
The car's interior clearly suggests an intimate two-seater and the use of longer doors was avoided so there would be no suggestion of access to a rear seat. Inside, the gauge panel has three pods similar to the first 240 as well as modern touches like a navigation system with a video display. Finally, the hatchback design provides a functional storage space and an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace is finished to match the rest of the interior. A "Z" logo on the brace visible from outside is like looking at jewelry through a display case.
While emphasis on this car has been based on appearances, Nissan doesn't intend to disappoint when the rubber meets the road. Motivation will come from a 3.5-liter V6 making 260 horsepower or more. Four-wheel independent suspension will keep the tires stuck to the ground and both six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are planned.
One of the goals of this car was to combine some elements of the original '70 240Z and the final-generation '90-'96 300ZX, both of which were the best of the Nissan Zs. When this one hits the showrooms, we think it'll be the new best one and we can't imagine it arriving on the scene a moment too soon.
Why should you care?
It'll be the return of a legend, a modern classic. Plain and simple.
Nissan Z
What's special about it?
This one's a real looker. Calling this Z concept a new, near production-ready car, Nissan says it's slated to go on sale in mid 2002 as a '03 model. Mmm tasty. We dig it.
The exterior styling is something else and was penned in an international effort with contributions from Nissan design studios in Japan and the U.S. from an earlier concept developed at Nissan Design America (NDA) in the San Diego, Calif., suburb of La Jolla.
As fitting of its very sporting essence, the Z is anchored by aggressive wheel forms pushed all the way out to the corners. A long wheelbase and wide stance provide the starting point, while the body was conceived much like that of an aircraft fuselage, with a front compartment, a center cockpit and a rear compartment. The top line is arched in the side view, with its dramatic sweep creating a pronounced spine. The car's beltline also provides a distinctive look, which crosses over the form in the rear and is anchored in the Z's taillights.
Other styling elements include the expression of agility. It's three-dimensional, moving, fluid and relaxed all at once from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast but not just in a straight line and the simple exacting design gives off a polished feel like you get from classics such as the first 240.
The Z's hood, roofline and rear deck are relatively flat giving the sense the center is all one piece. The raised rear deck enhances aerodynamics and eliminates the need for an external or articulated spoiler.
The car's interior clearly suggests an intimate two-seater and the use of longer doors was avoided so there would be no suggestion of access to a rear seat. Inside, the gauge panel has three pods similar to the first 240 as well as modern touches like a navigation system with a video display. Finally, the hatchback design provides a functional storage space and an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace is finished to match the rest of the interior. A "Z" logo on the brace visible from outside is like looking at jewelry through a display case.
While emphasis on this car has been based on appearances, Nissan doesn't intend to disappoint when the rubber meets the road. Motivation will come from a 3.5-liter V6 making 260 horsepower or more. Four-wheel independent suspension will keep the tires stuck to the ground and both six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are planned.
One of the goals of this car was to combine some elements of the original '70 240Z and the final-generation '90-'96 300ZX, both of which were the best of the Nissan Zs. When this one hits the showrooms, we think it'll be the new best one and we can't imagine it arriving on the scene a moment too soon.
Why should you care?
It'll be the return of a legend, a modern classic. Plain and simple.
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