2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe Adds Active Noise Cancellation, Active Sound Enhancement; Continues to Offer Unique Combination of Performance, Value and Exhilaration

The iconic Nissan 370Z Coupe remains, in 2016, as one of the most vibrant and dynamic sports cars available in North America, as well as one of the best performance values – with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Following last year's addition of two new trim levels – Sport and Sport Tech – to the previously available 370Z and Touring grades, the Z® Coupe lineup again offers buyers a choice of four well-equipped models. There are no option packages.

For 2016, enhancements include the addition of a new Deep Blue Pearl exterior color and a new available Bose® audio system incorporating Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE).

The ANC system generates canceling sound to help remove undesirable low frequency engine noise while preserving invigorating sounds of engine performance, providing a more 'pure' sound. The system is also utilized on the famed Nissan GT-R. The ASE enhances natural engine sounds to help bolster the driver's acceleration experience.

Also available again in 2016 are the Nissan 370 NISMO and 370Z NISMO Tech, along with three 370Z Roadster models – 370Z Roadster, 370Z Touring Roadster and 370Z Touring Sport Roadster (for details, please visit NissanNews.com).

Dynamic Motion – in Design and Performance

Though it has been more than 45 years since the arrival of the original 240Z, its influence remains strong in the sports car world and in the design of the current generation 370Z Coupe. The iconic shape, formed by the combination of a short wheelbase, wide track, low center of gravity and fluid silhouette, is as instantly recognizable today as it was in 1970.

The aerodynamic exterior design incorporates intentional 240Z styling cues, a sleek aerodynamic shape, a 'dynamic motion' feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof and a 'low visual gravity.' The sleek profile is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame.

Another distinctive feature of the bold exterior design is the headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce 'boomerang' shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature with LED daytime running lamps are standard.

The intense broad-shouldered rear shape is highlighted by the integration of the boomerang taillights and wide, flared rear fenders. Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including a flashing side marker lamp/emblem (turn signal lamp not available on base 370Z). The rear fascia is accented by a red rear center reflector. A front chin spoiler and rear spoiler are standard on Sport and Sport Tech grades.

The coefficient of drag is 0.30 for the 370Z and Touring models and 0.29 for the Sport and Sport Tech grades. The 370Z Sport and Sport Tech grades also feature zero front lift and zero rear lift, thanks to extensive aerodynamics efforts – including an 'inverse area' front bumper design which a smooth flow of air to the sides of the vehicle, while the rear design maximizes the control of air flow from the roof to the rear hatch.

Underlying the aggressive appearance of the 370Z Coupe is a light, highly rigid structure designed for enhanced performance. The FM platform provides a refined foundation for the well-proportioned body – which includes a 100.4-inch wheelbase, 167.5-inch overall length, 72.6-inch width and 51.8-inch height – giving it a classic sports car look and feel.

The body features aluminum door panels, along with an all-aluminum hood and an aluminum hatch. A front suspension cradle, rear structural reinforcements and an underbody 'V-bar' are designed to help reduce front and rear lateral bending (versus the previous generation design). The design also uses a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthened rear fender and hatch areas.

The 2016 370Z is offered in eight exterior colors: Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Black Cherry, Magma Red and new Deep Blue Pearl (replaces Midnight Blue).

A Driver-Oriented Cockpit

The interior of the 2016 370Z Coupe continues the longstanding Z® tradition of enhancing driving pleasure. The traditional 2-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The design focus incorporates a 'layer concept,' with an information layer, an operation layer and a holding layer.

The information layer provides good visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between their preferred steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges. The large upper steering wheel opening in front of the gauges is designed to provide a good view of the readouts.

The instrument panel retains the traditional 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an 'initial sweep' function, coming alive when the Z® is first started.

The operation layer includes the steering wheel, shifter and switchgear. The steering wheel is an 'oval' 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching and large thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is 'shaved' to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand.

The manual transmission shifter is padded in different areas to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.

The holding layer includes the seats, kneepads and door trim support. The driver's seat is uniquely different from the passenger's seat, with lower seat cushion cutouts on the sides where the thighs rest – allowing the driver to push on the pedals without the seat fighting them. The seat frame is constructed to help hold the driver in place during cornering. Both the driver and passenger's seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface.

The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver's/4-way passenger manual adjustments, with heated 4-way power-adjustable synthetic suede and leather-appointed sport seats standard with the Touring model. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are also standard.

The door armrests have been designed to help provide extra support when cornering and the kneepads are integrated to help the driver maintain the proper position while cornering.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders, dual overhead map lights, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and a AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Touring model adds standard 4-way power adjustable heated sport seats with adjustable lumbar support, glove box damper, heated outside sideview mirrors, side turn signal lamp, aluminum-trimmed pedals and retractable cargo cover.

Both the Touring and Sport Tech models also include the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch-sensitive display, NavTrafficâ with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) – along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, auto-dimming mirror and RearView Monitor.

The Touring, Sport and Sport Tech models also add Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofers), with the new Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) systems as standard.

The 370Z interior features standard Black cloth, while the other three models offer a choice of Gray, Black or Persimmon leather-appointed and synthetic suede seating and synthetic suede door panel inserts.

The Pure Performance of a 332-horsepower V6

Along with its iconic style and full-feature cockpit, the 370Z Coupe once again delivers exhilarating performance. The standard 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) is rated at 332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm.

Key to the outstanding performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time.

Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The engine is backed by a choice of two advanced transmissions, both designed to improve driver performance. The close-ratio 6-speed manual includes an available synchronized downshift rev matching system (Sport and Sport Tech models), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gearshift performance. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially 'blipping' the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts.

This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves the smoothness of gear shifts by reducing the typical 'shock' when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own. The SynchroRev Match® system is offered as part of the optional Sport Package.

The available 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts. With optimized torque converter lock-up logic, the 7-speed automatic feels very direct, like a manual transmission. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency (versus a 5-speed automatic), while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style. Paddle shifters are standard on Touring, Sport and Sport Tech grades.

Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the 7-speed automatic and 18 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway for the 6-speed manual transmission.

The double-wishbone front suspension uses lightweight forged aluminum arms, a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, and hollow construction stabilizer bar. The independent multi-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter than the previous generation design, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part (no welding). 'High response' shock absorbers are utilized on each corner, with ride comfort enhanced through reduced shock friction.

The suspension was revised last year to better meet the needs of sport and daily driving. Enhancements included better steering feel through use of revised steering column bushings and steering software, as well as better noise isolation through use of a revised front engine mount design and improved body insulation.

Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design that provides improved response. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced through use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is standard.

The 370Z and 370Z Touring include standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system that includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

The Sport and Sport Tech models offer Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/ rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum red-finish calipers.

The 370Z and 370Z Touring models feature black-finished 18x8-inch front/18x9-inch 5-spoke lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 front/245/45R18 rear Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance summer tires. Sport and Sport Tech grades offer standard 19x9-inch front/19x10-inch rear RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires.

The long list of standard safety and security features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags; seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

by Nissan

2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster Again Offers Soft Top, Hard Core Performance, Choice of Three Models Including Touring Sport

•Three well-equipped models give buyers range of equipment choices: 370Z Roadster, 370Z Touring Roadster and 370Z Touring Sport Roadster

•Once again combines classic open-air motoring with state-of-the-art convenience and exciting performance

•All models come equipped with standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL V6

•Fully automatic convertible top features approximate 20-second operation

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster continues to offer unique design, performance and value of the 370Z Coupe – with the added exhilarating sensory experience of an advanced fully automatic convertible design.

Following last year's extensive number of enhancements – including the addition of the 370Z Touring Sport Roadster trim level, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System for all models, revised suspension tuning and new 18-inch black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels – the major change for 2016 is the addition of a new Deep Blue Pearl exterior color.

The 2016 370Z Roadster again features a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) and a choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available SynchroRev Match® (370Z Roadster Touring Sport only).

A Stylish, Easy-to-Operate Top

The 370Z Roadster's standard power automatic latching top was designed with an emphasis on providing a sleek silhouette with the top up or down. With its easy single-action open-close operation, it provides an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.

In the closed position, the top design imparts a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z® body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z®'s kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z® Roadster's classic 'double cockpit' style interior.

The standard black (a Bordeaux color top is available with the Wine colored interior) cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with a large glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors (top lowering only). The automatic latch system secures the top to – or releases it from – the windshield header without driver intervention.

The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.

Along with careful attention to convertible top operation and design, the 370Z Roadster's exterior features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. The body includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.

The Z® Roadster's exterior design incorporates the signature Z® long nose/short cockpit proportions. The distinctive headlight/taillight treatment features an aggressive 'boomerang' shape. The headlights are a High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon design with auto on/off feature and integrated LED daytime running lights.

Eight exterior colors are offered for 2016 –Magma Red, Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Black Cherry, Pearl White and new Deep Blue Pearl (replaces Midnight Blue).

A Full-Feature Interior

Inside the stunning 370Z Roadster exterior, is an interior that is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place – so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.

The base 370Z Roadster features high back black woven 'Carbon' cloth seats with 8-way manual driver's/4-way manual passenger's seat adjustments. The Touring and Touring Sport models include unique leather-appointed seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). The seats also have integrated heating and cooling functions – ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature.

The Z® Roadster's 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z® 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an 'initial sweep' function, coming alive when the car is first started.

The steering wheel is an 'oval' 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching and large thumb grips/palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is 'shaved' to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand. The manual transmission shifter is specially padded to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design. Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders (two in door panels, one in center console) and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Touring and Touring Sport models add a Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofers) and MP3/WMA playback, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals, synthetic suede door panel inserts, auto-dimming inside mirror and glove box damper.

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster interior is available in Black cloth, while Touring and Touring Sport models are available in a choice of Gray, Black or Wine (available exclusively with Pearl White and Black Cherry exterior colors) leather-appointed cooling and heated ventilated seats.

Open Air, Open Roads – An Unbeatable Combination

The 370Z Roadster once again features one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The VVEL system is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time.

The 6-speed manual's SynchroRev Match® system, which is standard with the Touring Sport grade, allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gearshift performance. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially 'blipping' the throttle to smooth out up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves the smoothness of gear shifts by reducing the typical 'shock' when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.

The available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode. Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency (versus a 5-speed automatic), while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style.

Estimated fuel economy for the 2016 370Z Roadster is 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the 7-speed automatic and 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the 6-speed manual transmission.

The 370Z Roadster also utilizes the Z® Coupe's advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension uses lightweight forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a hollow construction stabilizer bar. The 4-link rear suspension integrates the rear cradle into a single part. 'High response' shock absorbers are utilized on each corner for enhanced ride comfort.

The standard 370Z Roadster wheel and tire package features 18x8.0-inch front/18x9.0-inch black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 front/245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires. Unique 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 245/40R19 front/275/35R19 rear tires are standard with the Touring Sport model.

The Z®'s standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Touring Sport includes Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum red-finish calipers.

Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard and the Touring Sport model includes a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

The Nissan 370Z Roadster's list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; door-mounted curtain air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Other standard equipment includes Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Choice of Models

Along with the long list of standard equipment on the base 370Z Roadster, including Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, USB input and black-finished 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the 370Z Touring Roadster adds Nissan Navigation System with 7.0-inch touch-sensitive display, Bose® Audio System, cooling and heated ventilated leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor.

The top-of-the-line 370Z Touring Sport Roadster includes Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, SynchroRev Match® (manual transmission only), 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels and Nissan Sport Brakes.

In addition to the open-air 370Z Roadster, the icon Nissan Z® is also available in four hardtop 370Z Coupe models, plus for buyers seeking the ultimate in factory tuned Z® performance and style, the motorsports-inspired Nissan 370Z NISMO.

by Nissan

The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was that it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the 'Father of the Z Car' and is responsible for the design and creation of this legendary vehicle. As recognition of his contributions to the automotive world, in 1998 he was inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame.

The Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model. The engine was a derivation of the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 engine was a copy of the 1960's six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220 engine, but with two fewer cylinders. By adding two extra cylinders in the 240Z the cylinder count was back to six. With 151 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, the vehicle could propel from zero-to-sixty in eight seconds. The independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion steering added to its quick response, performance, and handling. The front disc brakes brought the car to a stop from high speeds in just seconds. With a price tag of just over $3,500, it cost much less than anything else on the market. Due to demand, a year later Kelly Blue Book rated the value of a used 240Z at $4,000.

The 240Z dominated the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) C-class production category for 10 years ranging from 1970 through 1979. In 1970 and 1971 John Morton, driving for Brock Racing Enterprises was the first to claim victory in SCCA C-Class production racing using a 240Z. Bob Sharp claimed his first win in that category in 1972 and again in 1973 and 1975. Walt Maas continued the streak in 1974. The Z-car competed in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) where it captured many victories, including the IMSA GTU title. In 1982, Devendorf and his Electromotive racing team win Datsun's first-ever IMSA GTO championship.

In 1985, Paul Newman set 10 track records in a 280ZX Turbo.

In 1994, a race-modified Z car won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. It also captured the GTS Class at the 24 Hours of LeMans, making it the only car ever to accomplish such a record within the same year.

In 1974, the engine displacement was increased to 2.6 liters and the vehicle was dubbed the 260Z. This brought an end to the 240Z series which had sold 116,712 examples during its lifespan. The United States emissions regulations were increasing every year. Thus, the 260Z had less horsepower than its predecessor and was rated at 139.

The 260Z was available in 2+2 configuration. With the fold-down rear seats, the 260Z offered a higher level of practicality over the 240Z. During its first and only model year, 63,963 examples were produced giving it the all-time Z-car sales record to date.

In 1975 the displacement was increased to 2.8 liters and the vehicle dubbed the 280Z. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was included which helped bring increase the horsepower to 149.

In 1977, the horsepower rating was 170. A five-speed overdrive transmission was now offered, giving the vehicle better performance and fuel economy. The sales of the Z car once again hit a record high, with 67,331 units sold.

In 1979, the second generation of the Z-car was introduced as the 280ZX. It was more refined and luxurious than the previous Z's. The formula was correct and it was named Motor Trends 'Import Car of the Year'. A new all-time sales record was achieved with 86,007 units being sold.

In 1980, over 500,000 cumulative American Z-cars had been sold. It had reached the half-million sales mark faster than any other sport car. A new T-bar roof option was now being offered.

To add to the appeal and performance of the 280ZX, a turbocharged engine became available in 1981. Sales continued to remain strong through 1983.

In 1984 the third generation of the Z-car was introduced and was dubbed the 300ZX. It featured distinct styling and a new 3.0-liter V6 engine. The normal-aspirated engine produced 160 horsepower, while the turbocharged version offers 200 horsepower.

In 1989, the American automotive economy was continuing to evolve. Minivan's and sport utility vehicles were gaining in popularity. In response, Nissan introduced the fourth-generation Z-car in 1990. The new 300ZX featured improvements both mechanically and aesthetically. Under the hood sat an all-new DOHC 3.0-liter engine with a horsepower rating of 222. A twin-turbocharged version of the engine was available and brought the total horsepower output to 300. The body of the vehicle had been improved giving it a more aggressive stance.

Motor Trend awarded the Z00ZXTT 'Import Car of the Year' and 'One of the Top Ten Performance Cars'. Automobile Magazine honored the car with 'Design of the Year' and was added to its 'All Stars' list. Not to be outdone, Road & Track named the car 'One of the Ten Best Cars in the World'. Car and Driver named it 'One of the Ten Best Cars'.

During the 1990 model year, the one-million sales mark was achieved making it the all-time best-selling sports car. The car continued to receive great reviews and awards from magazines and publications. The year 1995 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Z-car. To commemorate this occasion, a limited edition was produced with the help of Steve Millen Sport Cars.

In 1996, the production of the Z-car ceased in North America. Decreasing Sales figures, and increased smog regulations and production costs were to blame. The price of the twin-turbo 300ZX was priced at $45,000, a cost that was too expensive for most consumers. Production of the Z-car continued in Japan until 1999, although it had undergone a major redesign in 1998.

In August of 2002, Nissan introduced the 350Z. This six-gear, two-seater was the fifth generation of the Z-car. Offered in five trim packages that included Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track Editions, the vehicle was an instant success. The base price was around $26,000 with the fully-loaded Track option costing over $34,000. Aesthetic and performance upgrades were available through Nismo, Nissan's motorsport, and performance divisions.

In 2004, a roadster option was offered. The roadster was available in two trim packages which included the Enthusiast and Touring editions.

A special 35th Anniversary model was released in 2005 featuring twice the output of the original 1969 model.

Sales figures, race results, and satisfied customers have proven this to be one of the best sports vehicles ever produced.

by Dan Vaughan

Z SPECIAL EDITION ANNIVERSARY MODELS: A LOOK BACK

NEW YORK – When the original Datsun Z debuted in 1969, it was a revelation for the automotive world.

An affordable, reliable sports car with style and comfort that could be used for daily driving was unheard of at the time. With a base price of $3,626 U.S., the Z – known as the Datsun 240Z in North America – was a sports car that was accessible to anyone.

In short time, customers around the world were enjoying their newfound freedom to explore their favorite winding roads in style. Sales jumped to more than 40,000 globally in 1970. A legacy was born with the first-generation Z, whose value, style and performance has continued to drive innovations in engineering and excitement, keeping the Z a segment leader for decades.

Over the next five decades, Nissan released several limited edition Z cars to celebrate key milestones:

1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Z, Nissan released a special edition 280ZX model with a limited production run. The success of previous Z cars opened the opportunity to equip 280ZX models with upscale materials such as leather seats and hi-fi stereos – a departure from the sporty yet economical approach of the initial 240Z.

With only 3,000 made, the 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition is today considered a highly collectible car. The most popular model package featured a two-tone black-and-gold paint scheme with accent pin stripes, of which 2,500 were made. The remaining 500 wore a red-and-black paint scheme. Each 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition had a dash plaque with the edition number. (Canadian models came with a Maple Leaf emblem.)

The 1980 Datsun 280ZX was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 that produced 132 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Power was transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Other special features include a golden Z hood badge, gold- or black-colored alloy wheels, commemorative wreath decals on the front fenders and hatch, headlight washers, a new style shift knob, tan or burgundy leather seats, a tinted T-bar roof, and a 40-watt, power-boosted four-speaker sound system.

1980:

•Top song (Billboard): 'Call Me' by Blondie

•Best picture: 'Kramer vs Kramer'

•Most popular TV show: 'Dallas'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: Sentra (B310), Pulsar (N10)

1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary Edition

The 1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary Edition celebrated the five-decade anniversary of Nissan's founding in December 1933. Only 5,148 of these cars were manufactured for the U.S. market; an additional 300 were built for Canada.

The 1984 300ZX Turbo came equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 that produced 200 hp and 227 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, drivers were treated to peak '80s design and technologies considered advanced for the time, such as steering wheel audio controls, digital readouts and electronically controlled sport suspension.

The 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition's features included: 'Nissan 50th Anniversary' commemorative badging, unique front fenders and rear fender flairs, and turbine-style alloy wheels with gold accents on the fins. In the cabin, unique touches included embroidered badging on the leather seats and floor mats, a futuristic digital instrument cluster with a dominant multi-LED sweeping tachometer, speed display and G-force indicator, and a Bodysonic Amplifier with adjustable intensity that added rumble to the front seats based on the sound profile of the music being played from the head unit.

The year 1984 marked not only a milestone for Nissan's history as a carmaker; it also marked the Z as the best-selling sports car in America.

1984:

•Top song (Billboard): 'When Doves Cry' by Prince

•Best picture: 'Terms of Endearment'

•Most popular TV show: 'Dynasty'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: 200SX (S110), Datsun Truck (720)

2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition

After temporarily leaving the domestic Japanese marketplace in 2000 (1997 in North America), a new Z took the world by storm in 2003. The first reborn Z was built on the company's innovative FM (Front Midship) platform and powered by a smooth-revving, high-output 3.5-liter V-6. Called the VQ (short for VQ35ED), the engine produced 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque.

In 2005, Nissan created a special version to celebrate the Z's 35th anniversary. The Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition was available in either Ultra Yellow, Silverstone or Super Black and came with a suite of performance tuning and upgrades.

Nissan's engineers retuned the engine to produce an additional 13 hp, raising the total to 300. Shifting was performed by a 6-speed manual gearbox. Other special equipment for this commemorative model included exclusive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels, a small front spoiler, Brembo® brakes, special badging, and a Bose® six-speaker premium sound system.

2005:

•Top song (Billboard): 'We Belong Together' by Mariah Carey

•Best picture: 'Million Dollar Baby'

•Most popular TV show: 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: GT-R PROTO, Frontier NISMO (D40)

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

In 2009, the 350Z's VQ engine received a displacement bump to 3.7 liters, prompting the car's name to change to 370Z. A year later, Nissan introduced the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. Limited to just 1,000 units, the special edition model was based on the Touring grade, equipped with a manual transmission and Sport Package, which included front and rear spoilers, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, a viscous limited-slip differential and the company's innovative SynchroRev Match® transmission technology.

The car was visually distinguished by a special paint scheme, '40th Graphite,' as well as red brake calipers and 40th anniversary badges. The rich red leather seats featured 40th anniversary seatbacks with a debossed logo, leather door-panel inserts and shift boot, as well as a leather steering wheel with red baseball stitching. Each car came with a commemorative plaque and a premium satin car cover.

2010:

•Top song (Billboard): 'TiK ToK' by Ke$ha

•Best picture: 'The Hurt Locker'

•Most popular TV show: 'American Idol'

•Other notable Nissans of the year: LEAF, Juke (F15), Nissan New Mobility CONCEPT

The Z was first conceived in 1969 as an affordable, everyday sports car. This notion has stayed at the core of every Z since. It's no wonder fans today are just as excited when they get behind the wheel as they have been for the past 50 years.

by Nissan