As sports cars go, the Nissan Z has done pretty well for itself. Over the years, it has become one of the most loved and highly sought-after models in the world, with automotive enthusiasts everywhere clamouring to get their hands on one – or should we say, get behind the wheel – and today, it’s seen as one of the most iconic sports cars of all.
There’s no denying that its striking design has something to do with it, but as we all know, it takes more than that to impress a petrol head – or a luxury lover, for that matter. The Nissan Z though, is as much about substance as it is beauty, and its powerful performance makes it a pleasure to drive, with a host of added bells and whistles inside that all add to the overall experience.
In fact, there are many reasons the Nissan Z has stood the test of time and remains one of the most loved sports cars in the world in 2023.
A rich heritage
Behind every respected luxury brand is a rich history, and the Nissan brand’s heritage, which goes all the way back to 1969 with the introduction of the very first iteration of the Nissan Z – marketed at the time as the Datsun 240Z for international customers – all adds to the appeal. A sleek and agile sports car that captured the attention of drivers everywhere, its powerful inline-six engine and balanced handling saw it become an instant hit, and in the years since then, it has continued to evolve and develop and thus, successfully retain the attention of its early fans, as well as garnering plenty of new ones.
A head-turning design
Looks might not be everything when it comes to luxury sports cars, but they certainly help – and the Nissan Z’s sleek silhouette and strong lines can’t help but catch the eye. In fact, with its long bonnet, raised central section and smooth side profile, it somehow manages to look modern whilst continuing to pay homage to the classic 240Z, and still boasts many of the same design features that made the original instantly recognisable.
It’s the perfect combination of vintage and contemporary – something that can often be a struggle to achieve. So, it continues to appeal to admirers of the earlier models, as well as garnering the attention of a younger market seeking something a little more contemporary, expertly walking the fine line between the two.
Exhilarating performance
Lift up the bonnet of the modern Nissan Z, and you’ll find powerful engines designed to faciliate impressive acceleration and speed when behind the wheel. All Z models today come equipped with a new 3.0-litre twin turbo 400hp V6, allowing it to go from 0-60 in around 4.5 seconds. And, while that might be comparable to other two-door sports cars like the Audi TT, six-speed manual transition and nine-speed automatic leave those same competitors well and truly in the dust.
From the first Nissan Z’s inline-six engines to the monstrous V6 engines of today, the Z has always been designed to deliver thrilling performance and an engaging driving experience, and it’s another reason the car has stayed the distance and remains a favourite amongst luxury sports car lovers.
An impressive and high-tech interior
All of the best sports cars are built with the driver in mind, and the Nissan Z is no different. Its user-friendly layout places all of the controls in easy and comfortable reach, while the ergonomic design of the seats promised a well-supported driving position at all times. There are three analogue binnacles mounted on the dashboard, and a 12.3-inch digital meter display, too – giving the original features a modern makeover whilst still retaining its trademark charm.
There are no cheap materials here; everything about the Nissan Z exudes quality. And, thanks to a host of new and innovative tech-based features, which include an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system (or 9-inch with the top performance trim) and an advanced driver assistance system, it’s as much a pleasure to drive long distance is at is to take the car for a short spin.
The bottom line
Through a combination of breath-taking design, powerful performance and modern tech, the Nissan Z has earned its glowing reputation and it’s easy to see why it has become one of the most coveted sports cars in the world. But make no mistake; its impressive and lengthy history is one of the key reasons it is so well loved, and many fans have followed it through every stage of its journey to become what it is today. Continuing to push boundaries and make some thrilling new additions with each iteration, this captivating car is one that just keeps on giving – and we can’t wait to see what the next version brings to the table.
