Hidden Easter eggs in new Nissan Z revealed

When the all-new Nissan Z touches down in Australia in the second half of next year, its retro-modern design will be just half of what makes it special, according to the Japanese car-maker.

Inspired by the past 50 years of Z cars, Nissan has now given us a detailed look at the design of the seventh-generation sports coupe.

Sticking to its traditional rear-wheel drive formula, the all-new Nissan Z coupe will l be offered with the choice of two variants: a standard model with manual and automatic transmissions, as well as a “strictly limited” Proto Spec launch edition.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but the 298kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6-powered coupe is again expected to be launched with sticker prices starting around $70,000 before on-road costs.

So with at least another six months to wait, let’s take a closer look at the new Nissan Z’s design…

Much like its predecessors, the new Nissan Z is set to be a purpose-built driver’s car, with a dashboard inspired by the Z-cars that came before it.

“Simple, yet functional, with a well-defined centre console” is how Nissan describes the layout, while a triple-gauge cluster is placed atop the centre of the dash as with previous Z cars, “positioned to reduce eye movement fatigue distractions”.

A large tachometer with shift lights is found within the instrument cluster, positioned so that the redline is pointing straight up in the 12-o-clock position – a feature Nissan says it has professional GT 500 Nissan race driver Tsugio Matsuda to thank for recommending.

Meanwhile, a ‘reverse slant’ technique – again, inspired by the first-gen Z – means the central air-vents in the dash are angled in the opposite direction of the bottom portion of the dash, to reduce visual noise in the driver’s line of sight as well as make the driver feel “safe and secure even while traveling at high speeds”.

When Nissan’s answer to the born-again Toyota Supra made its world debut back in August, familiar design cues and proper performance credentials made it an instant hit with Z fan boys and girls.

Featuring a long, bulging bonnet and a silhouette reminiscent of previous-gen models, the all-new Z will also touch down with plenty of other ‘hidden’ goodies.

Up front, Nissan says the headlights were shaped with a traditional ‘scooped-out design’, with two crescent-shaped LED graphics designed to create a similar look to the 240Z’s glass headlights.

Meanwhile, the grille – while designed to allow ample airflow – is made up of elongated oval shapes and pays tribute to the tail-lights of the Z32.

Further back, Nissan says the rear quarter glass draws inspiration from both the original Z as well as the more recent 370Z.

The design of the chunky ducktail rear spoiler also takes inspiration from older Zs, while the LED tail-lights bring a more modern interpretation of the 300ZX, most noticeably thanks to a blacked-out section that runs the full width of the rear. 

Elsewhere, a Z badge is attached to the C-pillar – the same position it was found in with the first-gen model.

The new Nissan Z rides on either 18- or 19-inch wheels (depending on trim grade) and the Japanese manufacturer says each brings its own unique design touches.

The five-spoke 18s are said to be inspired by the first-gen Z’s four-spoke rims, with recessed bolt holes and thick spokes, while the 19s are influenced by the traditional Japanese katana blade, “characterized by their sharply sculpted design and hand-forged impression”.

Meanwhile, new Z-cars fitted with a nine-speed automatic transmission will offer a launch control feature, along with a stamped ‘Z’ logo hidden on the side of the transmission case.

Look a little closer at the Z’s rear glass and you’ll find another hidden message etched into the glass.

The message “Since 1969…” is inscribed into the bottom section of the fixed glass, once again as a reminder of the Nissan sports car’s heritage.

Finally, Nissan says the eye-popping Ikazuchi Yellow exterior paint option pays homage to past Z-cars since it was chosen by Yutaka Katayama – the man known as the father of the Datsun Z – to “contrast against blue skies”.