Two Nissan Z variants confirmed for Australia

Nissan Australia has confirmed it will release two versions of the new Nissan Z next year, including a standard model with manual and automatic transmissions plus a “strictly limited” Proto Spec launch edition.

The bad news is that Nissan’s new rear-drive sports coupe, which was finally revealed in August after an extended pre-launch campaign, will arrive in Australia later than expected in mid-2022 and there’s no sign of the high-spec Performance grade offered in the US.

Full specs and prices won’t be announced until closer to launch, but pricing is expected to start from around $70,000 and all versions of the seventh-generation Nissan Z will be powered by a new circa-298kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.

The standard 2022 Nissan Z coupe, which will remain the only variant available after the limited-edition Z Proto Spec flagship sells out, will come with a mechanical limited-slip differential and launch control as standard.

Entry-level manual versions will be fitted with a six-speed close-ratio gearbox with synchronised rev control (SynchroRev Match auto throttle-blipping), EXEDY high-performance clutch and a carbon-fibre composite drive shaft, while nine-speed auto variants will offer aluminium paddle shifters.

Inside, the 2022 Nissan Z will bring an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a customisable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster with three display modes designed to match your driving mood.

In ‘Normal’ mode the centre area displays navigation, audio and vehicle information, while ‘Enhanced’ mode pushes the tacho and speedo to the sides, allowing for larger central map and info displays. ‘Sport’ mode puts the tacho front and centre – Porsche-style – and adds either a boost gauge or G meter, plus a shift-up light at the top.

Other confirmed standard features for the two-seat cabin are leather-accented seat trim, heated seats, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement.

Standard safety equipment also takes a big step forward with Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear View camera and front/rear parking sensors.

According to the Nissan Australia website, standard Nissan Z coupes will ride on 19-inch alloys presumably with Yokohama ADVAN Sport tyres, as is the case with the base Sport grade in the US, where a higher-spec Performance version adds front and rear spoilers.

North America’s Nissan Z Performance variant also adds ‘sport-tuned’ suspension, bigger brakes with red callipers, GT-R design paddle shifters (auto-only), a higher-flow muffler, heating and four-way power adjustment for both seats, aluminium-faced pedals, eight-speaker Bose sound and a 9.0-inch touch-screen with navigation.

But it appears none of these tasty features will be available to Australians.

We will, however, have access to the same Proto Spec limited-edition available in the US market, where just 240 examples will be released.

Extras for the Proto Spec, which is named after the concept car that previewed the new Z, will include exclusive bronze RAYS 19-inch forged alloy wheels (presumably with the same Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres as fitted in the US), unique yellow brake callipers, an exclusive manual gear shifter and a black interior with specific yellow accents and stitching.

The Nissan Z Proto Spec will be available in Australia with a special two-tone yellow and black exterior colour scheme that pairs an Ikazuchi Yellow body with a Super Black roof.

No further specs have been revealed but final drive ratios are listed at 3.538 for the manual and 3.133 for the auto.

Nissan continues to say only that the 298kW/475Nm turbo V6 coupe will reduce the new Z’s 0-100km/h acceleration time by around 15 per cent, which would make it well under 4.5 seconds and close to the auto-only, 285kW/500Nm Toyota Supra coupe’s 4.1sec.

Riding on an upgraded version of the outgoing 370Z’s long-running rear-drive platform, the new Z continues with double-wishbone front suspension with a two-point strut tower brace, multi-link rear suspension and monotube shock absorbers.

New mechanicals include an aluminium bonnet, boot lid and doors, beefy front and rear hollow stabiliser bars and speed-sensitive electric power steering.

But the new Nissan Z stays true to the sleek long-bonnet design of its six predecessors starting with the Datsun 240Z of 1969, featuring heritage-style LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights and LED turn signals integrated into the wing mirrors.

Nine colour choices will be offered in Oz, including three solid colours and six two-tone options, the latter featuring black or super black roof colours. All but one colour, Rosewood Metallic, are optional, so you'll pay a little more for them. Check out the Nissan Australia website for the full list of colours.

“The Z name is an icon in Australia and around the world, and has been for more than half a century,” said Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson today.

“When it comes to creating a new Z vehicle, that legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“I’m thrilled that the new Z doesn’t just further the story, it rewrites it. From power to handling, technology to cabin comfort, this is a vehicle designed to delight, and we can’t wait for its Australian fans to get behind the wheel.”