There is no point in European car buyers queuing up to purchase the Nissan Z Proto, currently testing in prototype form and seen here in yellow, because Nissan believe that the market in Europe for sports cars is declining thanks to specific regulations on emissions. This means it isn’t worth their while because of the relatively low volume of sales and this despite European car enthusiasts crying out for affordable sports vehicles.
It will be available at some point in the future to Japanese buyers however and this is good news for our clients here at MHH Japanese Cars, because it will certainly come on stream in the used car market at some point in the not so distant future. It will feature a twin-turbo engine with manual shift and rear-wheel drive: The perfect sports car package. But that’s in the future, for now the current model of this performance sports coupé, the Nissan Fairlady Z (aka the 370Z in Europe), is alive and well and available to buy right now. This understated sports car has been providing thrills to discerning drivers for many years now in its various forms.
The Current Fairlady Z
Featured in our images is the 50th anniversary model for 2020; a story that started with the original Datsun 240Z. It hasn’t changed much over the last few years but has become more refined, as would be expected.
The spirited 370Z retains the sleek profile that has defined Z models of the past, characterized by a low roofline, upswept quarter-window design and the slope of the convenient rear hatch. Now featuring high-intensity bi-functional xenon, boomerang shape headlights, with an auto on/off feature, and LED daytime running lights; the two combine with a distinct front bumper design for an aggressive, yet elegant front-end. At the rear, the integration of the boomerang tail lights, and wide, flared fenders highlight the car’s strong, athletic shape.
Power is derived from (regionally dependent) Nissan’s famed 3.7L V6 engine which produces 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
The Inside
The driver-centric interior is framed by a deeply scooped instrument panel. A full-length centre console separates the driver’s seat from the passenger seat. The leather/synthetic suede-covered heated four-way power seats, feature adjustable lumbar support, with unique stitching into the backrests. This is a car interior that is designed for drivers.
On The Road
There’s something refreshingly ‘old-school’ (to use a hackneyed cliché) about the Fairlady Z; at least that what we found when we drove the 2018 model. With a rumbling V6 engine, manual gear-shift and low-slung driving position it's very much in the mould of the old-testament two-seater performance motors of history.
The brakes are good and strong with good pedal feel, and because the steering is still hydraulically-assisted you get a satisfying amount of weighting-up on the go.
It is very much a rival to the more expensive German models from Porsche and Audi. The downside side is perhaps that this car is a bit more raucous than refined, but with a sports car that’s no bad thing is it? Fast and furious anyone?
