Nissan finally reveals the latest evolution of its landmark sports coupe.

NO numerical, just a letter, but otherwise true to time-worn form: Same long and lean look, still a two-seater, still a petrol V6, still on the same platform as its elderly predecessor, surprisingly still opportuning a manual transmission … the choice of less than three percent of new car buyers (sadly). 

And still set to be a sales success? That’s the one question that remains a big unknown as we welcome Nissan’s first new Z car in 13 years. Metaphorically, that is … Nissan NZ has confirmed the car is coming here, but not until next year.

Identical in look to last year’s Z Proto concept, the Nissan Z is heading straight to the cool wall in respect to its styling.

But will it find a place in your garage when it becomes available next year? The Z is one of those cars plenty of fans always swear they’ll dedicate to but, by and large, don’t go through with actually buying into the dream.

Not least in New Zealand, where the car’s presence is much more due to popularity as a ex-Japan used import than through its penetration via the distributor channel. Will it be the same for this one? History suggests probability is high.

Still, Nissan NZ is unremittingly positive, a spokesperson today saying: “We are excited to see the new Nissan Z unveiled today. 

“This iconic nameplate has been loved by generations of New Zealanders, and we look forward to its arrival in New Zealand next year.”

The local representative says details including specifications and pricing will be announced at a later stage.

The car’s performance prowess looks strong. The sole powerplant in store is a 298kW/475Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, already sued by two Infiniti cars, paired to a six-speed manual from Nissan or a nine-speed automatic transmissions, this sourced from Mercedes-Benz, channeling via the rear wheels.

Nissan claims the new Z’s 0-100kmh sprint time is 15 per cent lower than that of its predecessor; pundits say this suggests a time of around 4.5 seconds – around 0.7 seconds quicker than the 370Z, but up to 0.6s off the Toyota GR Supra.

The manual model features a carbon-fibre composite driveshaft, auto hill-hold system and an Exedy “high-performance” clutch as standard, while automatic variants feature standard-fit launch control and aluminium paddle shifters.  Flagship ‘Z Performance’ manual models in the US gain rev-matching.

The model has double-wishbone front and multi-link independent rear suspension, with upgrades over the outgoing 370Z including new monotube shock absorbers, optimised suspension geometry, and a standard front strut tower brace.

The platform is an evolution of that of the 370Z, and dates back to the earlier 350Z released in 2002. Nissan says upgrades make it “(feel) new and modern, yet still familiar.”

So far trim and model information is specific to the United States. The selection there begins with a Sport on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45 front and rear Yokohama Advan sports tyres. The alloys hide 320mm front and 307mm rear vented brake discs, clamped by fixed two-piston front and single-piston rear calipers.

The flagship Performance has 19-inch alloy wheels – available in black forged or bronze alloy designs – wrapped in 255/40 front and 275/35 rear Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber, with both widths 30mm greater than before.

Brakes are upgraded to 356mm front and 351mm rear discs, with floating four-piston front and fixed two-piston rear calipers available in red or yellow.

Other chassis highlights include electric power steering, a mechanical limited-slip rear differential on Performance models, two different suspension tunes, a variable sports exhaust, and two drive modes on automatic models. The result is a claimed 13 per cent increase in front cornering G-forces.

The car measures in at 4379mm long, 1844mm wide and 1316mm high – 114mm longer than the outgoing 370Z, and about identical in width and height, and the models have the same 2550mm wheelbase.

Nissan has yet to explain why it chose to relinquish the engine capacity-based naming scheme used since 1969. There has been no comment, yet, from Nissan New Zealand.