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| Nissan 300ZX | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Production | 1983–1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Nissan 280ZX |
| Z31 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1983–1989 |
| Designer | Kazumasu Takagi |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L VG20ET V6 2.0 L RB20DET I6 3.0 L VG30E V6 3.0 L VG30ET V6 3.0 L VG30DE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2320 mm (91.3 in) (SWB) 2520 mm (99.2 in) (LWB) |
| Length | 4410 mm (173.7 in) (SWB) 4605 (181.3 in) (LWB) |
| Width | 1725 mm (67.9 in) |
| Height | 1260 mm (49.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1435 kg (3163 lb) |
| Z32 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1989–1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L VG30DE V6 3.0 L VG30DETT V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.5 in) (SWB) 2570 mm (101.2 in) (LWB) |
| Length | 4305 mm (169.5 in) (SWB) 4520 mm (178 in) (LWB) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.5 in) |
| Height | 1200–1235 mm (48.1–48.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1585 kg (3494 lb) |
The Nissan 300ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, was a sports car produced by Nissan. It comprises the third and fourth generations of Nissan's Z-car line-up, respectively given the chassis designations Z31 and Z32.
Z31
The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 model and the third-generation Datsun/Nissan Z-car. The car was designated as a Datsun/Nissan 300ZX in its 1984 premiere, but the Datsun badge was dropped in 1985 when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide. The car was designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team of developers, and featured a new, more aerodynamic body than its 280ZX predecessor, with a drag coefficient of 0.30. It also had a slightly more powerful lineup of V6 engines instead of the I6 used in the 280ZX. According to Nissan, "the V6 engine was supposed to re-create the spirit of the original Fairlady Z." (Datsun 280 Nissan 300ZX, p.66) This new V6 (2960 cc) SOHC engine was available as a naturally-aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing 160 hp and 200 hp respectively. The VG30E(T) engine was either a type A or type B sub-designation from 1984 to April 1987; models from May 1987 to 1989 had a W-subdesignation. The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets for additional cooling, as well as fully floating piston wrist pins. W engines were rated at 165 hp (naturally-aspirated) and 205 hp (turbocharged). 1984 to 1987 turbo models featured a Garrett T3 turbocharger with a 7.8:1 compression ratio, whereas 1988 to 1989 models featured a low inertia T25 turbocharger, and increased compression (8.3:1) to produce the 5 extra horsepower. Finally, these engines were equipped with self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters.
Japanese market
On the home market, the list of models included the 300ZX and the 200Z, 200ZG, and 200ZS, specs, which all used a 2.0 L V6, then later the 200ZR which used a 2.0 L I6, instead of the 3.0 L V6 used in the 300ZX. The 300ZX Turbo in Japan was not subject to tough emissions regulations as in the US, therefore producing 230 hp. The 200Z models used either a VG20ET, then later the RB20DET engine and developed between 170-180 hp. This was to, "make the most of the local taxation laws." (Datsun 280 Nissan 300ZX, p.69)
Chassis
The chassis remained similar to the 280ZX, with the same 91.3 in (2319 mm) wheelbase and MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm independent suspension, however the 300ZX both handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. All turbocharged models (except for the SS special edition) featured 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.
Special Edition Z31
There were also two special models produced. In 1984, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. In 1988, Nissan released a pearl white 300ZX "Shiro Special" (SS) with stiffer springs, matched shocks and no available options. There were no stellar differences setting the SS apart from a regular 1988 model 300ZX Turbo except for the pearl white paint, a unique front air dam, paint matched wheels, Recaro seats, unique springs and a viscous limited-slip differential in place of the clutch type. The Shiro Special was the fastest car to come out of Japan at the time, capable of doing 153mph (as tested by Motor Trend with the electronic speed limiter disabled[1]). 1002 Shiros were produced between 1/1988 and 3/1988.[2]
Style and evolution
Due to its aging design, the Z31 body was slightly restyled in 1986 with the addition of side skirts, and the removal of the hood scoop for a much smoother look. The old rubber spoiler was replaced with a more durable fiberglass one, and a third brake-light was incorporated within the unit to comply with US safety regulations. The car was given a final makeover in 1987 that included more aerodynamic bumpers, fog lamps within the front air dam, and replacement of the sealed beam style headlights with more modern 9004 bulb-based lights. The "300ZX" reflector in the rear was replaced by a narrow set of taillights running the entire width of the car, and an LED third brake light located on the top of the rear hatch. The car continued selling until 1989 and sold more than any other Z-car made to date with over 70,000 units sold in 1985 alone. In 1990, Nissan replaced the Z31 with the Z32, and was a complete redesign version of the Z31. It was also titled the 300ZX because it retained a 3.0 L V6 engine.
Z32 changes
1990: NA Z32 production begin in spring 1989, while the TT did not begin until the fall.
- Extended model year sales: 39,290
1991: Manual climate controls discontinued (except in convertible).
- New electronic climate controls allowing control over air flow direction, but no more ambient temp gauge.
- Nissan logo put on the front fascia of the car.
- Driver's airbag now optional.
- Air conditioner evaporator valve changed from aluminum to steel for better sound insulation.
- North American brake rotors changed to NA units. Previous NA rotors were 4 mm thinner.
- CD player option added for both the TT and NA; it was previously only available in the NA.
- Bose stereo head unit changed.
- Logo on floor mats changed from "300ZX" to "Z".
- Hardtop coupe available at mid-year (NA only).
- Brake master cylinder changed to new unit in February 1991.
- Keyhole on driver's door and interior light illuminated when driver's door handle was pulled.
- Sales: 17,652
1992: Driver's airbag made standard.
- Brake caliper material changed from aluminum to iron, to help warpage/shimmy problems.
- Dashboard and door complimentary material changed from fabric to suede.
- Separate mirror heater switch eliminated (combined with rear defroster switch)
- Mirror heaters made standard.
- Power adjustable driver's seat standard on TT.
- Sales: 6,708
1993: Turbo oil line insulation changed for better heat dissipation.
- Convertible option added.
- Upgraded Bose stereo made standard.
- AIV/reed valves removed.
- Sales: 11,599
1994: Rear spoiler design changed to a higher and bigger pedestal one.
- Seat belts redesigned; they were moved from door mounts to true pillar mounts.
- Super HICAS system changed to an electrically-actuated unit (previously oil pressure actuated).
- Passenger's side airbag made standard.
- Keyless entry added.
- The convertible's manual air conditioning was replaced by automatic climate control.
- Titanium keys discontinued in November 1994.
- 'Reset' button removed from clock.
- Off-white 'Pearl' color is dropped. Future 'Pearls' are more of a semi-metallic white.
- Sales: 5,320
1995: Front fascia became body colored instead of gray strip.
- Sales: 3,135
1996: Variable cam timing(aka VTC) dropped. Factory HP rating remains at 300hp as seen on original 1996 model year window stickers and third-party dyno testing.
- OBD II electronics introduced.
- Driver's seat back rest no longer included adjustable side bolsters.
2000: Production ends. 8/2000 Japanese production of the z32 end.
Awards
The Z32 300ZX Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list every year it was available, from 1990 through 1996. The Z32 Turbo was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1990. It was critically acclaimed by many magazines as being a complete turnaround from the Z31, which many critics felt was a sloppy-handling GT, far from the agile, sporty 240Z of years past. From the year it was introduced, it won many comparison tests against similar sports cars such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth and the Mazda RX-7, as well as the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Thunderbird, Toyota Supra and the Porsche 968. In some comparison tests for the prototype 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo, the Stealth came out on top.
The Z32 300ZX also made it to Automobile Magazine's list of 25 Most Beautiful Cars in August 2006 and 20 Greatest Cars in April 2006.
Safety
In Australia, the 1990 to 1995 Nissan 300ZX was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[3]
Racing
In 1984 to 1985 showroom stock racing, the 300ZX captured wins on numerous occasions. The car scored its only Trans Am win in 1986 at Lime Rock by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing.
From 1985 to 1987, the Electramotive-developed GTP ZX-Turbo was raced in the IMSA GTP class and also the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship, badged as a Fairlady Z, using a Lola T810 chassis and a VG30ET engine. A series of crashes attributed to tire blowouts combined with difficulty of working on the T810 chassis caused less than stellar performance for both seasons.
Later on between 1988 and 1989, the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo dominated in IMSA GTP racing. Additional factory endorsement, combined with a new chassis, transmission and more reliable Goodyear tires contributed to the team's success. The VG30ET was making upwards of 800 hp, with a power band that extended from 4000 to 9000 rpm.
From 1990 to 1995, as well as dominating the GTP category, now with a newly-designed chassis and engine, the 300ZX, which was campaigned by Clayton Cunningham Racing, was championed by Steve Millen in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and its GTO, then later the GTS classes. He was ranked as the #1 Factory Driver for Nissan for 7 years, as well as two IMSA GTS Driving Championships and two IMSA GTS Manufacturer's Championships before the car became banished from competition altogether. Amongst enthusiasts and the team themselves, the biggest triumph for the car and the team was victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1994.
The Z32 also holds a land speed record in the E/BMS class. A joint effort between JUN Auto and Blitz was able to produce a 300ZX that reached 419.84 km/h (260.932 mph) at the Bonneville Speedway.[1] This record remains unbroken.
In popular media
Feature films
- A Scanner Darkly (2006): Z32
- In the first volume of the 2003 film Kill Bill, a blue two-seater (SWB) Z32 can be seen driven by Sofie Fatale, a personal lawyer of O-Ren Ishii.
- I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003): Red Z32
- Kill Bill (2003): Black Z32
- About a Boy (2002): Grey Z32
- American Pie 2 (2001): Red Z32 convertible
- Good Burger (1997): Red Z32
- Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): A Z32 appears in the Ultimart Convenience car park.
- Kiler (1997): Black Z32
- Higher Learning (1995): Z32 convertible
- Tin Cup (1996): Black Z32 convertible
- Timecop (1994): Red Z32 has "NEW 1994 MODEL" on a Nissan banner above it parked in a shopping mall.
- If Looks Could Kill (1991): Z32 2+2
- Blind Date (1987): A white Z31 is trashed by the main characters throughout the film.
- Rocky IV (1985) - Burgundy Z31 Turbo with burgundy interior, driven by the wife of Rocky Balboa.
Music videos
- N-Trance - "Forever" (2006)
- Wu-Tang Clan - "C.R.E.A.M." (1994)
Video games
- A Z32 made its debut videogaming appearance in Taito's 1989 sequel to Chase H.Q., titled S.C.I.: Special Criminal Investigation. Unlike the predecessor which depended on knocking the opponent's car to reduce the energy bar, the player makes use of the fire button mounted on the steering wheel which the character makes use of the T-bar top as he fire from the roof.
- A police Z32 is one of two cars that can be driven in Jaleco's Cisco Heat.
- A early version Z31 makes it debut appearance in Sega GT 2002 along with the Z32 and S30, the same version also appears in Gran Turismo 4.
- The Nissan 300ZX TT also appeared in the Sega Dreamcast's Tokyo Xtreme Racer (known as Shutokou Battle in Japan) as Type-Z32. It is a fairly accurate model, but the game never shows the silhouette of the driver.
- The Z32 is also available in 2 trims in the XBOX game Forza Motorsports. The term "Fairlady" is used here as well.
- The Nissan 300zx can also be found in Grand Turismo 3, a racing game for Playstation 2. It can be purchased for the ingame price of $39,000.
External links
- Safety Recalls for Nissan Fairlady Z - Japanese Imports