The newest generation of the Nissan Z is a car that is easy to love. Here are three things we found special about this performance coupe.
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We are long-time fans of the Nissan Z cars here at Torque News. The Z has always represented excitement, regardless of its generation. With this latest iteration of the Z, Nissan hits the mark. Here are three things that stood out to us during a week of testing.
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The Nissan Z earns fans on the basis of looks alone. Everywhere we took the new Z, it attracted a crowd of admirers. Our latest tester was painted in a brilliant two-tone Ikazuchi Yellow TriCoat (a $1,295 option) that we felt really made the Z’s styling pop.
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Although the new Z looks great from all angles, we loved the headlights the most. They have a teardrop styling that somehow looks both modern and classic all at the same time. We also liked that the car looks better - and smaller - in person than it does in images.
Nissan Z Powertrain
The Nissan Z’s new powertrain is ideal for its mission. The twin-turbo V6 gas engine makes 350 hp and generates 350 lb-ft of torque. That is so much thrust that the Z always feels overpowered in every situation. That’s a good thing. Combine an EXEDY high-performance clutch with launch control and a limited-slip differential, and the new Z can leap off the line with gusto.
Once underway, the SynchroRev Match transmission makes downshifts a breeze. If you want to heel and toe your downshifts yourself, there is a simple button next to the shifter to allow for that. We loved the rem-matched downshifts.
Should you find yourself temporarily slogging through traffic, the immense torque means you can shift 1-3, or 2-4 without lugging the engine.
Nissan Z Handling
The new Z handles like a proper sports car should. It is stiff but not overly so. Low profile 19” high-performance tires on Rays rims work very well with the stabilizer bars and shock tower braces to make the car feel like you can control it right to the edge of adhesion in any citation that allows for that (safely). We have driven the prior Z car on track many times, and our gut tells us this one would also be a joy on a closed course.
In summary, the Nissan Z combined every element that a great sports coupe should possess. It has stunning good looks, a powertrain that is utterly satisfying to put to use, and it handles as a great sports coupe should. If you have been on the fence about buying a sports coupe, now is the time to try the Nissan Z.
John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and TikTok @ToknCars, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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