Mid-2022 arrival locked in for new-gen Nissan Z

NISSAN Australia has locked in a mid-2022 arrival for its new-generation Z sportscar, and has announced key specifications for its eagerly-anticipated coupe. At launch, two variants will - however only one will be a permanent fixture in Nissan showrooms.

Contrary to the high-low line-up structure tipped for the US – with base model Sport and top-shelf Performance grades – the Aussie-bound Z will be offered in just the single “highly specified” eponymous trim level, with the option of a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.

Regardless of gearbox, the outputs of the force-fed 3.0-litre V6 lurking under the bonnet remain steady at a Supra-worrying 298kW/475Nm, with drive sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a standard limited-slip differential.

Helping the Z get off the line will be a launch control system, a new feature for the Z. However Nissan is yet to publish any performance figures – we’ve previously suggested the 0-100km/h sprint will take somewhere between four and five seconds, depending on the transmission choice.

The manual version will come with rev-matching and a high-performance Exedy clutch as standard while the automatic scores aluminium paddle shifters to keep drivers involved.

Standard equipment within the cabin will include an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, leather accented seats, active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement.

The 9.0-inch infotainment screen found in US-market Z Performance variants will not be coming to Australia, it appears.

Drivers will nevertheless score a fully customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with three distinct display modes, each offering up customisable graphics and readouts. For example in Sport mode a central rev counter is accompanied by a boost gauge and G-meter, while an expanded navigation display and speedometer take up more screen real estate in Normal mode.

Safety equipment will be catered for by Nissan’s ‘Intelligent Mobility’ suite comprising front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, intelligent cruise control, predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning, not to mention the usual array of airbags, traction and stability control systems.

When it launches mid next year, the Z will also be available in a limited-edition ‘Proto Spec’. Building on this standard specification, Nissan Australia says the Z Proto Spec flagship will “act as the ultimate expression” of the new Z, however an exact allocation size is yet to be announced, not to mention what price premium will apply to it.

The Proto Spec hero car will step up both the visuals and equipment levels of the Z with its bespoke bronze 19-inch alloys, yellow brake callipers and two-tone (black/yellow) interior – full specification details will be revealed closer to its launch.

Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said the new Z “doesn’t just further” the Z nameplate’s story, but rather “rewrites it”.

“The Z name is an icon in Australia and around the world, and has been for more than half a century,” he said. 

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

“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.”

Pricing for both the regular Z and Z Proto Spec will be confirmed closer to the model’s launch in the middle of next year, however we expect the pricetag to fall somewhere within the $80,000-$100,000 to put it on an even footing against the rival Toyota Supra.