gavriil

One of the most famous names in sports car history is set to return to the road! Nissan is to resurrect its famous Z Car range in an attempt to boost the company's image with this dynamic-looking coupé – officially revealed to the world for the first time this week.

Harking back to the classic 240Z which revitalised the company's fortunes in 1970 – especially in the US – the new car will provide a badly needed sporting flagship for the range, replacing both the 300ZX and 200SX.

There is more good news for enthusiasts, too – instead of basing its new coupé on a family hatchback or saloon, Nissan has created an all-new platform with the classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout.

Powered by an all-new 260bhp, 3.5-litre V6 unit, drivers will be able to choose between two types of gearbox. It's expected the six-speed manual one will be the most popular, however a five-speed automatic transmission will also be available. Both versions are due to go on sale in the States next summer, and are expected to reach Britain around six months later, with prices starting at about £28,000.

Described as 'nearly production ready' by Nissan, the model shown here is almost identical to the car which will end up in showrooms. Only the minor details, such as the lights and wheels, are likely to be 'toned down' on the final model.

Expect more conventional indicator lenses to replace the LEDs of the show car and some of the metal trim to be swapped for top-quality plastics on the inside. The firm's designers have resisted the temptation to make the new coupé look like a modern version of the much-loved 240Z of 1970, though, despite the original car's appeal – it's been described as Japan's first classic motor. "The design represents the Z brought into the 21st century," said Shirou Nakamura, the firm's design director. "Our desire was to hon- our its 'Z-ness', a quality that no other company has, yet avoid any retro statements," he said. If you compare the two cars, it soon becomes clear there is very little inspiration carried over from previous models.

Besides the Z badge, fingernail-shaped headlamps, dark slatted grille, and a side window line resemblance, the old and new have nothing in common visually. Unlike the overhanging front and rear of the old models, the new Z has a long wheelbase and wide stance to instantly give it a squat and sporty appearance, while the high waistline and raised rear end enhance the car's aerodynamics. An undertray leads air to exit around the tunnel-like twin exhausts, creating downforce without the need for an external spoiler, as on the Audi TT.

Anyone expecting the interior to be a let-down will be in for a surprise. Nissan's designers knew that the quality and appearance of its previous sports cars just wouldn't be good enough in the face of European competitors such as the Audi and BMW's 3-Series. So they have created a driver environment to impress.

The cheap-looking plastics which cursed the previous ZX models have disappeared, to be replaced by bright and contemporary metal and leather. The instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z, as well as modern touches such as a navigation system with video display screen. But it's a strict two-seater, without even the tiny rear bench of a 2+2. Designers have made a real 'mesh' of the seat fabric, though – the fine netted material is said to keep occupants cool in hot weather. Even if the car's looks are all-important in the image-conscious coupé sector, it will also have to perform if it's to succeed. Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn promises it will deliver: "Although we are saving the details for later, we want the new Z to be the best handling, best performing volume sports car on the market."

The all-new V6 engine is still being kept under wraps until nearer launch, but we know it can hurtle the car from 0-60mph in under six seconds. Unlike with its ZX models, the company has steered away from turbocharging in favour of a big engine, which is seen as more prestigious in the crucial US market. The powerplant has a bright future, too – it will be the first to be shared with the firm's new partner Renault, which will use it in the forthcoming luxury Vel Satis range.

Don't think that the Z will drive like a big saloon, though – as it's expected to be an exciting experience. It will easily outpower the 225bhp Audi TT and BMW's 231bhp 330Ci, while the rear- drive chassis should offer the classic handling balance drivers expect from a sports car – although hopefully without the snappy tail-out characteristics of Nissan's turbocharged 200SX.

While the Z is sure to mirror the success of the original 240Z and become a worldwide success, there is another exciting version in the pipeline. The company is working on a roadster model to take on the drop-top TT, BMW Z3 and the S2000 from arch-rival Honda – and even the Porsche Boxster will have cause to worry. You can expect to see a concept version in two years' time before the finished Z roadster goes on sale in 2004.

Gabriel

------------------
Gabriel
CL Type S