The next breakthrough in Z® history came in 1990 with the arrival of the totally redesigned, fourth generation 300ZX. Offered in two-seat and four-seat 2+2 models, it offered an unheard of 222 horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph. A few months later, the 300ZX Turbo followed — with 300 horsepower, a 160-mph top speed and a $33,000 price tag.
The only thing that remained unchanged from the previous generation 300ZX was the displacement of the 3-liter engine, now with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) and producing a rated 222 hp (166 kW) and 198 lb·ft (268 N·m) in naturally aspirated form. The big news for enthusiasts, however, was the turbo variant, now upgraded with twin Garrett turbochargers and dual intercoolers. This was good for 300 hp (224 kW) along with 283 lb·ft (384 N·m) of torque. Performance varied from 0-60 times of 5.0-6.0 seconds depending on the source, and it had a governed top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).
On the twin turbo models, four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering). The twin turbochargers, intercoolers, and requisite plumbing made for a cramped engine bay.
Like previous generations Nissan offered a 2+2 model with the Z32. In 1992, a convertible version was introduced for the first time in the Z-car’s history, as a response to aftermarket conversions. All 300ZXs now featured T-tops as standard, yet there were some rare hardtops (known as slicktops) produced as well.
By the mid-’90s, however, sports car sales in general were slowing and the Z had lost its “affordable” sports car positioning. With Z sales declining sharply and the core “value” positioning no longer part of the “Z DNA,” sales of the Z in the U.S. slumped and sales were stopped following the 1996 model year. The last 300ZX imported into the U.S. was inducted into the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
The mid-1990s trend toward SUVs and the rising Yen:Dollar ratio were both influential in ending North American 300ZX sales in 1996 at over 80,000 units sold (production for other markets continued until 2000). In 1989 the 300ZX was priced at about $30,000, but in its final year this price had increased to around $50,000. This left many people questioning its value, and despite a final Commemorative Edition for the final 300 units shipped to America (complete with decals and certificates of authenticity), the Z-Car was on hiatus. In Japan, however, the 300ZX lived until 2000 with a face-lift in 1998 including a new fascia, tail lights, head lights, rear spoiler, and a few other minor changes.
Evolution
The Z32 chassis would likewise undergo several changes throughout its US production run in1991 and 1992.
1991
- Manual climate controls discontinued.
- New electronic climate controls allowing control over air flow direction, but no more ambient temp gauge.
- Nissan logo put on the front fascia (nose panel).
- Driver’s airbag now optional.
- Air conditioner evaporator valve changed from aluminum to steel for better sound insulation.
- Naturally Aspirated model’s brake rotors changed to Turbo 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.
- Brake master cylinder changed to new unit in February 1991.
1992
- Driver’s airbag made standard.
- Dashboard and door complementary material changed from fabric to suede.
- Separate mirror heater switch eliminated (combined with rear defroster switch).
- Power adjustable driver’s seat standard on TT.
No.254 Fairlady ZX Twin-turbo 2-seater T-bar Roof (1992 : KRLZ32)
The first-generation Fairlady Z (S30) was launched in 1969. Its predecessor, the Fairlady, had already been exported to North America and other overseas markets, so by 1983 total production of the series had exceeded 1 million units – a spectacular record for a sports car.
The Z32 was the fourth-generation model; it was launched on June 10, 1989, twenty years after the original Fairlady Z made its debut. It was both bold and beautiful with its wide, low-proportioned styling, its distinctive front mask featuring headlights slanted at over 60 degrees, its lively silhouette created by the forward cabin design, and the short overhang that accentuated its excellent maneuverability.
Both 2-seater and 2/2 (4-seater) versions were available. All Z32 models featured the VG30, a V6 3-liter DOHC engine (twin-turbo or naturally aspirated), as well Nissan’s most advanced chassis technologies – including a 4-wheel multilink suspension, super HICAS, and 4-piston aluminum caliper disc brakes – ensuring even better performance.
The commemorative car is the 300ZX twin-turbo, T-bar roof export model (left-hand drive, for North America,) and was manufactured in 1992.
- Overall………………..4,310 length /1,790 width / 1,250mm height
- Wheelbase……………2,450mm
- Tread (front/rear)…1,495/1,535mm
- Curb weight………….1,450kg
- Engine…………………VG30DETT (V6, DOHC twin-turbo), 2,960cc
- Max. power………….206W (280PS)/6,400rpm
- Max. torque………….388Nm (39.6kgm)/3,600rpm
- Transmission………..Full-range electronic 4-speed AT
- Suspension…………..Multilink (front & rear)
- Brakes………………….Ventilated disc (front: 4-pod; rear 2-pod)
- Tires……………………225/50R16 92V (front & rear)
No.215 Fairlady Z Convertible (1992 : HZ32)
The fourth-generation (Z32) was launched exactly 20 years after the first-generation Fairlady Z in July 1989. The convertible was officially released in August 1992, after its exhibition at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show. The car is based on the two-seater 300ZX and features an independent trunk lid. The engine was a non-turbo VG30DE (230PS).
- Overall………………..4,310 length /1,790 width /1,255mm height
- Wheelbase……………2,450mm
- Tread (front/rear)…..1,495/1,535mm
- Curb weight………….1,530kg
- Engine…………………VG30DE (V6, DOHC), 2,960cc
- Max. power…………..169W (230PS)/6,400rpm
- Max. torque………….273Nm (27.8kgm)/4,800rpm
- Transmission…………Electronically controlled AT (E-AT)
- Suspension…………..Multilink (front & rear)
- Brakes…………………Ventilated disc (front & rear)
- Tires…………………..225/50R16 (front & rear)
Evolution
The Z32 chassis would likewise undergo several changes throughout its US production run between 1993 and 1996.
- 1993
- Turbo oil line insulation changed for better heat dissipation.
- Convertible option added.
- Brake caliper material changed from aluminum to iron, to help warpage/shimmy problems.
- New style fuel injectors for the non-turbo, (except convertible), that are less prone to premature failure.
- Upgraded Bose stereo made standard.
- AIV system completely eliminated.
- Non-turbo model, (except convertible), ECUs changed from 8-bit to 16-bit by Japan Electronic Control System Co..
- 1994
- Rear spoiler design changed to a taller, pedestal-type.
- Seat belts redesigned; they were moved from door mounts to true pillar mounts.
- SuperHICAS system changed to an electrically actuated unit.(previously power steering actuated).
- New style fuel injectors for the convertible.
- Passenger’s side airbag introduced and made standard.
- Keyless entry added.
- 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.
- 1995
- New style fuel injectors for the twin-turbo
- Front fascia became body coloured instead of gray strip.
- Twin-turbo model ECUs changed from 8-bit to 16-bit (happened late in ’94 model year)
- 1996
- Variable cam timing (NVTC) dropped.
- OBD II electronics introduced.
- Driver’s seat back rest no longer included adjustable side bolsters.
(1996) Final Nissan Z-Car
Marking the end of an era, The Z-car model line, which evolved through four generations over the past 26 years — from the original 1970 240Z to the 1996 300ZX — not only became the fastest-selling sports car of all time, but established itself as a classic in terms of automotive styling and performance. Additionally, Nissan’s Z-car was the first breakthrough vehicle in the United States for any Japanese manufacturer, beginning a new chapter in American automotive history. The last Nissan Z-car imported into the United States will be donated to and put on display in Los Angeles’ Petersen Automotive Museum during ceremonies to be held on Wednesday, August 28.
No.216 Fairlady Z 300ZX (1998 : GCZ32)
Since the launch of the first-generation S30 (1969), the Fairlady Z became an exceptional hit as a sports car with a production total in excess of 1 million units. Special features of the fourth-generation model (Z32), launched in July 1989, included its spirited silhouette – wide proportions, slanted nose, and forward cabin. Both two-seater and 2/2 series were produced.
- Overall………………..4,525 length /1,800 width /1,255mm height
- Wheelbase……………2,570mm
- Tread (front/rear)…..1,495/1,535mm
- Curb weight………….1,570kg
- Engine…………………VG30DET (V6, DOHC), 2,960cc
- Max. power…………..206W (280PS)/6,400rpm
- Max. torque………….388Nm (39.6kgm)/3,600rpm
- Transmission…………Electronically controlled AT (E-AT)
- Suspension…………..Multilink (front & rear)
- Brakes………………..Ventilated disc (front & rear)
- Tires…………………..225/50R16 (front & rear)
Fairlady Z Undergoes Minor Model Change
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the new Fairlady Z following the implementation of a minor model change.
Version R 2×2 T-bar Roof (equipped with optional features)
As part of this minor model change, interior and exterior trim parts have been changed to further accentuate the Fairlady Z’s sharp, bold styling for which it has been uniquely renowned over the years. Additionally, body stiffness has been increased and braking performance has been enhanced, among other improvements. Safety equipment has also been further improved and expanded, including the adoption of an antilock braking system (ABS) as a standard feature on all models and the availability of xenon headlamps.
Overview of New Fairlady Z
1. Sharper, bolder appearance
The front bumper now incorporates a dynamic-looking central opening and the rear spoiler (standard on Version R series and 300ZX twin-turbo models; optional on all other models) projects a heightened sense of unity with the body shape. Sill protectors (standard on Version R series models) have also been adopted to create a sporty body form with a look of solid stability. Also newly available now are brightly polished aluminum wheels (optional on all models) and xenon headlamps (standard on turbo models and optional on non-turbo models). These and other new features combine to give the Fairlady Z a sharper, bolder exterior.
Sporty-looking Lightning Yellow and Sonic Silver Metallic have been added as two new body colors, bringing the number of body color choices to six.
2. Enhanced interior quality
Besides new seat fabric and door trim fabric, the center cluster and the power window switch finisher now feature a black wood accent (standard on 300ZX models) and a new carbon accent (standard on Version R series models). In addition, handsome gold faces have been adopted for the combination instruments (standard on all models) and tan-colored genuine leather seats combined with a two-tone interior color scheme are also available (optional on 300ZX models). These and other features create an interior with an enhanced look of stellar quality.
3. Improved dynamic performance
The body stiffness of all model grades has been increased by using thicker structural members, resulting in a firmer driving sensation. On the Version R models, body stiffness has been improved even further by adopting dovetail joints above the door locks to strength the coupling between the doors and the body, in addition to using a larger floor tunnel member. Moreover, a dedicated suspension with sporty tuning has been adopted to enhance sporty dynamic performance and ride comfort.
Brake pedal effort has been reduced to provide a more refined braking feel by increasing the size of the brake master cylinder and changing the booster characteristics as well as the brake pad material.
4. Expanded roster of safety equipment
Xenon headlamps, which produce a larger amount of white light close to sunlight for improved visibility, have been adopted as standard equipment on all twin-turbo models (optional on all non-turbo models). Additionally, ABS and a long-life water repellent coating on the front door windows have also been adopted as standard safety features on all models.
Price Range and Sales target
The Fairlady Z is priced from 3,070,000 yen to 4,820,000 yen in the Tokyo area.
Nissan projects a monthly sales volume of 100 units.
Specifications of the Fairlady Z
Grade
Overall Length (mm)4520
Overall Width (mm)1800
Overall Height (mm)1255
Wheelbase (mm)2570
TreadFront (mm)1495
Rear (mm)1535
Ground Clearance (mm)125
Curb Weight (kg) 1780
Turning Radius (m) 5.6
Steering Rack & Pinion with electronically controlled power assistance
SuspensionFront / Rear Independent, Multi-link
BrakesFront / Rear Ventilated disks
TiresFront / Rear 225/50R16 92V
Engine
Type VG30DETT DOHC, V6
Displacement(cc) 2960
Bore ~Stroke(mm) 87.0 ~ 83.0
Max. Power (PS/rpm)280 / 6400
Max. Torque(kg-m/rpm)39.6 / 3600
Compression Ratio 8.5 : 1
Induction EGI (ECCS)
Transmission
Electronically controlled 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratio
1st 2.784
2nd 1.544
3rd 1.000
4th 0.694
Reverse 2.275
Final 3.692
The next chapter of the Z history came just before the end of the century. In 1999, Nissan and Renault formed what has become the highly successful Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Mr. Carlos Ghosn was assigned by Renault to head the new management team. Among his first tasks was not just to look at the business aspects, but to find the “soul” of the company. In interview after interview, people inside and outside the company brought up one model to him, one letter: Z.
Development of the new Z began later that year, with the return to the values of the original 240Z — a car that sports car enthusiasts would look forward to driving everyday; quick, inspiring and affordable.
In summer 2002, the Z was reborn with the introduction of the 2003 350Z. It was delivered, as promised, with an MSRP of under $30,000.