At a special show in New York, Nissan unveiled the US-market version of the Nissan Z 2022 sports vehicle. In spring 2022, Nissan dealers in the United States will begin selling the all-new seventh-generation Z, which represents more than 50 years of continuous enthusiasm and commitment to driving exhilaration.
Being a key model for Nissan and an accessible sports vehicle of today, the new Z provides appealing design, technology, and the excitement of exploring the open road to previous and future generations of Z drivers and fans.
“For us at Nissan, the Z is a part of who we are and represents years of our commitment to customers. Through the Z, we bring the latest sports car design, performance, and excitement to as many people as we can,” stated Ashwani Gupta, CEO/CPO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
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Nissan Z 2022 comes with a pedigree of performance
“Simply put, our goal is to make this the best Z yet, period. With each generation, we raise the bar, pushing the limits of Nissan Z 2022 and continuing to tap into the human instinct for that next thrilling journey,” said Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist of the new Z. “More than just powerful and agile, the all-new Z is designed to be one with the driver, for the car to be a ‘dance partner’ for their on-road adventures.”
The first Z, which debuted in 1969, was designed to provide as many people as possible with the pleasure and excitement of owning a sports vehicle. It was a vehicle created for and by enthusiasts, and the spirit and legacy of the Z continue with the release of the newest iteration.
Whatever the road ahead might be, one of Z’s distinguishing characteristics has always been the link between the vehicle and the driver – a tangible and emotional connection. The new Z is dominated by the human-machine connection, particularly with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. The 6-speed shifter acts as a tactile interface between the driver and the Z, gliding to the next gear almost intuitively and with little effort. An innovative, quick-response 9-speed automatic gearbox is also offered.
The 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine in the all-new Z produces much more power than the previous generation 370Z. It’s designed to respond to the driver’s input with a sharp yet smooth reaction. This newest Z is unlike any other, with a 68-horsepower boost and a 30 percent increase in torque.
At 5,600 rpm, the engine delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque.
The technical team adjusted the chassis, cooling, suspension, and steering to guarantee the Nissan Z 2022 continued to support the driver’s objectives as power increased. When you get behind the wheel, the Z feels both fresh and familiar.
The 6-speed manual gearbox features an innovative launch assist control technology (performance grade) that helps provide smooth acceleration from a stopped position, which is a first for a rear-wheel-drive Nissan car. The launch control mechanism is standard on all automatic gearbox versions. A carbon-fiber composite driveshaft and Downshift Rev Matching are also available on manual-transmission versions.
Because of its broad gear ratios, the new optional 9-speed automatic gearbox provides direct and fast reaction. Drivers may enjoy a gratifying interaction that maintains Z power and performance in tune with the driver.
The handling must match the power
The engineering team used a layered strategy to provide predictable, responsive handling, particularly for high-speed driving and turning. Increased body stiffness, electronic power steering with rack aid, a powerful mechanical feel, and larger front tires all contribute to a 13% improvement in cornering performance.
Both the front and rear shock absorbers utilize a new monotube shock absorber design with a bigger diameter than the previous 370Z, resulting in a 20% decrease in dampening force to assist reduce impact shock across uneven terrain, improve road-following performance, and increase handling stability. The front double-wishbone aluminum suspension has been redesigned with new geometry, including a higher caster angle to assist in straight-line stability.
The automatic gearbox has two driving modes: normal and sport. For a comfortable, stress-free journey, choose standard mode for commuting and lengthy highway rides. Sport mode enhances the Z’s performance by providing quicker acceleration, a sports-mode steering profile, active sound enhancement, and a sports-mode vehicle dynamic control setting that’s ideal for a vigorous run down a twisting route. A mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential is used in Z Performance grade vehicles.
Nissan Z 2022 exterior design is a meeting of two worlds
“Our designers listened to thousands of current Z owners, made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Senior Vice President of Global Design. “Ultimately, we decided the Z should travel between the decades, including the future.”
With an elongated hood, lower rear stance, and a profile that pays tribute to the first-generation Z, the new Z adopts a classic rear-wheel-drive sports car design. The designers used cutting-edge technology to simplify the design and integrated LED lighting to provide depth without adding extraneous components. The LED headlights have two half-circles that go back to the 1970s Fairlady 240ZG, which fit in perfectly with the new Z’s character.
When looking at the all-new Z from the side, the resemblance to the original Z is most obvious. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off back, creating a characteristic first-generation Z shape with a rear border that was somewhat lower than the front fender height, giving the Z its distinctive stance.
The impression is enhanced by the distinctive transition from the rear quarter window to the low-slung position of the rear tail. The new 3-D trademark LED taillights are distinctively Z, and the rear combination lamps combine contemporary technology into a design evocative of the Z32 300ZX.
The rear spoiler on the Z Performance grade generates positive pressure where the rear hatch and spoiler meet, reducing rear lift. Negative pressure zones are used in the front spoiler, thanks to information acquired during Nissan GT-R development.
Immersive interior for a strong driver-car bond
The interior is tailored to fit the driver and passenger perfectly, blending modern technology with vintage Z touches. With three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel, an 8.0-inch touchscreen audio display in the middle, and temperature control buttons near the shifter, the center stack pays homage to earlier versions.
To give the Nissan Z 2022 an ideal sports car environment for various driving situations, the interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends, such as Nissan Super GT500 driver Tsugio Matsuda. This is reflected in the equipment, which has a 12.3-inch configurable digital meter display with all important information organized to assist the driver understand it quickly, such as the redline shift point at the 12 o’clock position. The new 12.3-inch TFT meter display has three display settings to suit the driver’s preferences.
The new Z’s center stack utilizes a three-zone concept, putting three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel (boost, turbo speed, volt) within the driver’s vision. Both the manual and automated shift levers are new, each of them custom-engineered for improved grip and comfort.
The redesigned deep-spoke steering wheel provides fast access to functions without sacrificing the traditional look.
The seats were designed using knowledge from the GT-development R’s in mind to improve both grip and fit. The increased use of suede on the seatback reduces early lateral shaking on the body, providing more pleasant rides, as well as minimizing body movement while the car is actively turning.
The 2022 Nissan Z will be available in three variations
“For more than 50 years, the Z has been an accessible dream sports car”, continued Ashwani Gupta. “Its timeless appeal is the result of the ongoing passion and dedication of countless employees, working to deliver the thrill of the Z to past and future generations.”
The all-new Nissan Z 2022 will be available in Sport and Performance trim levels in the United States, with either a 6-speed manual or a new 9-speed automatic gearbox as an option.
A limited-edition Nissan Z Proto Spec with unique yellow-colored brake calipers with the Z emblem, bronze-colored aluminum-alloy wheels, premium leather-appointed seats with yellow highlights, and yellow inside stitching throughout is also available. The Nissan Z Proto Spec has a production limit of 240 units.
Source: global.nissannews.com
