The Nissan 300ZX was a sports car built in two generations, sold in Japan as the Fairlady Z. It was offered in Japan from 1983 to 2000 and in the United States from 1984 to 1996. The 350Z replaced it in 2003.
Nissan 300ZX at a glance
| Also called | Nissan Fairlady Z |
|---|---|
| Generations | Z31 (1983–1989), Z32 (1989–2000) |
| Markets | Japan 1983–2000, United States 1984–1996 |
| Z31 engine | VG30E 3.0 V6, VG30ET turbo, VG30DE, VG20ET, RB20DET |
| Z31 drag coefficient | 0.30 |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual or four-speed automatic |
| Differential | Nissan R200 |
| Awards | Motor Trend Import Car of the Year 1990 (Z32) |
| Successor | Nissan 350Z |
based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Nissan 300ZX.
History of the Nissan 300ZX
Z31 (1983–1989)
The Z31 was introduced in Japan on 16 September 1983 as the Fairlady Z, designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team. It improved aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of 0.30, and power over the 280ZX. Many cars used Japan’s first mass-produced V6, the 60-degree VG family, in place of the inline sixes of earlier Z-cars. All had fuel injection and rear-wheel drive. Five engines were offered: the VG30E in the 300ZX, the turbocharged VG30ET, the twin-cam VG30DE in the 300ZR, the 2.0-litre VG20ET in Japanese 200Z models and the RB20DET straight-six in the 200ZR, of which about 8,283 were built between 1985 and 1988. The chassis was based on the 280ZX with the same wheelbase and suspension layout, but handled better. Turbocharged cars except the Shiro Special had three-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.
Z31 technology
The Z31 carried a Voice Warning System that muted the radio to warn of an open door, lights left on, the parking brake or low fuel, dropped for 1987. It also offered a Body Sonic audio system with speakers in the front seats, analogue or optional digital instruments, and digital climate control.
Z32 (1989–2000)
The second generation was moved upmarket: faster and more advanced, but more expensive, with price rises every model year while sales fell. Nissan stopped selling new Z-cars in the United States after 1996, though the car continued in Japan until 2001 in small numbers. Car and Driver placed the Z32 on its Ten Best list for seven consecutive years and Motor Trend made it the 1990 Import Car of the Year.
Design and features
- V6 engines: the Z31 introduced Japan’s first mass-produced V6.
- Aerodynamics: a drag coefficient of 0.30 for the Z31.
- Voice Warning System: spoken warnings through the radio and door speaker.
- Adjustable damping: three-way electronic shock absorbers on turbo Z31s.
Nissan 300ZX versions
- 300ZX (Z31, 1983–1989): naturally aspirated VG30E.
- 300ZX Turbo (Z31): VG30ET with electronically adjustable dampers.
- Fairlady 200ZR (Z31): RB20DET straight-six, about 8,283 built.
- 300ZX (Z32, 1989–2000): the upmarket second generation.
- Shiro Special (1988): a limited Z31 with viscous limited-slip differential.
The 300ZX replaced the 280ZX and was itself replaced by the 350Z. More cars are in the Nissan collection.
Video: 1993 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo Start Up, Exhaust, Drive, and In Depth Review
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Nissan 300ZX, English Wikipedia: Z31 design, engines, technology, Z32 history, awards
.jpg){kind=link}