2003 Nissan Z Car
The last letter in sports cars returns, with a vengeance.
How would you like the idea of owning a sports car that can go head-to-head with Porsche’s new Boxter S? Better yet, how would you like paying less than $30,00 for it? Well, if you are type of auto enthusiast I think you are, you’re checking your bank account right now. And Nissan is placing it’s revival plan on just that.
Enter the new Z car. Fresh off it’s debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Z made the rounds on the international auto show circuit and the covers of American automotive magazines. So far, reaction to the new Z’s looks has been mixed, but the promise of performance has outweighed the subjective issues of the car. But more on looks later....
This new Z is expected to be far and away better than any Z ever offered. Nissan played it very secretive at the debut of its Z “concept.” Execs from the Japanese firm stated that their famed 3.5L VQ-series V6 will produce “260-plus” horsepower for the new Z. According to Nissan, the VQ should propel the Z from 0-60 in under six seconds.
Now, let’s clear up the smoke screen wafting from Nissan North America headquarters in Southern California. Or is it smog? But anyways, expect the car to have 280-to 300 horsepower and rocket to 60mph from a stop in the lower 5 second timeframe.
Nissan is known for developing suspensions and chassis components that are competent and feature dynamics that have something usually lacking in other Japanese cars. Soul. So I’d expect this car to not only be fast in a straight line, but do very well when the roads begin to bend.
And now, back to the looks. While Nissan says that the Z car seen in Detroit was a concept, I’d say it was more of a prototype. Expect the fancy LED taillights to be replaced by traditional bulbs, and look for a revised front bumper design. But if you dislike the overall design, don’t expect much of a change for the production version. Having seen this car at the Los Angeles Auto Show, I must say that it is different. While the pictures make it look similar to the Audi TT but with Celica headlights, I think in person it looks very original. But I still don’t know if I like it yet.
The interior is cold and futuristic. The use of extensive brushed aluminum trim makes me wonder how much excess weight it adds to the bottom line (which is expected to come in at around 3200 lbs). Except for the triple instrument pod design on the console, I’d expect (and hope) things to be different in the production version.
Nissan had a hard time with this new Z. They, in effect, had to please everyone. Would the fans of the original 240Z like it? How about the enthusiasts of the recent 300ZX, would they buy one? In the end, I think Nissan basically disregarded them in favor of a more viable group.....the potential buyers. With Porsche rivaling performance, stylish and unique looks, and an under $30k price tag; I think Nissan has pulled it off stunningly well.
Article Copyright 2001 Mike Cervantes.
Photos Copright 2001 Nissan North America Inc.