This privately imported Nissan Z might be the first unit to arrive here
There has been no indication by Nissan brand guardian Tan Chong Motor on the launch of this latest Nissan Z since its global unveiling last year.
The last Nissan Z, the 370Z did well in North America and Europe but was less popular in Asia and also Japan. Unlike its relative, the Skyline, the Nissan 350 and 370Z did not have high appeal and its value in the used car market is less than desirable right now with prices hovering between RM55k and RM95k.
Well, this all new Nissan Z might bring back the popularity of ‘Z’ cars and have Nissan back in the limelight.
With an asking price of just below RM600k, this looks like a direct rival to a used modern Toyota Supra GR which hovers between RM260k for the 2.0L version to RM360k for the 3.0L version. It should be noted that the Supra is already 4 years old and so deprecation is higher and this latest Z is just one-year-old.
By the way, the latest version of the Supra GR is price brand new at RM589,987 in Malaysia and comes with full factory warranty and after sales from UMW Toyota nationwide.
Meanwhile, this latest Z has a new selling price from USD41,000 (RM185,000) and with import duties and AP costs added on top, the asking RM598k is a little high (arrival in November this year).
Interestingly, Nissan Z’s 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine adds a significant bump in power output over the previous generation 370Z.
The engine is rated at 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 475Nm of torque starting from 1,600 to 5,600 rpm. With an increase of 68 horsepower and a 30 percent increase in torque, the engine is designed to deliver a sharp, yet smooth response to the driver’s input, along with an estimated 15 percent improvement in 0 to 60 mph acceleration.
PRESS RELEASE: One of the defining traits of Nissan Z has always been its bond between the car and the driver – a physical and visceral connection, no matter the road ahead. That human-machine bond dominates the new Z, especially in the presence of the standard, 6-speed manual transmission.
The 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission includes an EXEDY high-performance clutch. As a physical touch point between driver and Z, the shifter glides to the next gear, almost instinctively, with minimal effort.
In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, Z Performance models equipped with a manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position.
All automatic transmission-equipped models feature the launch control system. Manual transmission-equipped models also feature a carbon-fiber composite drive shaft, with SynchroRev Match added to 6MT Performance models.
An advanced, quick-response 9-speed automatic transmission is also available. The new 9-speed automatic offers a direct and quick response feeling and quick acceleration, thanks to its wide gear ratio spread and standard launch control system.
Its satisfying engagement keeps the thrill of Z power and performance in sync with the driver. Aluminum paddle shifters are standard on all 9AT-equipped models, with unique paddle shifters, the same design as found on GT-R, on Performance models.
The engineering team tuned the chassis, cooling, suspension and steering to ensure the driver always feels connected with the car. Getting behind the wheel, the Z feels new and modern, yet still familiar.
When it comes to delivering predictable, responsive handling, the engineering team took a multi-prong approach, especially for high-speed driving and cornering. Enhanced body rigidity, an electronic power steering with rack assist and a strong mechanical feel, and wider front tires (on both Sport and Performance grades) help increase maximum cornering G up to 13 percent.
