Nissan presents the evolutionary journey of the iconic Z sports car across seven generations

Following the global rollout of the all-new Nissan Z, and in preparation of its eagerly anticipated arrival to the Middle East later this year, Nissan takes a look back at the iconic model’s rich and exciting lineage that spans across seven generations and over half a century. Since its introduction to the brand’s line-up in 1969, Nissan Z has proven itself as a strong contender on and off the racetrack, selling over 1.8M units to date and earning the admiration of enthusiasts across the globe.

Built for enthusiasts by enthusiasts, the Nissan Z continues to witness a growing fanbase across the Middle East. Pushing the boundaries of innovation and engineering for over 50 years, the Z’s iconic status is celebrated in car clubs locally and regionally, with the Middle East, and the UAE specifically, serving as the ground for the Z’s Guinness World Record title for the longest twin-vehicle drift in 2014.

Thierry Sabbagh, President, Nissan Saudi Arabia, INFINITI Middle East and Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said: “For several years, the Nissan Z has catered to the Middle East’s desire for high performance vehicles that deliver a thrilling driving experience, and the all-new seventh-generation model will build on this rich legacy when launched later this year. The popularity of the Z, is evident amongst enthusiasts across the region, who continue to play a vital role in celebrating this iconic model and cherishing the true essence of the Z sports car.”

The Nissan Z’s exhilarating heritage, which spans over five decades and seven generations, serves as a clear reminder of the icon’s thrilling driving experiences:

• First Generation: The birth of an icon

Launched in 1969, the Nissan Fairlady Z (240Z) as it was known at that time, marked the first-generation of Nissan Z cars that would go on to rewrite the history of sports cars. A culmination of three years of research and design, the Nissan 240Z successfully went on to become a modern-styled, two-seater, six-cylinder coupe that delivered on its promise of thrill, selling over 520,000 units globally, and setting the record for sports car sales. As a testament to its performance, the first-generation Z also participated in and emerged the overall winner of the 19^th East-African Safari Rally in 1971.

• Second Generation: The first Nissan Z with a T-top roof

The second-generation Nissan Z (280ZX), which was launched in 1978, boasted a refreshed interior and exterior with a higher level of luxury to meet the growing demands of sports car customers. The 280ZX offered four-wheel disc brakes, a 2+2 model, a Turbo model, and the first offering of T-tops on a Nissan Z.

• Third Generation: Winner of the All-Japan Rally Championship

A few years later, in 1983, the Fairlady Z evolved into the third generation (300ZX), bringing standard air conditioning and leather upholstery, while retaining the accessible entry point of its predecessors that enthusiasts loved. An outright sales success for Nissan, the 300ZX came equipped with a newly designed V6 turbo engine and secured its position on Nissan’s wall of fame by winning the All-Japan Rally Championship in 1985.

• Fourth Generation: The first Nissan Z with a twin-turbocharged engine

Released in 1989, the fourth-generation model differentiated itself from its predecessors with a bold and unique design that lent the model a wider stance. A distinctive front end with headlights slanted at over 60 degrees, a lively silhouette, and short overhangs accentuated the model’s maneuverability and performance, while also being the first Nissan Z to be offered with a twin-turbocharged engine.

• Fifth Generation: The Nissan Z that reignited excitement from enthusiasts

Bringing joy to enthusiasts across the globe by ending a six-year production hiatus in 2002, the Nissan 350Z paid homage to its predecessors with numerous styling elements borrowed from the iconic 240Z and helped Nissan rejuvenate its market presence. Tuned to perfection, the all-aluminum V6 in the 350Z, with twin-cam heads, variable valve timing, and a stout compression ratio, produced nearly double the power of the original Z sports car.

• Sixth Generation: A Guinness World Record holder

Introduced in 2009, as a Coupe and Roadster, the Nissan 370Z delivered an exhilarating 332 horsepower from its 3.7-liter aluminum alloy V6 engine and was complemented by a sleek and aerodynamic design. For the true enthusiasts, a NISMO version was later introduced, that intensified the model’s head turning design and ramped the power up to a whopping 350 horsepower! At an exclusive event held in Dubai, UAE the Nissan 370Z also secured its first Guinness World Record title in 2014 by setting the record for the longest twin-vehicle drift measuring 28.52 kilometers.

• Seventh Generation: The All-New Nissan Z

Featuring iconic design details from past models, the all-new Nissan Z celebrates the sports car’s rich 50-year heritage. The all-new model is the most powerful Nissan Z to date, and the first to enrich driving experiences with the induction of launch control to the model’s line-up.

Since 1969, the Nissan Z has stood for everything Nissan believes about sports cars. Despite changing times and advancements in technology, the brand’s passion to deliver a thrilling driving experience remains intact and will be showcased at the regional unveiling of the all-new seventh-generation model later this year.