Nissan Z Review — The Perfect Comeback To Rival The Toyota Supra

The Nissan Z has made its long-awaited comeback, bringing with it a rich history, modern design, and an exhilarating driving experience. This latest iteration promises to be an icon reborn, capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. 

In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Nissan Z a standout contender in the sports car arena and see how it stacks up against rivals like the Toyota Supra. Our review car is the top-spec Proto variant equipped with an automatic transmission.

To truly appreciate the Nissan Z, it helps to look back at its roots. The story begins in the 1960s when Nissan collaborated with Yamaha to create a prototype sports car known as the A550X. Unfortunately, this concept was scrapped due to performance issues. Yamaha later took the idea to Toyota, resulting in the famous Toyota 2000GT.

Undeterred, Nissan shifted gears and introduced the 240Z in 1970, marking the birth of the Z series. This car quickly became a hit, thanks to its combination of affordability, style, and performance. 

Over the decades, the Z lineup has evolved through several iconic models, including the 260Z, 280Z, 300ZX, 350Z, and 370Z. The latest version, simply referred to as the Nissan Z or the 400Z, pays homage to its lineage while incorporating cutting-edge technology and performance.

Now, let’s jump into the standout features that make the Nissan Z an enthusiast’s dream:

The Nissan Z boasts a striking exterior that effortlessly combines nostalgia with modern flair. Its long hood and short rear deck echo the classic 240Z, while the wide stance adds a contemporary touch.

The front end features sleek LED headlights and bold, aggressive lines that demand attention. As you move to the side, the sporty silhouette is accentuated by 19-inch forged RAYS alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres. The eye-catching yellow brake calipers provide a nice contrast against the Boulder Grey paint, giving the Z a distinctive look.

At the rear, the LED tail lamps pay tribute to the 300ZX, completing a design that feels both timeless and fresh. Overall, the Nissan Z strikes an impressive balance, offering a sporty aesthetic without being over the top.

Inside the Nissan Z, you’ll find a cabin that focuses on the driver experience. The layout is intuitive, ensuring that all controls are within easy reach. The seats are well-bolstered and comfortable, providing excellent support during spirited drives.

The overall design strikes a nice balance between sporty and functional, with a driver-centric focus that makes it feel like a true sports car. The materials used throughout the interior feel high-quality, adding to the overall premium feel of the cabin.

The Nissan Z doesn’t skimp on technology either. The centrepiece of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch instrumentation display that is one of the best in the segment. It provides vital performance data, including turbo pressure and lap times, changing layouts based on the selected driving mode.

Additionally, three analogue gauges keep track of boost pressure, turbo fan speed, and voltage, adding a classic touch to the modern setup. For tech-savvy drivers, the Z comes with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring NissanConnect, offering functionality like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not overly flashy, it gets the job done and keeps you connected on the go.

At the heart of the Nissan Z is a powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, generating an impressive 400 horsepower and 475 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission, giving you the flexibility to select your preferred driving style.

Power delivery is smooth and responsive, with the twin-turbo setup providing an enjoyable surge of torque. Peak torque is available between 1,400 and 5,600 rpm, while peak power hits at 6,400 rpm. Enthusiasts may lean towards the manual for that direct connection, but the 9-speed automatic shifts quickly and keeps the Z in its powerband.

When it comes to driving, the Nissan Z truly comes alive. Surprisingly comfortable for daily use, the suspension strikes a perfect balance between firm and forgiving. You can enjoy your daily commute without feeling beat up by the road.

But the real fun begins when you hit those twisty roads. The steering is sharp and direct, giving you excellent feedback as you navigate corners. The rear-wheel-drive layout adds a playful, tail-happy character that encourages spirited driving, making every journey an enjoyable experience.

The Nissan Z is a modern sports car that expertly balances nostalgia with contemporary performance. It focuses on delivering pure driving pleasure without unnecessary complications. For those who appreciate a straightforward driving experience without the complexities of German engineering, the Nissan Z is a fantastic choice.

Priced between AED 216,000 and AED 222,000, the Nissan Z stands strong in the competitive sports car market, directly challenging the Toyota Supra, which ranges from AED 215,000 to AED 217,000. The Z also goes head-to-head with other rivals, including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, BMW Z4, and the Porsche 718 Cayman; among others.