The Incredible Nissan Z Lineage

Did you know that there will have been seven revolutionary Nissan Z generations, once the 2023 Nissan 400Z is released in mid-2023? The Nissan Z lineage is pretty impressive, and there are a lot of Avondale drivers who likely remember certain past models fondly. So, let’s take a walk through Nissan Z history.

Nissan Z Generations

As we said, the Nissan Z lineage stretches back for seven generations. The various Nissan Z generations have been visible on Peoria roads since 1969, starting with the Fairlady Z. Here’s the Nissan Z history by generation:

1st Generation – 1970 Fairlady Z / 1970 Datsun 240Z

• Began the Nissan Z lineage when it launched in 1969
• Manufactured for nine years
• Sold more than 520,00 units – record for sports car with a single model

2nd Generation – 1979 Datsun 280ZX

• New interior and exterior styling
• Higher level of luxury
• Disc brakes
• Available 2+2 model
• Available Turbo model
• First offering of T-tops

3rd Generation – 1983 Nissan 300ZX (Z31)

• Standard air conditioning
• Leather upholstery
• Offered an affordable entry point for sports car enthusiasts
• Newly designed turbo V6 engine
• Winning car of the 1985 All Japan Rally Championships

4th Generation – 1989 Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

• Wide, low-proportioned styling
• Distinctive front-end featuring headlights slanted at over 60 degrees
• Lively silhouette
• Short overhang
• Improved maneuverability and increased performance

5th Generation – 2002 Nissan 350Z

• Two-door
• Two-seater
• Ended the six-year production hiatus in the us
• Sleek redesign of 240z DNA
• Helped rejuvenate the nissan market presence going into the latter half of the decade

6th Generation – 2010 Nissan 370Z / 2010 Nissan 370Z roadster

• V6 engine
• Available 7-speed automatic transmission
• Exquisite performance
• Sleek and refined aerodynamic frame

7th Generation – 2023 Nissan 400Z

• Classic sports car proportions
• Long hood
• Short rear deck
• Powerful 6-cylinder engine
• Rear-wheel-drive design that places the engine farther back in the chassis for enhanced balance
• Set to arrive in mid-2023

Check Out the New Nissan Z at Avondale Nissan

Now that you’ve had a walk through Nissan Z history, come take the latest model for a test drive. The Z still delivers exhilarating performance while providing the kind of luxury that sets it apart from other sports cars. We’d love to help you drive home in one of your own. Or, check out our detailed preview of the 2023 Nissan 400Z as well as our other model research. We’re just down the road from both Phoenix and Surprise, so drop by or contact us today.