Saying auto enthusiasts had anticipated last year's arrival of the seventh-generation Nissan Z would be an understatement. A significant upgrade over the outgoing 370Z — with which the 400Z still shares a chassis — the model does the badge justice.
"Z is the pure expression of Thrill. It is Nissan's passion wrapped up on four wheels," says Ashwani Gupta, Nissan Motor Company COO, in a media release. "The new Z retains its authenticity as a pure sports car to keep you connected to the road while bringing in the latest modern technologies to ensure the car can help keep you connected to your life."
Throwing back to the classic long hood and fastback design of the original, the vehicle incorporates contemporary elements like the teardrop-shaped LED headlights, hidden door handles and flush-mounted rear LED taillight panel. The front fascia also wears a larger remix of the heritage squared-off grille, contrasting against the rest of the curvy body, that polarized the Internet when images were first shown.
DARPAN's Performance trim press loaner was sprayed in the bright Ikazuchi Yellow and Super Black two-tone colour scheme and this Z turned heads everywhere it went on the road. The black Rays 19-inch forged wheels wrapped in sticky Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber certainly add to the wow factor—one gentleman crossing the street looked over it no less than five times.
Though there is certainly a feeling of familiarity to the 370 in the cabin, like the triple gauge cluster angled toward the driver, the space is much improved. A 12.3-inch customizable instrument display replaces traditional dials, and the seats are much more comfortable and supportive. Nissan says that some features from the GT-R were borrowed for the latter to enhance hold and fit, including applying additional suede to mitigate lateral body shake upon acceleration and reduce body movement during aggressive cornering.
Borrowing the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 mill from the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque are sent to the rear wheels. The coupe feels quick and sounds pitch-perfect with the dual exhaust system. Unlike a few other competitors, the engine doesn't auto-rev upon start-up, which may not sound as cool but prevents waking up the neighbours.
Though a nine-speed automatic transmission is available, the short-throw six-speed stick shift is probably the better choice for most. A joy to row through the gears, a SynchroRev Match system is equipped, creating optimal downshifts every time. Interestingly, a launch control function is offered on both gearboxes.
Thanks to wider tires and a beefier suspension than the 370, the 400 negotiates tight turns even better. As expected, the ride can be on the stiffer side. The Performance model also utilizes larger sport brakes stopping the vehicle in an impressive manner.
Interested in more speed? Nissan is introducing a NISMO variant this 2024 model year boasting 20 additional horsepower, exclusive body aero and track-oriented modifications to the multiple components.
Highlights:
MSRP: $64,843
Motor: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 400 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 350 @ 1,600 rpm
Gearbox: six-speed manual
Layout: front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 12.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)