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“The new Z promises to deliver the performance and high design
qualities of today’s cutting-edge sports cars at a truly affordable
price.
“Our overriding goal has been to build a memorable, no-compromise
sports car while keeping the target price under $US30,000.
This new Z meets all of our expectations. It is, quite simply,
a stunning achievement.”
So says Carlos Ghosn, president of Nissan Motor Co.
Sounds like your average marketing spiel for any new car,
but the truth is, this time he's not exaggerating.
The new Z is being showcased at the 2001 North American International
Auto Show in Detroit to much acclaim.
More than 30 years after the Datsun 240Z was released comes
what Nissan is calling a rare example of 'product out' design.
That is, a car that will be manufactured not for niche markets
or buyer profiles.
The look of the car is reminiscent of Audi's four-wheel-drive
TT roadster. Only Nissan doesn't want this to a be an exclusive
and high-priced vehicle.
It is sleek, smooth and, with flared wheel arches surrounding
massive 20" alloy wheels, the car is an unmistakably
sporty number.
Shiro Nakamura, design director at Nissan said: “Our desire
was to honour its ‘Z-ness,’ which is something no other company
has, yet not be retro.”
There is no spoiler or wing thanks to the raised rear end.
The two-seater will sport new-school indicators plus front
headlights and an innovative exhaust system tucked neatly
into the chassis.
Inside the show vehicle, which may be scaled down to meet
the sub-$US30,000 price tag, are a number of modern features.
Foremost is the inclusion of a video screen, complete with
navigational tools. The seats even incorporate a mesh material
that helps absorb sweat.
The instrument panel features three 'pod' style gauges, like
the old 240Z. There's plenty of polished aluminium and leather
that helps give the car a stylish finish.
The new Z will have a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive
configuration in the more traditional sports car sense.
Driving the huge 20" rear wheels will be an impressive
Nissan 3.5-litre V6 powerplant. At present, the car's estimated
weight hasn't been released, but together with 260 ponies
on tap, you can be sure this little baby will fly.
There is a rumour floating around that the car will be capable
of 0-100kmh in under 6.0 seconds. If this is true, Nissan
will have one of the fastest production cars available.
The car will come with either 5-speed automatic or 6-speed
manual transmission. If Nissan can keep all its promises,
the new Z has a good chance of returning to the top ranks
of the auto industry.
Finally, Mr Ghosn had this to say: “Now that it’s nearly
here, we know the buyers will find its unmatched combination
of exotic car performance and entry-level price point irresistible.
“The new Z is a serious sports car and we’re very serious
about regaining its original place in the market.”
The car is set for a mid-2002 release in America.
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