Nissan Z takes on Tasmania

NISSAN Australia continues the countdown to the local launch of its seventh-generation Z sports car by taking the latest generation model to one of Australia’s most iconic tarmac rally stages – the 99 Bends outside of Queenstown, Tasmania.

Serving as a picturesque backdrop to Nissan’s media photo shoot, the famed road snakes its way from Queenstown, over the denuded slopes of Mount Owen and into Gormanstown on the other side. It’s a popular location for motorists, motorcyclists and motorsport photographers alike.

Used for decades as a Targa Tasmania stage – and considered by many as one of the event’s most challenging – Nissan says the road was the “ultimate test” for its newest performance car, which it has labelled as the “fastest and most powerful example of this iconic model yet”.

Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, the all-new Z produces 298kW and 475Nm - almost 22 per cent and 31 per cent more than its predecessor. Nissan says the figures ensure “exhilarating performance” and can rocket the model from standstill to 100km/h in a time that is 15 per cent quicker than the 370Z it replaces.

The Z’s power-to-weight ratio has been improved by 13 per cent, and the enhanced body rigidity and wider front tyres also help increase maximum cornering by up to 13 per cent.

Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson, says the Z was designed for roads just like the 99 Bends with front and rear dampers that deliver a 20 per cent reduction in damping force to help smooth uneven surfaces, improve stability and enhance road-following performance.

The front double-wishbone aluminium suspension also features new geometry that improve straight line stability, while a two-point front strut tower brace is standard, along with ventilated disc brakes and high-performance tyres.

“Australia’s Z fans have been waiting patiently for the new icon of Nissan performance to arrive, and we wanted to give them an idea of just what to look forward to,” said Mr Paterson.

“So, what better place to send Nissan’s all-new Z than to one of Australia’s finest driving roads?”

Driving impressions of the new Nissan Z – including the Proto Z variant pictured – will be released nationally on September 1. For more information on the model, visit GoAuto again then, or click on the links below.