Nissan Z Proto a sell-out success

NISSAN Australia has announced that it has sold its entire allocation of the Z Proto ahead of the sportscar’s official launch.

 

Due to arrive Down Under from mid-year, the limited-production Z Proto is effectively the launch edition of the new Nissan Z range; “several hundred” units have been pre-sold.

 

Nissan Australia says customer interest in the model has been “overwhelming” with Z fans evidently keen to ensure they do not miss out on the opportunity to own the first of what’s certain to become a new sportscar icon.

 

The $80,700 (plus on-road costs) Z Proto is finished in Ikazuchi Yellow paint with a black roof, 19-inch bronze forged alloys and yellow-painted brake calipers.

 

The special-edition Z costs $7400 more than the derivative variant – which itself is priced a substantial $22,810 above the outgoing model. The former is also kitted out in a two-tone (yellow and black) interior, which the Japanese brand says helps to distinguish the car as the “ultimate expression” of the new Z.

 

Mechanically, the Z Proto is unchanged from the regular two-door Z coupe and features the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 developing 298kW and 475Nm. It is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox (with synchronised rev control) or a nine-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters).

 

By contrast, the outgoing Z offered 245kW/363Nm from its naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 and was offered in six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic guises.

 

All Australian-bound Zs will feature a larger brake package (four-piston calipers at the front, two-piston versions at the rear) than is offered on models in other markets, as well as a proper mechanical limited-slip differential, sports seats, eight-speaker Bose audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels, launch control, plus front and rear spoilers as standard.

 

Standard equipment within the cabin will include a fully customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity), multi-function steering wheel, leather accented seats, active noise cancellation and -sound enhancement.

 

Nissan says the Z was developed by a passionate team of designers and engineers and that the model “represents an approachable sportscar for the modern age” – one that has “an unmatched 50-plus year heritage and global fan base”.

 

“The Z is the ultimate expression of Nissan’s sports car credentials and we expected demand to be strong for this incredibly special vehicle,” said Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson.

 

“I am excited to confirm that all Australian production of (the) Z Proto spec in now sold out.

 

“All future owners of the Z have plenty to look forward to with the fastest, most powerful and most exciting Z car ever set to arrive in Australia very soon.”