Tokyo show: Reborn Z revealed

NISSAN has revealed the production-ready version of its reborn Z sports coupe at the Tokyo motor show.

Known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, the two-seater is more likely to be named 350Z for international markets, including Australia.

Sales will begin mid-2002 in Japan and North America and we could see it here in the metal late the same year.

Compared to the concept shown at Detroit early this year, this Z has only minor exterior changes that include modifications to the front facia and a slightly more flowing roofline.

Inside, the basic design theme is unchanged although colours are more subdued. There are three main circular dials in front of the driver and three additional gauges at the top of the centre console, as seen in the original 240Z.

Power comes from a variably valve timed, 3.5-litre V6, mated to an electronic throttle and driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Z is mounted on a shortened version of Nissan's "FM" platform that is already employed by the new generation Skyline launched in Japan this year.

Other features of the car as shown in Tokyo include Brembo brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and twin exhaust pipes with 100mm openings.

The Z's suspension is by multi-link at both ends. The car measures 4310mm long, 1815mm wide and 1310mm high.

The Z was far from the only sports car unveiled at Tokyo with Mazda's RX-8 another superstar (see our story in Future Models). But there were several more highlights, including: Honda V6 IMA Dual Note:
This is a high-performance hybrid. Honda powertrain gurus have come up with a mid-engined, four-seater coupe claimed to output 400hp (294kW) and yet consume a mere 5.6-litres per 100km. A 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 and an additional electric motor/generator drive the rear wheels, while two electric motors drive the front wheels.

Toyota FXS:
TOYOTA is presenting no less than 17 concept cars at Tokyo, with this one sure to capture plenty of the attention. FXS, or Future Experimental Sports, is a wide, low-slung, two-seater roadster with appeal that goes beyond the physical. Under the bonnet is a 4.3-litre V8 mated to a six-speed sequential manual transmission. Handling is also being touted as a strong point, with double-wishbone suspension at each end.

* Watch out for our full wrap-up of the Tokyo motor show in automotive e-news next Monday. To subscribe just click on the icon on the top right corner of the "home page".