Nissan 300ZX


The Nissan 300ZX is a sports car in the Nissan Z-car family that was produced across two similar but unique generations. As with all other versions of the Z, the 300ZX was sold within the Japanese domestic market under the name Fairlady Z.
It was sold in Japan from 1983 to 2001 and in the United States from 1984 to 1996, the 300ZX name followed the numerical convention initiated with the original Z car, the Nissan S30, which was marketed in the U.S. as the 240Z. The addition of the "X" to the car's name was a carryover from its predecessor, the 280ZX, to signify the presence of more luxury and comfort oriented features. The first generation 300ZX known as the Z31 model was produced from 1983 through 1989 and was a sales success becoming the highest volume Z-car for Nissan.
To become even more competitive in the sports car market, the second generation Z32 was driven up-market. It was redesigned to be faster and feature more advanced technology, but came with a higher price than its predecessor, with consecutive price increases each model year of availability. As such, sales dwindled each year, a trend in the higher end sports car market at the time, and Nissan placed a hiatus on selling new Nissan Z-Cars to the US after the 1996 model year, though the car would continue to be sold in the Japan domestic market until 2001 in low production numbers.
Car and Driver placed the Z32 on its Ten Best list for seven consecutive years, each model year of its availability in the United States. Motor Trend awarded it as the 1990 Import Car of the Year. The Nissan 350Z, officially the Z33 generation Z-Car, succeeded the 300ZX in 2003.

Z31

The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 Nissan/Datsun 300ZX in the U.S. market. The 300ZX, as its predecessors, was known as a Nissan in other parts of the world. This continued in the U.S. until the 1985 model year when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide and dropped the Datsun badge. All publications for the Z31 chassis 300ZX and its predecessors were copyright Nissan North America. Designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team of developers, the 300ZX improved aerodynamics and increased power when compared to its predecessor, the 280ZX. The newer Z-car had a drag coefficient of 0.30 and was powered by Japan's first mass-produced V6 engine instead of the inline 6 of the previous Z-cars. According to Nissan, the new V6 engine was intended to uphold the sporty, six-cylinder spirit of the original Fairlady Z, but in a more compact and efficient package.
The Z31 generation featured five engine options. A turbocharged dual overhead cam 2.0 L straight-six, a turbocharged single overhead cam 2.0 L V6, a naturally aspirated single overhead cam 3.0 L V6, a turbocharged single overhead cam 3.0 L V6 and a naturally aspirated dual overhead cam 3.0 L V6. The Z31 had electronic fuel injection, and was rear wheel drive. The Z31 was available in either left or right hand drive.
Two Special Edition versions of the Z31 generation model were produced; a 50th Anniversary Edition celebrated the company's semi-centennial in 1984 and offered additional luxury features, and a "Shiro Special", released four years later, with performance-oriented upgrades. Unlike its predecessors, the Z31 featured a V6 engine in the 200Z/ZS/ZG, 300ZX and 300ZR, and the only Z31 to come with an Inline 6 cylinder engine was the Fairlady 200ZR which was only available in Japan. The 200ZR was the last Z-car to feature a factory-installed inline six. The new V6 Single overhead cam engine was available as a naturally aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing and respectively. The engine was either a type A or type B sub-designation from 1984 to March 1987, while models from April 1987 to 1989 had a W sub-designation. The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets for additional cooling, and fully floating piston wrist pins. The 1984 to 1987 turbo models featured a Garrett T3 turbocharger with a 7.8:1 compression ratio, whereas 1988 to 1989 models featured a low inertia T25 turbocharger with an increased 8.3:1 compression ratio and slightly more power—165 hp naturally aspirated and turbocharged. Finally, these engines were equipped with self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters. The transmissions were a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. All Z31s were equipped with a Nissan R200 rear differential, April 1987 and later turbo models received an R200 clutch limited-slip differential except 1988 Shiro Specials which had a Viscous-type limited slip. There were three trim models available: SF, GL and GLL. The SF model was only available in Canada.
Select 300ZX models could also be equipped with a digital gauge cluster that also utilized a "Voice Warning System". The Voice Warning System used the vehicle's radio and driver's door speaker to mute the radio and provide a vocal warning whenever the left or right door was ajar, the exterior lights were left on after the vehicle was turned off, parking brake was left on while trying to operate the car, or the fuel level was low.
Other technological features in the 300ZX included a "Body Sonic" audio system that utilized a separate amplifier and speakers in the vehicle's front seats that allowed bass from music to be felt by the vehicle's occupants, and a fully digital climate control system.

Japanese market

The 200Z, 200ZG, and 200ZS used the VG20ET engine while the 200ZR came with the RB20DET. The 300ZX came with the VG30ET, with the same spec as the USDM model. The only factory Z31 variant to use the VG30DE engine was the 300ZR. It continued to be marketed as a companion fastback to the more formal appearance of the Nissan Skyline-based Nissan Leopard coupe at Nissan Bluebird Store Japanese dealerships. Starting with this generation, the Fairlady ZX, as it was known in Japan, no longer complied with Japanese Government dimension regulations, which Japanese buyers were now liable for additional yearly taxes that affected sales. Japanese consumers who wanted a sports car that was in compliance had the Gazelle that shared much of the technology with the larger ZX, but at lower cost.

European models

The European models made in turbo form due to a better camshaft profile, also known outside of Europe as the Nismo camshafts. Some models were also equipped without catalytic converters. All European turbocharged models received a different front lower spoiler as well, with 84-86 models being unique and 87-89 production having the same spoiler as the USDM 1988 "SS" model.

Australian models

All Australian model Z31 300ZXs were 2+2 T-top body. The cars sold in 1984 and '85 were all naturally aspirated with no catalytic converter, while the turbocharged version was the only model available from 1986 to 1988. There was only one trim level in Australia, with the digital dashboard and climate control being an optional upgrade package, and leather seats only available in the redesigned series 3 "Californian" models. The Australian factory service manual provides camshaft measurements which do not match any of the known USDM or EDM camshaft profiles, the FSM states the exhaust valve has an open duration of 252 degrees, but the specified opening and closing angles add up to 258 degrees. All Australian publication content express that N/A versions possess, along with the turbocharged versions as. The Australian 50th Anniversary Edition was more basic than the U.S. version, the 50th AE was a normal n/a 300ZX with the digital dash package, a black interior, black velour seats, and a 50th AE badge on the exterior. The exterior badge was fixed to the cars by dealerships, so the position of the badge is not the same on all models. There was no Shiro Special in Australia, and no models featured the adjustable shock absorbers.

Chassis

The Z31 chassis was based on the 280ZX. Although the newer chassis had the same wheelbase and MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm independent suspension, it handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. Turbocharged models, except for the Shiro Special edition, had 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.

Special Z31 releases

Nissan manufactured two special Z31 models. The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition, released to celebrate the automaker's half-century, was a turbocharged coupe model with a Silver/Black color scheme. All 50th Anniversary Edition came equipped with a digital dash and ancillary gauges including average mileage, G-force, and compass readouts, in-car electronic adjustable shocks, Bodysonic speakers in the seats, cruise and radio controls in the steering wheel, mirrored t-tops, embroidered leather seats, embroidered floor mats, sixteen-inch aluminum wheels, rear fender flares, flared front fenders, a 50th AE logo badge on the driver's side front fender, and grey cloth indoor car cover with 50AE printing. The only option available to the 50th Anniversary Edition was the choice between an automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. 5,148 AE models were produced for the U.S. market and 300 for the Canadian market. A non-turbo 2+2 model was available with 50AE badging in the Australian market.
In 1988, the turbocharged Shiro Special debuted with pearl white paint, stiffer springs and matched shocks, heavy-duty anti-sway bars, a unique front air dam, paint matched wheels, Recaro seats with matching door panels, painted bumperettes, white painted door handles and a viscous limited-slip differential. No options were available for the Shiro. It was the fastest car out of Japan, capable of speeds, as tested by Motor Trend with the electronic speed limiter disabled. A total of 1,002 Shiro Special Z31s were produced for the U.S. market between January and March 1988.

Style and evolution

The Z31 body was slightly restyled in 1986 with the addition of side skirts, flared fenders, and sixteen inch wheels. Many black plastic trim pieces were also painted to match the body color, and the hood scoop was removed. The car was given a final makeover in 1987 that included more aerodynamic bumpers, fog lamps within the front air dam, and 9004 bulb-based headlamps that replaced the outdated sealed beam headlights. The 300ZX-titled reflector in the rear was updated to a narrow set of tail lights running the entire width of the car and an LED third brake light on top of the rear hatch. This was the first car in history to have the central brake light with LED, in 1985, made by Stanley Electric. The Z31 continued selling until 1989, more than any other Z-Car at the time. Over 70,000 units were sold in 1985. Cars produced from 1984 to 1985 are referred to as "Zenki" models, while cars produced from 1987 to 1989 are known as "Kouki" models. The 1986 models are a special due to sharing some major features from both. They are sometimes referred to as "Chuki" models, but are usually grouped with the Zenki models because of the head and tail lights.

Z32

The Z32 was a new design, approved in final form by Nissan management on October 1, 1986 and designed by Isao Sono and Toshio Yamashita. The body was wider with a rounder profile and fewer hard edges. It had a marginally increased drag coefficient of.31 compared to the Z31's.30. Unchanged from the previous generation 300ZX was the displacement of the VG30 V6 engine, now with DOHC and variable valve timing, producing at 6,400 rpm and at 4,800 rpm in naturally aspirated form. The twin turbocharged variant was upgraded with Garrett AiResearch parallel twin-turbochargers and dual intercoolers producing at 6,400 rpm and of torque at 3,600 rpm. The Z32 was the first car to be marketed following the introduction of the power ceiling imposed by JAMA that remained until 2004. Performance varied from 0-60 mph times of 5.0-6.0 seconds depending on the source, and a governed top speed of. Twin Turbocharged Z32s also featured adjustable two mode suspension and the four-wheel steering systems called "Super HICAS" , first introduced on the R31 Nissan Skyline. Nissan utilized the Cray-2 supercomputer to design the new Z32 with a form of CAD software making it one of the first production cars to utilize this tool.
Like previous generations, Nissan offered a 4-seater model with the Z32. Most Z32s now featured T-tops as standard. A hardtop model was available in North America, only in Naturally Aspirated guise, and in Japan was available as Naturally Aspirated as well as an extremely rare Twin Turbo model. All “Slicktops” were 2 seaters. In 1992, a 2-seat convertible version was introduced for the first time, in response to aftermarket conversions.
In 1990, Motorsports International of Waco, Texas collaborated with Japanese tuning company HKS to create the SR-71 Z32. The cars were upgraded with larger Garrett turbochargers, HKS electronics and a Kaminari body kit designed for the SR-71 by Pete Brock. The SR-71 was California CARB certified and was to be sold through a select dealer network and Japanese performance tuning shops located within the United States. Officially, a total of eight cars were produced and were numbered #000-#007. But there were others custom-made. The exact number is not known. The SR-71 claimed the title of the third fastest production car in the world in 1990 for a fraction of the price of a Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari F40 according to the designer Randy Ball. The base price was $65,000 for the Z32 and SR-71 conversion.
In 1995 and 1996, Steve Millen Motorsports, developed a SMZ model with Nissan North America that were sold throughout the U.S. and Canada through designated Nissan dealerships. The performance upgrades were covered by the factory warranty. Each vehicle was numbered in the engine bay and interior. A total of 104 SMZs were produced at $14,000 more than the standard Nissan Z32 Twin Turbo.
American Z-car sales reached one million sales during the 1990 model year, making it at that time the best selling sports car. In America the 300ZX faced the same fate of many Japanese sports cars of the time. While the 1989 300ZX was priced at around $30,000, its final model year price increased to about $50,000. The mid-1990s marketplace trends toward SUVs and the rising Yen:Dollar ratio contributed to the end of North American 300ZX sales in 1996 with over 80,000 in sales. A Commemorative Edition for the final 300 units shipped to America included decals and certificates of authenticity.
In the UK & Europe, all Z32s offered were in 2+2 TT form between 1990 and 1996. They were sold through dealerships in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy.
In Australia, all Z32s offered were in 2+2 NA form between 1990 to 1995.
In Japan, the 300ZX continued until August 2000. The Japanese Domestic Market was offered a number of variants unavailable to the international market such as the "Version S", “Version R” and Slicktop Twin Turbo.
Version S was a base grade specification that includes all necessary road trim and items as standard, such as stereo and A/C. It could be ordered with various options separately. Options were available separately by order only, and include:
• 2+0 SWB 2-Seater T-Top trim
• 2+0 SWB 2-Seater solid roof trim
• 2+2 LWB 4-Seater T-Top trim
• Automatic Climate Control
• Cruise Control
• 8 Way Power Drivers Seat
• 4 Way Power Passengers Seat
• Recaro Seats
• BOSE Audio
• VG30DE Naturally Aspirated Engine
• VG30DETT Twin Turbo Engine
• Super HICAS
• Anti-Lock Brake System
• Drivers Side Airbag
• Suede / Tweed / Cloth / Leather Seating
• All other available “Altia” options from order guide
Version R:
Available only on 2+2 LWB 4-Seater with the only major options being in N/A or Twin Turbo configuration, with automatic or manual transmissions, this trim came with preset options from the factory at a reduced cost, giving customers a “ready” model by which to order if they didn’t feel like ordering options one by one. This presented buyers with an easier choice selection and a “base model” car by which to settle for.
Standard features included:
• Recaro Seats
• Sideskirts
• Rear Spoiler
• Drivers Side Airbag
• Cloth Seats
• Anti-Lock Brakes
• Xenon HID Headlamps
• Cruise Control
• Automatic Climate Control
The only options were:
• Carbon / Marble Interior Trim
• Audio Equipment Package with EQ.
• Automatic or Manual Transmission
• VG30DE or VG30DETT
The aforementioned facelift of late 1998 featured a new front fascia, tail lights, optional Xenon HID headlights, optional rear spoiler, optional BBS mesh wheels, orange rear corner lights and an instrument cluster with white dials as well as other minor changes.
Early model Z32’s and sold in Japan did not have Exhaust Gas Recirculation systems nor Air Injection Valve systems. All JDM Z32’s used a front rebar system made out of fiberglass rather than steel, and also had different exhaust systems with lighter weight Catalytic Converters. Given the lack of these regulatory items, JDM Z32’s often weighed 100+lbs less than their American specification counterparts.

Style and evolution

The Z32 chassis underwent some changes during its production run between 1989 and 2000 and 1990 to 1996. The Z32's extended model year sales in 1990 reached 39,290 units.
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Nissan aired a commercial during Super Bowl XXIV in 1990 advertising the new Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo. The 60-second commercial was directed by Ridley Scott and only aired once. Executives at Nissan pulled the commercial after the initial airing when they became concerned the commercial would promote street racing since the commercial features the 300ZX being faster than a sport bike, a formula one car and a fighter jet. Another memorable 300ZX commercial is "Toys" from 1996. Inspired by the film Toy Story, the commercial is set to Van Halen's cover of "You Really Got Me" and depicts a G. I. Joe-like action figure coming to life, getting behind the wheel of a red 300ZX radio-controlled car and picking up a Barbie-like doll for a date, stealing her away from her husband, who resembles Ken. They then drive around the feet of Mr K, a caricature of former Nissan executive Yutaka Katayama, who smiles as he watches them go by. Toy manufacturer Mattel filed a lawsuit against Nissan in 1997, claiming the ad's use of dolls that resemble G. I. Joe, Barbie and Ken amounted to "trademark and copyright infringement" and caused "irreparable injury to Mattel's name, business reputation and goodwill." Mattel sought unspecified damages and an injunction that would pull the ad off the air. Nissan defended the ad, claiming that the dolls were named "Roxanne", "Nick" and "Tad" and that they were modeled after celebrities. Mattel and Nissan eventually settled the lawsuit out of court and observers noted that the lawsuit ultimately just gave Nissan and the advertisement further exposure and publicity.

Motorsports

The 300ZX was campaigned during 1984 and 1985 in showroom stock racing. The car scored a Trans Am win in 1986 at Lime Rock by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing. This would be the only Trans Am win by a 300ZX.
From 1985 to 1987, the Electramotive-developed GTP ZX-Turbo was raced in the IMSA GT Championship's GTP class and also the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship, badged as a Fairlady Z, using a Lola T810 chassis and a VG30ET engine. Following development through 1987, the car would become dominant in IMSA GT in 1988. Additional factory endorsement, combined with a new chassis, transmission and more reliable Goodyear tires contributed to the team's success. The SOHC VG30ET was making upwards of, with a power band that extended from 4,000 to 9,000 rpm on a single turbo.

From 1990 to 1995, Steve Millen drove the twin turbo 300ZX for Clayton Cunningham Racing. The car dominated the IMSA in its GTO, then later GTS categories due to its newly designed chassis and engine. Millen would rank as the #1 Factory Driver for Nissan for 7 years and earn two IMSA GTS Driving Championships and two IMSA GTS Manufacturer's Championships. The biggest triumph for the Z32 racecar was the victory in the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona. In the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 300ZX ranked first in the GTS-1 class and 5th overall. In an attempt to level the playing field in the GTS-1 class by reducing the allowable horsepower, the IMSA declared the twin turbo VG engine ineligible for the 1995 season. The 1995 GTS 300ZX car would debut with the V8 Nissan VH engine at Daytona and would place first in the GTS-1 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Moosehead Grand Prix in Halifax.
The JUN-BLITZ Bonneville Z32 holds the E/BMS class land speed record of 260.87 mph set at the 1995 Bonneville Speed Trial. The vehicle was built as a partnership between JUN Auto and BLITZ. In 1990, JUN's first Z32 went 210.78 mph at their Yatabe test course and hit 231.78 mph after some tuning at Bonneville.

Awards and recognition

From the year it was introduced, the Z32 has also won many comparison tests against similar sports cars such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth, Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota Supra, Dodge Viper, and the Porsche 968.

Safety

In Australia, the 1990 to 1995 Nissan 300ZX was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings brochure as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.
In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 1991-1993 300ZX 3 out of 5 stars in front driver collision crash test ratings.