Nissan 300ZX
The Nissan 300ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z is a sports car produced by Nissan Motor Company. It comprises the third and fourth generations of Nissan's Z-car line-up, respectively given the chassis designations Z31 and Z32.
Z31
The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 model and the third-generation Datsun/Nissan Z-car. The car was designated as a Datsun/Nissan 300ZX in its 1984 premiere, but the Datsun badge was dropped in 1985 when Nissan standardised their brand name worldwide. The car was designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team of developers, and featured a new, more aerodynamic body than its 280ZX predecessor. It also had a more powerful line-up of V6 engines instead of the old I6 used in the 280ZX. According to Nissan, "the V6 engine was supposed to re-create the spirit of the original Fairlady Z." (Datsun 280 Nissan 300ZX, p.65) This new V6 (2960cc) SOHC engine was available as a naturally-aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing 160 and 200 horsepower respectively. The engines were either a type A or type B series engine from 1984-1986 and later a W series from 1987-1989 which produced 165 and 205 horsepower.
On the home market, the list of models included the 3-litre 300ZX and the 2-litre Z, ZG, ZR, and ZR II spec. The 300ZX in Japan was not subject to tough emissions regulations as in the US therefore producing 230 horsepower . The 2-litre models used either a VG20ET or RB20ET engine and developed between 170-180 horsepower . This was to, "make the most of the local taxation laws." (Datsun 280 Nissan 300ZX, p.69)
The chassis remained somewhat similar to the 280ZX, with the same 91.3in (2319 mm) wheelbase and MacPherson strut/trailing arm independent suspension, however the 300ZX both handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. All turbo charged models featured 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.
There were also two special models produced. In 1984, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. In 1988 Nissan released a pearl white 300ZX "Shiro Special" (AKA SS) with stiffer springs, matched shocks and no available options. There were no stellar differences setting the SS apart from a regular 1988 model 300ZX Turbo except for the pearl white paint, front air dam, wheels, suspension and a viscous limited-slip differential in place of the clutch type.
The Z31 was slightly restyled in 1986 by dropping the hood scoop, and adding side skirts for a smoother design. The car was given a final makeover in 1987 due to its quickly aging design. The "300ZX" reflector in the rear was replaced by narrow camaro-style tail lights, and a 3rd brake-light located on the top of the rear hatch. The car continued selling until 1989 and sold more than any other Z car made to date with over 70,000 units sold in 1985. In 1990, Nissan replaced this very successful car with the Z32, and was a complete redesign (and much more expensive) version of the Z31. It was also called the 300ZX because it retained the 3-litre engine and 2960cc displacement.
Z32
The Z32 was a complete redesign. It featured a naturally aspirated engine rated at 222hp, and a top-of-the-line Twin-Turbo version rated at 300hp (224 kW) at 9.5 lbf/in² (66 kPa) of boost through two intercoolers. A naturally aspirated convertible model was also introduced in 1993. Twin Turbo models were not offered as a 2+2 or convertible in the United States.
The twin-turbo Z32s can be spotted with a different front bumper featuring three vents for supplying air to the dual intercoolers, as opposed to the naturally aspirated (NA) models. They also came with the requisite "Twin Turbo" badging in the rear and a subtle tail spoiler, which was enlarged and redesigned in 1994. It also featured larger 245/45-16 and 16x8.5 wheels in the back as opposed to the 225/50-16 tires in front and on the NA version.
One major difference between the VG30E(T) in the Z31 and the VG30DE(TT) placed in the Z32 was the dual overhead cam design and variable valve timing system (which was removed in 1996 to meet smog regulation).
The platform was new, with a longer 97-in wheelbase and sophisticated multi-link suspension front and rear. Twin Turbo models featured electronically adjustable shock absorbers, and Nissan's all-wheel-steering system SUPER HICAS (Super High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension), which could turn the rear wheels a full two degrees at speed.
In 1991, as well as in 1995 for the Z's 25th anniversary, Steve Millen, a famous race-car driver from New Zealand, built a limited-edition run of 300 tuned 300ZXs, known as the SMZ, through his company Stillen. These cars had features such as flamboyant bodywork and paint and extensive performance upgrades, resulting in 460 bhp (343 kW) 1991 edition and 365 bhp (272 kW) 1995 edition.
The Z32 was discontinued in 1996 in North America due to dwindling sales figures, heightened smog regulations, and rising production costs. The price of a Twin Turbo 300ZX rose to US $45,000 that year, too high for many consumers and far from the US $27,000 price it had started with. Production of the Z32 continued in Japan until 1999 through a major redesign in 1998, in naturally aspirated 2-seater, 2+2 seater, and "R" versions, which were 2+2 twin turbo models (as pictured above).
Awards
The Z32 300ZX Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list every year it was available, from 1990 through 1996. The Z32 Turbo was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1990. It was critically acclaimed by many magazines as being a complete turnaround from the Z31, which many critics felt was a sloppy-handling GT, far from the agile, sporty 240Z of years past. From the year it was introduced, it won many comparison tests against similar Japanese sports cars such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth and the Mazda RX-7, as well as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 968.
Racing
In 1984 to 1985 showroom stock racing, the 300ZX (Z31) was a potent competitor and captured wins on numerous occasions. The car scored their only Trans Am win in 1986 at Lyme Rock by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing
From 1985 to 1987, the Electramotive-developed GTP ZX-Turbo was raced in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) GTP class using a Lola T810 Chassis and a production-based VG30ET engine. A series of crashes attributed to tire blowouts combined with difficulty of working on the T810 chassis caused less than stellar performance both seasons.
From 1988 to 1989, the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo dominated in IMSA GTP racing. Additional factory endorcement, combined with a new chassis, gearbox and more reliable Good Year tires contributed to the team's success. The new Electramotive (later to become NPTI) chassis was easier to work on, more robust and technically superior to the T810. The VG30ET was making upwards of 800HP, with a power band that extended from 4000 to 9000 RPM.
From 1990 to 1995, the 300ZX (Z32), who was campaigned by Clayton Cunningham Racing was championed by Steve Millen in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and its GT and GTS classes. He was ranked as the #1 Factory Driver for Nissan for 7 years, as well as two IMSA GTS Driving Championships and two IMSA GTS Manufacturer's Championships.
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