History of Nissan Z-car in Timeline

The Nissan Z-series, a sports car model line produced by Nissan since 1969, has spanned multiple generations, each with its own distinct design and performance characteristics. The original 240Z was introduced to meet the growing demand for affordable, reliable sports cars, and its success solidified Nissan's position in the global automotive market. Throughout its history, the Z-series has been powered by a variety of six-cylinder and four-cylinder engines, featuring both naturally aspirated and turbocharged options. Notable models include the 280ZX, known for its luxurious features, and the 300ZX, which introduced advanced technologies like twin-turbocharging. The Z-series has also seen success in motorsport, further enhancing its reputation for performance. Reintroduced in 2002 after a brief hiatus, the 350Z and its successor, the 370Z, continued the Z-car legacy. The newest model of the Z series was revived again as the Nissan Z in 2020, although not available to the public until 2023.

1961: Yamaha YX-30 Prototype

The Yamaha YX-30 prototype, a collaborative effort between Nissan and Yamaha, was developed in 1961.

1964: Nissan and Yamaha Project Ends

The joint project between Nissan and Yamaha for a new sports car ended in 1964.

1966: Nissan Acquires Prince Motor Company

Nissan acquired the Prince Motor Company in 1966, gaining access to their engineering expertise and the Prince Skyline.

October 1969: Nissan Z-car Sales Begin

Sales of the Nissan Z-cars (S30/Z29) began in October 1969.

October 22, 1969: 240Z Release in America

The Datsun 240Z was released in America on October 22, 1969.

1969: Nissan Z-series Production Begins

The Nissan Z-series began production in 1969.

1969: Original Z Released in Japan

The original Nissan Fairlady Z was released in Japan in October 1969. It was marketed internationally as the Datsun 240Z.

1970: Z-cars released for the 1970 model year

The Nissan Z-cars were released for the 1970 model year.

1972: 240Z Sales Peak

The 240Z achieved over 50,000 sales in 1972.

1973: Continued 240Z Sales Success

Sales of the Datsun 240Z reached over 40,000 units in 1973.

1974: 260Z Release and 2+2 Model Introduction

The Nissan 260Z, including a 2+2 model option, was released in 1974. Engine displacement increased to 2.6L.

1975: 280Z Release in North America

The 280Z, featuring fuel injection and a 2.8L engine, was released in North America in 1975.

1978: Datsun 280ZX Release

The Datsun 280ZX was introduced in late 1978 for export markets outside North America.

1978: 280ZX and Toyota Supra Launch

The Datsun/Nissan 280ZX was introduced in export markets, and Toyota launched the Supra in 1978.

1979: 280ZX Awarded Import Car of the Year

The 280ZX was named Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1979 and set a Z-car sales record.

1979: Introduction of the Second-Generation S130

The second-generation Nissan Z-car, the S130, was introduced in 1979, featuring a complete redesign but retaining the L28 engine.

1980: T-tops Introduced for 280ZX

T-tops were introduced as an option for the 280ZX in 1980.

1981: Turbocharged 280ZX Model Released

A turbocharged model of the 280ZX was introduced in 1981.

1981: Turbo Option for S130

A turbocharged option was introduced for the S130 in 1981, boosting performance.

1983: Electramotive 280ZX Turbo Performance

In 1983, the Electramotive 280ZX Turbo demonstrated impressive performance figures.

1983: 300ZX Release in Japan

The Nissan 300ZX was first released in Japan in 1983.

1984: 300ZX Racing Success

The 300ZX achieved multiple wins in showroom stock racing during 1984 and 1985.

1984: 300ZX US Release and 50th Anniversary Edition

The Nissan/Datsun 300ZX was released in the US in 1984, along with a special 50th Anniversary Edition.

1984: 300ZX Release and New V6 Engine

The completely redesigned 300ZX was released in 1984, introducing Nissan's 3.0-liter V6 engine.

1984: Release of the 300ZX (Z31)

The third-generation Z-car, the 300ZX (Z31), was released in 1984, featuring a 3.0L V6 engine.

1985: Datsun Name Dropped, 300ZX Updates, and Newman's Victory

In 1985, Nissan discontinued the Datsun brand name, although dealerships retained the Datsun name. The 300ZX received updates, including a water-cooled turbocharger and smoked taillights. Paul Newman achieved his fourth national championship by winning the 1985 GT1 Challenge.

1985: Continued 300ZX Racing Success

The 300ZX continued its racing success in showroom stock racing in 1985.

1985: Electramotive GTP ZX-Turbo Racing Debut

The Electramotive GTP ZX-Turbo began racing in the IMSA GT Championship and All Japan Sports Prototype Championship.

1986: 300ZX Styling Enhancements

The 1986 300ZX featured wider flared wheel wells, body-color bumpers, redesigned rear quarter panels for ground effects, and a standard hood on turbo models, replacing the turbo "scoop".

1986: 300ZX Trans Am Victory

The 300ZX secured a Trans Am victory at Lime Rock in 1986, driven by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing.

1987: 300ZX Redesign and Performance Upgrades

The 1987 300ZX underwent a redesign with new rounded bumpers, headlights, and taillights. Turbo models received charcoal trim, smoked turbo-finned wheels, an upgraded manual transmission, larger brakes, and a clutch-type limited-slip differential from April 1987 onward.

1987: Development of GTP ZX-Turbo

The GTP ZX-Turbo underwent further development in 1987.

1988: 300ZX Performance and Cosmetic Updates, Shiro Special Edition

In 1988, the 300ZX's turbocharger was switched to a lower-inertia T25, and the engine compression ratio was increased. Interior aluminum and chrome accents were replaced with color-matched parts. A special "Shiro Special" (SS) edition was released, featuring pearl white paint, analog gauges, black interior, stiffer suspension, Recaro seats, a limited-slip differential, and a front lip spoiler.

1988: Dominance of GTP ZX-Turbo in IMSA GT

The GTP ZX-Turbo became a dominant force in the IMSA GT Championship in 1988.

1988: GTP ZX-Turbo IMSA Dominance

The GTP ZX-Turbo, using a similar engine to the 300ZX, dominated IMSA GTP races in 1988.

1988: No Significant Changes from 1988 Model

There were no documented changes between the 1988 and 1989 models of the Nissan 300ZX. The 1989 model year is less common due to Nissan beginning to wind down production.

1988: ZCON's Inception

ZCON, the largest annual gathering of Z car enthusiasts in America, was first held in 1988.

1989: End of Z31 Production

Production of the Z31 300ZX ended in 1989.

1989: 300ZX Production Wind-Down

The 1989 300ZX models remained largely unchanged from 1988, but production was scaled back as Nissan prepared for the next generation.

1989: Continued IMSA Success

The GTP ZX-Turbo continued its dominance in IMSA GTP racing in 1989.

1990: JUN's Z32 Speed Record Attempt

JUN's Z32 reached speeds of 339.2 km/h at Yatabe and 373 km/h at Bonneville.

1990: Steve Millen and the Twin-Turbo 300ZX

Steve Millen started driving the twin-turbo 300ZX for Clayton Cunningham Racing in IMSA.

1990: 300ZX Accolades and Sales Milestone

The 300ZX earned several awards in 1990, including Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" and "One of the Top Ten Performance Cars," Automobile Magazine's "Design of the Year," Road & Track's "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World," and inclusion in Car and Driver's 10Best. U.S. Z-car sales reached 1 million units.

1990: Launch of the 300ZX (Z32)

The second generation of the 300ZX, the Z32, was launched in 1990.

1993: 300ZX Convertible and T-tops Introduced

In 1993, Nissan introduced a convertible version of the 300ZX, and T-tops became standard. A small number of hardtop "slick tops" were also produced.

1994: Establishment of JGTC

The JGTC (later Super GT) was established in 1994. The absence of Nissan in GT300 in 2011 marked the first time no Nissan vehicle participated since the series's inception.

1995: 300ZX Racing with V8 Engine

The 300ZX race car switched to a V8 Nissan VH engine.

1995: JUN-BLITZ Bonneville Z32 Land Speed Record

The JUN-BLITZ Bonneville Z32 set a land speed record at the Bonneville Speed Trial.

1996: End of 300ZX Production in North America

North American 300ZX sales ended in 1996 due to factors like the rising popularity of SUVs and a higher Yen:Dollar ratio, though more than 80,000 units were sold. Rising prices also contributed, with the MSRP increasing from around $30,000 to $50,000. A Commemorative Edition marked the final 300 units shipped to the U.S.

1996: End of Z32 Production

Production of the Z32 300ZX ended in 1996.

1997: Z-Car Hiatus Begins in the U.S.

The Z-car entered a hiatus in the U.S. market from 1997 to 2002, as Nissan shifted focus to SUVs and addressed financial challenges.

1998: Major Design Change for the 300ZX

A significant design change was implemented for the 300ZX in 1998 in an attempt to revive sales.

1998: 240Z Restoration Program Launched

To maintain interest in the Z-car during its hiatus, Nissan initiated a restoration program in 1998, restoring and reselling original 240Zs through dealerships.

1999: Renault's Acquisition of Nissan

In 1999, Renault acquired a 44.4% stake in Nissan.

1999: 240Z Concept Car Unveiled

Nissan presented the 240Z Concept car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, a functional, orange two-seater inspired by the original 240Z and built in 12 weeks.

1999: Discontinuation of the 300ZX

Production of the 300ZX ended in 1999.

March 2000: Z Concept Design Selection

In March 2000, the design for the upcoming Z Concept car was chosen from competing designs submitted by Nissan's Japanese, European, and American design studios. The selected design came from Nissan's La Jolla, California studio.

2000: Z-Car Production Plant Changes

Production of earlier Nissan Z models at the Hiratsuka plant ceased in 2000.

2000: End of 300ZX Production for other markets

The Nissan 300ZX continued production after leaving North America in 1996, ultimately ceasing production worldwide in 2000.

January 8, 2001: Z Concept Car Debut

The orange Z Concept car was introduced at the North American International Auto Show on January 8, 2001. Its design, chosen from entries by Nissan's design studios, aimed to address the pricing concerns of the 300ZX and benchmark against the Porsche Boxster.

2001: Ghosn's Commitment to the Z

After becoming CEO of Nissan in 2001, Carlos Ghosn publicly affirmed the company's plans to revive the Z-car and ensure its profitability.

July 2002: 350Z Release in Japan

The Nissan 350Z was launched in July 2002 in Japan through Nissan's reorganized dealerships called 'Nissan Blue Stage'.

August 20, 2002: 350Z Release in the U.S.

The 350Z coupé was released in the U.S. on August 20, 2002, available in five trim packages and priced from $26,000.

2002: Z-Car Hiatus to End

In 2002, the Z-car hiatus was scheduled to conclude as Nissan planned to reintroduce the model.

2002: 350Z and 370Z production begins

Production of the 350Z and 370Z models began at the Oppama plant in 2002.

2003: Hasemi Sports' GT300 Championship Win

Hasemi Sports clinched the GT300 championship with the 350Z in 2003.

2003: Return of the Z-Car with the 350Z

In 2003, Nissan re-entered the US sports car market with the 350Z.

2004: 350Z Convertible Release

A convertible version of the 350Z was released in 2004, expanding the model's options.

2004: Nismo's GT500 Championship Victory

In 2004, Nismo secured the GT500 championship title with their heavily modified 350Z.

2004: 350Z and 370Z Production Moves

Production of the 350Z and 370Z models moved to the Tochigi plant in 2004.

2005: 350Z Engine Upgrade

In 2005, the 350Z's VQ35DE engine received an upgrade, increasing its output to 300 bhp and 260 lb⋅ft of torque.

2005: 35th Anniversary Edition 350Z

The 2005 35th Anniversary Edition 350Z featured a revised engine with a higher redline of 7,000 rpm and increased power output to 300 hp.

2005: 350Z Engine Update (VQ35DE RevUp)

The 350Z's engine was updated to the VQ35DE RevUp in 2005.

2006: Revised Engine for 2006 350Z

Similar to the 35th Anniversary Edition, the 2006 350Z also received the revised engine with the increased redline and power output.

2007: Nissan 350Z Trim Packages and Nismo Edition

In 2007, Nissan revised the 350Z's trim packages, discontinuing the "Track" version and introducing the "Nismo" edition. The Nismo featured performance upgrades like Brembo brakes, Rays Engineering wheels, a larger exhaust, and an aggressive body kit.

2007: 350Z Engine and Transmission Upgrade

The 2007-2008 350Z models received the VQ35HR engine with a higher redline, increased power output, and a more linear powerband. A revised transmission addressed previous issues.

2007: 350Z Engine Update (VQ35HR)

The 350Z received another engine update in 2007, this time to the VQ35HR.

March 2008: Record-Breaking Z33s in Import Drag Racing and Magazine Feature

In March 2008, a twin-turbo Z33 by Performance Motorsport claimed over 1,700 bhp and an 8.33-second quarter-mile time. Another Z33 by Injected Performance set a horsepower record and was featured on the cover of Turbo Magazine. Lazcano Racing's 370Z ran 1/4 at 6.0 @ 226MPH

December 30, 2008: Introduction of the 370Z

On December 30, 2008, Nissan introduced the 370Z as a 2009 model.

2008: 350Z Replacement and Continued GT300 Dominance

In 2008, Nissan GT-Rs replaced the 350Zs in the GT500 class, but 350Zs continued in GT300, with MOLA winning both Drivers' and Teams' championships.

2008: Continued Popularity of 2007-2008 350Z

The 2007-2008 350Z remained popular among enthusiasts due to the upgraded engine and transmission.

June 2009: Debut of the Nismo 370Z

In June 2009, the second-generation Nismo 370Z was released.

2010: Hasemi Sports' Second GT300 Title and Nissan's Absence

Hasemi Sports won their second GT300 title in 2010. With their subsequent withdrawal and MOLA's move to GT500, 2011 marked the first time since 1994 that no Nissan vehicles were in the GT300 class.