The Nissan car company introduced a model line called the 300ZX in 1983, In Japan it was known as the Nissan Fairlady Z. The 300ZX was marketed as a sports car designed on the previously popular 280ZX basis.
The 300ZX, when it was first introduced in 1983, was given the designation of a Z31 chassis by Nissan / Datsun. The 300ZX had improved aerodynamics and more power when compared to its predecessor, the 280ZX. The 300ZX was powered by Japans first mass produced V6 engine, opting for that rather than the continued use of the inline 6 cylinders that was widely used at that time. The V6 engine was a single overhead cam and naturally aspirated, available with or without a turbo charger. Transmissions available were either a five speed manual or an optional four speed automatic version.
The Z31 body style was refined in 1986, side skirts were added along with fender flares and 16 inch wheels and Nissan decided to remove the hood scoop in order to make the car look sleeker. In 1987 this generation got its final makeover, this included new more aerodynamic bumpers, new fog lamps built into the front air dam and the rear reflector was updated to a narrow set of tail lights that ran the entire width of the car and included a LED tail light on the top of the rear hatch.
Then next generation of the 300ZX was the Z32. This started production in 1989 and was entirely reworked. The only thing that remained the same on the vehicle was the displacement of the V6 engine. The model was designed from the ground up using the Cray-II super computer and CAD design software, making this one of the first production vehicles produced using computerised CAD software. Following is a breakdown of the relevant changes to the Z32 during its lifetime.
1991 saw the replacement of the manual climate controls in favour of a new electronic unit allowing more control over air flow direction, the Nissan logo was introduced in the front nose panel, there was now an option for a driver’s side air bag, up rated brake discs became standard for all models, a CD player was added as an option in all models.
1992 was the drivers airbag made as a standard feature; the dashboard and door card material was changed from fabric to a type of suede. And the driver’s seat was now power and adjustable as standard.
1993 saw the introduction of a convertible model, brake calipers were changed from aluminium to iron to help with war page problems, an upgraded Bose stereo was made standard.
In 1994 the rear spoiler was redesigned to a pedestal design that was slightly taller, there was a passenger side airbag added and made standard equipment. Also a keyless entry system was added.
In 1995 the front fascia panel was changed to match the body color instead of the normal grey strip of previous And in 1996 the driver’s seat back no longer included the adjustable side bolsters that had become common.
2000 was the last model year the 300ZX was produced; overall the Z32 production total came in at just under one hundred and sixty five thousand units. Throughout its life span this model gained high recognition and praise from many different automotive sectors including car and driver magazine and automobile magazine.
