Photo Tribute to Nissan Fairlady Z, Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z (1969-1978)

After popular demand we decided to dedicate this weekend's classic car photo tribute to Nissan's first generation Z sportscar, the ancestor of today's 370Z. Codenamed S30 and S31 for the mid 70s facelift versions, the first Z made its Japanese market debut in November 1969 as the Nissan Fairlady Z and remained in production until 1978 when it was replaced by the Nissan / Datsun 280ZX. Depending on the market and the engine displacement, the Fairlady Z was also sold as the Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z.

The rear-wheel drive Nissan Fairlady Z was launched in Japan with a high-revving 2.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 160PS at 7,000 rpm and 177Nm of torque at 5,600 rpm, while the first U.S. spec model, the 1970 Datsun 240Z, was equipped with a 2.4-liter straight six engine cranking out 150PS at 5,600 rpm and 206Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. Soon after, the Z was upgraded with two larger 6-cylinder engines with a displacement of 2.6 and 2.8-liters.

Even though it was no easy task, we did manage to find a descent number of high-resolution photos of various Fairlady Z and Datsun Z models, including competition and rally cars, and a Japanese patrol vehicle that served the Kanagawa Prefecture Highway Police from March 1972. The gallery also contains numerous commercial photos of the European-market Datsun 240Z and 260Z, some of which are pretty weird indeed...

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Video: Nissan 370Z Roadster and NISMO 370Z on film

Here are the official videos of Nissan's all-new rag-top 370Z Roadster and the U.S. market NISMO 370Z that's powered by an upgraded 3.7-liter V6 cranking out 350HP. Along with the individual videos of the two Zs, we've also added a film with Brian Carolin, Nissan North America VP of Sales and marketing, that was shot just before the New York media presentation of the latest members of the 370Z family. Click through the jump and enjoy.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

NISMO 370Z: 47-High Res Photos on 350HP U.S. Spec Version of the Z

Here's the all-new, second generation NISMO 370Z that is scheduled to be officially unveiled along with the Nissan 370Z Roadster at tomorrow's NY Auto Show. Aimed exclusively for the U.S. market, the NISMO 370Z is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers in the States in June 2009. Highlights include a tweaked version of the 3.7-liter V6 with 350HP, a sportier tuned suspension and a full bodykit complemented by a set of super-lightweight forged alloy wheels

Developed by Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, the performance orientated NISMO 370Z is powered by a modified version of the standard car's 3.7-liter V6 engine which now produces 350HP and 276-lbs/ft of peak torque, or 18 more horsepower and 6-lb/ft more torque respectively. As expected, the NISMO is offered only with the close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox with

Chassis upgrades include a revised steering wheel system, NISMO-branded strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and performance dampers plus a NISMO-tuned suspension with special springs and stabilizer bars. Furthermore, all NISMO 370Zs come with standard Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

The NISMO-prepped 370Z rides on 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels shod with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires.

Complementing the mechanical upgrades, the NISMO 370Z comes equipped with a functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body kit that includes an extended front nose with a canard design at each corner and a lip spoiler, side sills, a unique rear bumper and a large rear spoiler.

As for the interior, it benefits from NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, a leather steering wheel red parallel stitching, leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals plus a serialized plaque.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com