What is the NEW Nissan Z like on epic driving roads? Detailed review
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- čas přidán 3. 05. 2024
- What is the NEW Nissan Z like on epic driving roads? Detailed review of the affordable RWD manual sports car Europe deserves! Jonny Smith borrowed a new Z (so-called 400 Z) while on a recent trip to the US and took it on some of the best driving roads around Los Angeles. The 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo Nissan takes retro aesthetics from its 240Z, 300 ZX and even Silvia 200SX back catalogue and underpins it using chassis parts from the popular 350z and 370Z models.
Sadly it won't be sold in Europe or the UK. Does Jonny think it deserves to be?
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Filmed by: Samuel Rojas
Edited by: Michael Douglass
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:22 Start up
2:35 370Z underpinnings
4:20 Power output
4:50 Handling
5:09 Suspension
5:42 Exterior design
6:55 V8 disturbance
7:22 Different specs
8:27 Profile design and dimensions
8:55 Different colours
9:29 Rear end design
9:57 Pricing
10:53 mid range torque
11:30 Comparison with 350Z and 370Z
13:07 Cabin design
17:10 Largest fuel filler flap EVER
17:30 Engine bay
20:35 Boot space
21:30 GOOD VIBES BREAKFAST CLUB MEET
22:33 Mint 350Z!
25:37 More road testing
27:35 GR86 and Supra rival
30:48 Tunnel exhaust noise
31:14 Verdict
#newmanualcar #newnissanz #thelatebrakeshow #4k - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As a 350Z owner it's great to see this on the channel. Absolutely love the call backs to the earlier Zs in the design too. Hope to see some imported into the UK
Would welcome thoughts from existing 350Z and 370Z owners
@@TheLateBrakeShowif it has plenty of 350Z/370Z DNA as you say that's only a positive from me. The analogue-ness of mine is such a breath of fresh air every time I drive it and if the aftermarket modification scene for the new Z is anything like previous cars I can't wait to see what people do to them. I just wish it came in Le Mans Sunset Orange!
Ex Fairlady owner here. I think the new one is ugly. A step backwards.
Its around 42-60k in Japan. It can be imported but its not value for money right now
I've got an '07 plate 350z gt roadster completely original with birdnav satnav, I love it to death but the £650 tax a year is going to cause me some awkward conversations with my wife. Would it be worth me mothballing it as a future classic?
Back end is more 300zx than 200sx/Silvia
The Silvia would have been trying to echo the 300zx in some kind of brand styling language.
Edit...on closer inspection the s13 and z32 300zx are similar but the s13 was released first. The z31 and s13 are only vaguely similar
A little bit Zagato from the side profile..
Agree, also later Z280 and first Z300 turbo (US model)
Was coming here to type this 😅
300zx the front end or 200sx the rear smh looks like two different cars welded together
It's nice to see a new car without a bloody great screen taking up the dash.
People who complain that the Z is just a revised 370Z don’t realize that all companies do this; Ferrari made the 458 off the 430, Lamborghini Huracan is a developed Gallardo, and McLaren use the same components and (Nissan) engine across all their models. It’s how the game works
Exactly!
You’re the man Jonny, ‘on that side of things’
I really really love it that Nissan built an affordable manual gearbox diver-oriented GT car. Hallelujah! If only more manufacturers would build cars like this. They just don't seem to understand that people want cars like this.
I’m sure those triple dash top gauges first appeared in the Datsun 240Z we had in Australia in the early 70s. Great to see the Z live on. Thanks for the review Jonny.
Yes kind of like my 1973 was, and then I bought another 240 with the Scarab conversion, and tuned and would run 13.5 second quarter miles...wonder what this will do! If i only had the money back in the day to boost it
Now that's a car I'd buy tommorow, no touch screens or haptics, whatever they are, then I am 68 and its actually got more tech than my 10 year old S60, most of which I don't use anyway. I just enjoy the act of 'driving' which obviously is what this 'Z' was built for.
Best review for the new Z ive seen. You've completely understood the essence of the Z and why we love these cars. Nissan absolutely delivered by tieing in the heritage via looks and performance but leaving it simple enough for owners to do their own modifications. They've recently put out a teaser for a Nismo version which looks promising. Gutted we aren't getting any here in the UK either but as the GR Supra proved, there isn't really a market for a 2 seater coupe in Europe and UK.
Supra was a failure because it’s not a Supra 🤷🏻♂️ whereas the 350 & 370 sold much better than the new Supra. So in my opinion, I still think there is a market for an affordable two seater.
"there isn't really a market for a 2 seater coupe in Europe and UK" - i think Porsche/bmw/mb might disagree ;0)
Another top video Jonny! I hope the UK eventually gets them. I hope Nissan has a long options list for these Zeds. It's a car that's affordable & looks easy to modify without going over the top. I wish Nissan would have put a retro front end on it, but you can't have everything. This Zed is what Nissan should have been building for the past 20 years.
All we need now is a modern Datsun 1600 that has the same characteristics near to this Zed!
The rear lights are very 300ZX, I love it. Such a shame it's not coming to the UK. Great video Jonny, thanks!
I'm watching this in the USA midwest, I have a 2018 370Z heritage model 6sp. I've left it stock as it preforms perfectly for my use. I drive it 7 months of the year on short road trips and when my errands take me out of the immediate area. I really enjoy having a small RWD coupe with good performance and excellent handling. A new Z started at $31,000US when I purchased it the best performance value at that time. It shares my small garage with a Nissan Frontier the perfect pair of vehicles for my retirement.
As a lover of the first 240z shape and style. Nissan should take a round of applause for this one! I'm with you on this spec too Johnny. Got a purity to it.
Keep it up mate we (I recon I speak for more than myself) love the openness,honesty and passion you give us with your reviews.
(Bald bloke who arrived very,very early for Bicester)
The 3.0TT 400 hp has been available for several years in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 (Skyline) Red Sport 400. But only with an automatic, and a heavier body. Another great video, Jonny!
AMS has great parts for this engine, between them and SPL Parts this new Z has a great aftermarket from out the gate!
I really love how this car looks. That grill is really cool and the retro back is amazing.
Great video. Loved the mid review meet. Excellent work
Another
smashing shoot from TLBS. Great work, why aren’t the production companies having you back on mainstream TV? Thanks anyway for all the great content,
my sons and I continue to follow your work. Just brilliant!
Fantastic review! Maybe my fav yet as a lot reviewers forget that the car is meant to be a tuners car. It’ll never be some prepackaged baby GTR that’s ready to dominate all cars in surrounding classes. It’s a car you bring home, order coil overs, bolt ons, plan to get it tuned, small interior and exterior details to make it your own over time as an enjoyable process of a build. When you’re done you’ll have a 9/10 sec car with a ton of JDM nostalgia and new character. The v6 twin turbo with an unlocked ECU is a great combo, waiting to see the Nismo version in action despite it being AT only. Anyway excited to see tuners builds of these.
Always love your positive attitude. Best review I have seen. Thank you.
Thank you. I did find the gear shift to get more annoying as my time went on, but despite its shortfalls and cost cutting I think there's a decent enthusiast car in there.
@@TheLateBrakeShow I do own a manual and yes it's not the best. Also have an s2000 and compared to it, it's a let down. Not terrible but could have been better. Hey at least they made the car.
Love the looks and the simplicity of this. It's the first car in recent years that I would really love to own, I miss analogue controls and dials with needles. With a few subtle modifications this will look so good. Such a shame this isn't coming to the UK!
The VR30DDTT was definitely available in the UK sometime ago. My 2018 Q50 has one; and it's the full fat 400bhp too. It's a cracking engine!
Really like the simple sleek shape of these. You would probably want to go for the middle spec that comes with the rear limited slip diff.
Can’t help but think an oil temp gauge would’ve been better than a turbo speed gauge.
Get it sitting on some nice wheels and some nice seats, you’ve got yourself a great looking car.
A decent intake and exhaust will unlock some extra noise as well I should think.
The Nismo version will have a louder exhaust, but I agree, all Z’s start as daily cruisers, then with coilovers, sway bars, and a tune they become absolute weapons
With any fun rwd car it's a sin to make, sell or buy one without a damn good LSD. Anyone trying to buy a used one will back me up!
@@nathanchildress5596 So true, most folks are going to get the cheap base model and mod it to the heavens. There are so many Z tuners out there and being based on the 370Z the parts are pretty much ready for prime time. With SPL Parts,Z1, Nismo and AMS, for the price of the Nismo tune or a Zupra, it will be a trackday dream to drive. I still drive a G35 at trackdays with zero rubber in the suspension and drivetrain and I love it! They took their sports car chassis and put the best non GT-R engine in it this will be a winner for years to come!
@@anonimushbosh The problem with factory LSD is that they are not tunable. Most folks like myself will replace it anyway with a wavetrac or clutch unit, most folks who buy these won't push it to the point where they need a LSD anyway so why make the car that much more expensive. People buy sports cars for looks for the most part, look at all the automatic ones sold after all.
Love how it has styling queues of the 240/260z without being retro
So good to see a company that has a super strong following for well engineered vehicles being understood. Some strong and simple , Patrol , others iconic for other reasons , the 1600's , Z cars , then theres the Silvas , Skylines , GTR'S. Great reviews , do'nt change.
Car pervert had enough of rainy first drives.
Desert johnny
We love him
Having had 7 over the years (including a 383 CI V8 conversion) and one currently in the garage (off the road for 7 Jonny @thelatebrakeshow, ripe for a barn find video! 😂) I can confirm that rear tail bar was based on the Z32 300zx 👌🏻
The Z is and always has been a car for drivers! They all are a joy to drive.
Forgot to mention as well.... great video Johnny! A proper enthusiast driving a proper enthusiasts car. Thank you.
Great looking z car and very informative review Good job Johnny 👍👍👍👍👍
Hi jonny nice to see a proper manual sweet lines on the z 400
Great video, good to see you drop into GVBC.
Great review Jonny! Love your style 👊 had GT86 and test drove the GR86 the other day...it was an improvement no doubt but that flat 4 isn't a good enough sports car engine. Wish we got this in the UK 😢
Stunning and there is so much your could do with it. New exhaust amongst the first items.
Always wanted a Z my entire life. When I was late 20's I managed to be able to afford one. Wrote it off, Bought another. DE and the a HR.
I can't tell you how much I miss that car, I'm really very sad that I may never be able to afford one again in this climate and I'm even sadder that this wont be coming to the UK.
Hopefully one day I'll be back in the market for one and I can import one. But I hope its before they end up classics.
At least there's right hand drive JDM spec cars in Japan for us brits to import in the future, and I'm sure there's probably already at least one person that's imported one brand new. It's not all doom and gloom Jonny! 🙂
Thankyou for the videos mate you make my days take care
Many thanks to YOU!
What a review, it’s beauty is it’s simplicity. UK car enthusiasts would love this car, can’t understand why it is not coming to the UK. I’m in the market for just such a car and would have one tomorrow….great review and great scenery.
Love it. I’d have the base model please in white. Lots of 240z going on which I have fond memories of.
Philosophy also reminds me of the favourite car I’ve owned. Suby Legacy R very analogue, very involving, tough plastic interior no frills apart from a few dials and all your money went on the engine and the drivetrain.
Before any customising I’d have to cut the wires to the beep beep beep speaker. Hopefully some bright spark will import some RHD ones from Japan.
As a former Datsun 1972 240Z owner, I love it! I still haven't seen one on the street yet.
Glad you enjoyed Angeles Crest,Jonny!
As an owner of a modded 370z(and a 350z before that) I love it, these cars grow on you. Nissan know their game, and this is spot on, plenty of scope for tweaking here. Absolute crying shame that we won't get it in the UK. The size of that fuel filler though 😂
Yep, love the chassis but I agree they could have gone with an old school filler screw on cap (with locking mechanism) instead of that barn door.
I actually like the colour of your test car. Love the rear end, not sure of the headlight shape myself 🤔, but hey, everyone’s different.
Save the Manual!!! 👍
Great video Jonny. Love the visit to Cars and coffee
And that NSX, Haven't seen one for years what a treat that was.
I do wish we could have this in the UK, but you are totally right Nissan have built this to be modified to how the owner wants it.
An excellent review as always Johnny.
Thankyou for doing this Johnny!!! Been dying to hear a brits opinion on this see if it’s worth importing in the near future
Congrats on cracking the 1/2 million subs Jonny. Thoroughly deserved.
Many thanks for helping get over the line!
Owned a couple 350z and love love love them. Thanx for this insight into this bud :)
🤘🏽
Nicely done. Both the review and the car.
Great channel Johnny I think the rear of this new Z looks similar to the 1969 Aston Martin DBS as drive by Roger Moore in the Persuders .
Since you mentioned TST and were trying to capture exhaust noise: they've been known to mount a gopro in the region of the tail pipe.
Johnny, one of your best programs. Very well done. More more please
Thank you v much
That was such a cool mix of cars you came across
Great review as always Johnny. Shame none in UK. What is the watch please?. (Could you put them in description box for watch and car nuts)
Great Great Great review Jonny! Anyone that orders this without a Manuel is a Philharmonic level flute
Well, that's my new daily driver. Through the '90's I had the 300Z, and from ''11 till now I have the Monaro [as you mentioned]. That new Z is a combination o the two, I like it! I hope it is imported
The interior, buttons, etc, reminds me a lot of my own ND. Very nice indeed. Simple, positive clicks, physical buttons, ignorable screen. Lovely.
Physical buttons amen! Seriously can’t stand the way everything is touch screen these days
interior ir awful bar the buttons lol
It really reminds me of the original 240. I worked at a Datsun dealer when they first came out.
Great review 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
in the deive off shot at the beginning i couldnt help but spot the Accord Tourer/Acura TSX Sport Wagon! that thing has aged so well! maybe its just me...
I'm so impressed with this car i just wish i had the money to buy one! Such a great throwback to analog control, spot on styling, i hope they sell like hot cakes!
First of all..that Accord Tourer/Estate is an amazing car to own.! Sadly the new Z looked so high and bulky thanks to the very ugly BIG frontfender hole that screws it up. Can imagine it with less mufflers and alot more induction noice gonna be a nice awsome fun car! Great vid 👌
I also noticed it, looks really clean. By the way, TSX wagon must be really rare unicorn in US.
Manual Transmission= Proper sport car 🤘
Had my eye on these for a little while, gutted they're not coming to the UK. You're exactly right Jonny, they're just ripe for some subtle modding!
The shittiest reason why it can't come to UK? Franchise/HQ jurisdiction and the potential sales loss on other non-Nissan or euro-built models (not even competing models!!!) are too high a risk.....
I would suggest a Ro-sham-bo competition in between all those involved....but that still won't provide the opportunity for this model to be sold natively.
Grey imports will make a decent markup profit....
Don’t come my way either…
Standard top notch LBS content Jonny! Sweet, sweet car! But, to be fair, the US have been denied so many cars over the years so let them enjoy this one... And, let's be honest, some will almost certainly come to the UK to be enjoyed.
Just import one from Japan or Australia. As an Aussie it is great we are getting the chance to buy one.
This new Nissan Z is gorgeous in an understated way and I love it in that silver. They also do a stunning orange which is really cool with a black roof. Not sure why we in the UK ain't getting it, but I'm sure some will import it from Japan. Best looking Nissan for decades in my opinion. 👌
emission regulations and other stuff nissan didn't want to put into the car to meet the UE "law"
@@Px4164 all that money wasted on Brexit and you still won't get the fun cars
Johnny, great vids. What watch are you wearing in this one?
Bump.....
Would like to know also
Superb cinematography ❤
Looks like the original 240Z, I love it
I prefer all manual controls - I'm in direct control of everything, not relying on a computer to decide things for me! (Also less to go wrong).
but cheeaper and easier to fix electronoc parts in the main :)
Greater than the sum of it's parts, looking glorious though. A great design that really pays homage to the original 240z. Good that Nissan has made this a 'cheap' car, and sensible to recycle an old chassis and parts bin bits, as the sales volume will never be huge compared to mainstream cars. What a shame it won't find it's way to some export markets. Or thanks to videos like Jonny's, will it...??
Really good videography!
I have to say the cats eye headlights are the one thing I don't care for. I feel like this car could look really classy and retro with some classic round headlights like the 240Z. They'd contrast better with the sleek shape and make it stand out amongst most modern cars. I think round headlights need a comeback in general, but especially here.
Totally agree 350 was the pick of the old cars.
those tail light and grill squares remind me of the taillights of the 300zx
Jonny in Murica! We need a US Barn Find!
Would love to. A BF tour is the bucket list plan...
Love it , especially looks wise from the back. 2 things though, I can't believe it can be ordered without an LSD ?? Why?
Also would love to know why they won't be for sale in UK and Ireland/Europe?
Great video Jonny. There are a few Infiniti Q60’s in the UK with the same engine. They’re not quite unicorns (I have one), Infiniti sold about 150 of both the 2.0 & 3.0 variants in 5yrs. . .
In 5yrs?! Bloody hell.
@@TheLateBrakeShowwell if you want to see (or drive) one and you’re passing South Wales, you are welcome to give it a go. The 3.0 twin turbo is great in my car, very envious of you driving the Z, which is about the only car I’d chop it in for, if I could get one of course. . .
Marketing slogan: ‘2 seats, 3 peddles, 400 horses’
Being a life long Z fan and a big fan of the 300zx Twin Turbo in particular having owned one for 15 years in the UK, it is a shame that the new Z isn't currently available in the UK (and doesn't surprise me). One thing I've found from spending a lot of time in the US visiting a plethora of amazing Z events from Znationals and ZCon is that there's virtually nothing for the Z enthusiast in the UK. Local Nissan dealerships in the US and Nissan USA go to great strides to support and help develop the enthusiast scene, you also have great aftermarket support from people like Z1 who Nissan actually support directly, something that NMUK and general dealerships in the UK do absolutely nothing for. The ownership experience in the UK sadly lacks although I did enjoy owning mine, the enthusiast base was very small and poorly supported externally.
I do hope that it is brought to the UK, there's little competition these days for affordable performance coupes, so it would sell well I think.
Doesn't matter what brand you purchase in the UK they don't give a shit once you've purchased a vehicle, main dealers are overpriced and useless!
Yall hated on the 350z when it came out (not you but the uk). Everything since has carried over on the same platform. You should feel better knowing the uk has gotten many cars we havnt gotten in the states.
@@pauliewalnuts240that's because we had the twin turbo 300ZX before it, and they replaced it with a non turbo car filled with parts made by Renault.
@@pauliewalnuts240 Don't believe what you see on Top Gear. The 350 was much more popular in the UK than the 300 (Z32).
@@Jay-B1750 not true. Mainstream, there's an element of truth in that, but not all brands.
Nice little Zed. Shame its not coming here, but no doubt there will be a few brought over
You’re in my backyard we’re with our bikes up there often! Hello from Tustin CA! Enjoy!
👌🏽
Great review. You certainly understand why people buy this car.
Mine us the 2 tone Blue one with red interior trim.
Definitely a GT car when compared to my 370Z Nismo.
Great video, funny to see that the only deep video review comes from UK in US land. There is almost no material about this 40k base model unfortunately
Just makes me appreciate my 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si coupe even more - analog, normally aspirated, svelte and tbh the Bangle design looks more adventurous then this does as well. Great review tho 🫡👍
or even an old miata . or any pre 2000 bmw for that matter :)
I think this has amazing bones, can’t wait to see what people do with these. Absolutely needs that little black duck tail spoiler.
Enjoyed that. Such a shame we won't get it in the UK. I owned a 370Z GT and although it had it's flaws. No reach adjustment for the steering being the worst, it was a great car. Felt heavy rather than something to fling around like a Hot hatch, but I maybe would have considered a new 400Z.
A lot of those will be imported to the UK from Japan on the used auction market. Even with the import taxes and modifications to comply with UK vehicle regulations it will be worth the investment.
prettier than they have been. I had a 74 260z with a tuned 2.8 with a Janspeed stainless. But on the original 240z Hitachi carbs. That was sweet as you can imagine and howled to 7000 rpm . Happy days . Would pop and crackle on the overrun with 99 octane, Red with a black bonnet and wheels in homage to the Safari Rally. Straight Six is waay nicer than V. Top top quality J! Great work and thanks.
low revs compared to my old rx7 :)
Would that be the Renualt parts bin though?
Hi Johnny. I drive a 370z (manual), years ago I had a 240z. I drive the 370z as a daily, well most days. The new Z is very similar to sections of the 370. I’ve heard that they used the 370 as the base, the only way they could afford to build it. The boot area is exactly the same. The seats are the same, exactly. Three gauges look the same, minus the turbo stuff. The petrol cap is the same, huge. I love it. I wish it had a tad more power though. Once it gets going it’s good. . As for the new Z. I do love it but it would be great if Nissan had managed the launch better. It sounds like some people in America paid way too much, luckily in Australia Nissan dealers can’t over charge. Long live the Z and the car club culture they bring.
old car culture :)
I do like the look of this. That's all I'll ever get to do though, just admire it. Still, at least I saw the Top Secret tuned one in their garage when I visited there at the end of April this year. :)
It's a great car. Love the one tone paint job. I would get wheels, brakes, and spoiler.
It’s ridiculous, we’re not getting the Nissan 400 Z, that car would sell so well over here
Exactly why I'm not getting rid of my current SX4. Manual Simple and Analogue.
About time a base model was reviewed.
Sad that they don't bring it to Europe.
Just looked at Nissans offers in Sweden, not a single model I'd consider for a second glance (and I'm a 50 year old male that needs a new daily).
Proper bloke stopping what your doing to listen to a rowdy v8 😂 love it ✌️
Had to be done.
Purity and simplicity - back to basics...BINGO!!!
Wait, does it have a manual hand brake? That E @25:19 ....sweet! Many accidents occur on that road (as well on the GMR), but it's a great drive if you can avoid the nitwits who cross the center line coming around a corner.
The Canon 5D Mark II and the 370Z both started production around the same time so I really like the 2009 throwback color grading style of the intro