If you’re a fan of classic sports cars, you’ve likely heard of the Nissan Z. First introduced in the 1960s, this iconic car has undergone numerous changes over the years. In 2024, Nissan released the latest iteration of this beloved vehicle – the 2024 Nissan Z. But is it a worthy successor to the Z legacy?
At first glance, the 2024 Nissan Z appears to be a modern take on a classic design. The car features sleek lines and a distinctive split grille, paying homage to its predecessors. But the new Z offers more than just retro styling. Under the hood, you’ll find a twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers impressive power and speed. The car also comes with a choice of manual or automatic transmission, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience.
So, is the 2024 Nissan Z a worthy successor to the Z legacy? In this retro review, we’ll take a closer look at the car’s design, performance, and value to help you decide. Whether you’re a diehard Z fan or simply looking for a new sports car, read on to learn more about the 2024 Nissan Z.
Historical Context of the Nissan Z Series

The Nissan Z series is a line of sports cars manufactured by Nissan Motors, a Japanese automaker. The Z series has been in production since 1969 and has undergone several changes, both in design and performance, over the years. In this section, we will take a look at the evolution of the Z and the previous generations.
Evolution of the Z
The first generation of the Z series was introduced in 1969 as the Datsun 240Z. It was a two-seater sports car that was affordable, reliable, and fun to drive. The 240Z was powered by a 2.4-liter inline-six engine that produced 151 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It was praised for its handling and performance, and it quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The second generation of the Z series, the 280ZX, was introduced in 1978. It featured a more aerodynamic design and was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine that produced 145 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The 280ZX was available in both coupe and 2+2 body styles.
The third generation of the Z series, the 300ZX, was introduced in 1984. It was available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions and was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced up to 300 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. The 300ZX was also available in both coupe and convertible body styles.
The fourth generation of the Z series, the 350Z, was introduced in 2002. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced up to 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. The 350Z was praised for its handling and performance, and it was available in both coupe and convertible body styles.
Previous Generations
In addition to the Z series, Nissan has also produced other sports cars over the years. One of the most notable is the Skyline, which was introduced in 1957. The Skyline was available in both coupe and sedan body styles and was powered by a range of engines, including inline-four, inline-six, and V6 engines.
Another notable sports car from Nissan is the GT-R, which was introduced in 1969. The GT-R was powered by a range of engines, including inline-six and V6 engines, and was available in both coupe and sedan body styles. The GT-R was praised for its handling and performance, and it quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Overall, the Nissan Z series has a rich history of performance and design. The latest iteration of the Z series, the 2024 Nissan Z Heritage Edition, pays homage to the original Z series while incorporating modern technology and performance.