The Nissan 300ZX Never Let America Down

Nissan never let America down. The automaker generated huge hype with its early Z-cars and won the hearts of the Americans almost immediately. Its 240Z was literally sensation and quickly became number one in both sales and racing. Embracing its success, Nissan developed the 280ZX – which was less sporty than its predecessor, but comfortable enough for the consumers to like and likewise buy.

And then the V6 was born and it came out with the Z31-generation 300ZX, an engine also available with turbo! But while the Z31 was suitable for the eighties, the nineties that were just around the corner expected Nissan to step up its game and offer something better and more complex if it was to keep its top position.

So there it was – a grand tourer with rear-wheel drive system, a torquey 3.0, and an aerodynamic body with optional four-wheel steering lifted from the Skyline. Nissan literally went all in with it in order to answer the much higher expectations of the future.
Now, let us introduce you to the Z32 – the model that was discontinued in America back in 1996, and 4 years later in Japan. It was, unfortunately, too sluggish for what you’d expect based on its looks and too soft to allow you to treat it like a real sports car.
However, with its 222 hp from a DOHC 3.0 V6 with variable valve-timing (and 300 hp in twin-turbo spec) – it was perfectly suitable for America – the place that praises straight lines and can’t live without its comfy heated leather seats.