Nissan ended the production of the 300ZX Z31 in 1989 and no one seemed to be sorry about it. But also, no one was prepared for what Nissan was about to unveil in 1990: a new, completely redesigned and aggressive 300ZX, with even more power and a new personality. The 300ZX was in the top 10 Best for the 7 years in which it was in production in America; it also was awarded “Import car of the year” by Motor Trend and won “Design of the year.”

1990 - 1996 Nissan Z-Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1990 - 1996 Nissan Z-Car
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Nissan 300ZX Z32 was unveiled on the North American market in 1990 and was sold for a price of $30.000. It was one of the first cars completely designed with CAD software; it featured a whole host of technological advancements. On top-of-the-line twin turbo models, four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering). The twin turbochargers, intercoolers, and requisite plumbing left for a cramped engine bay; however, everything fit perfectly with merely the slightest of bulges.

The 300ZX was offered in both 2 and 2+2 versions. The wheelbase now stretched to 97.0 inches on the two-seater and separated a supple and advanced suspension using multiple links and A-arms up front, and a multilink system in the rear that incorporated Nissan's "HICAS" (High Capacity Active Suspension) system. HICAS included some rear steering that depended on vehicle speed, steering angle and other parameters.

Nissan Z32 was offered in two choices of engines: a 3.0 liter V6 naturally aspired one with an output of 222 hp and a peak torque of 198 lbs-ft and a twin turbo one with an output of 300 hp and a peak torque of 280 lbs-ft. The power helped the 300ZX to easily stand next to the Porsche 928 S4 and Chevrolet Corvette. The Nissan 300ZX made the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6.0 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph.

Nissan added a convertible version in 1993 for the first time in the Z-car's history, as a response to aftermarket conversions. All the 300ZX models were now offered with T-tops as standard, but customers could also choose some rare hardtops, known as the "slicktops".

Nissan made minimal changes to the fourth generation Z-Cars. In 1992 the only change was a driver-side front airbag became standard. In 1994 Nissan made a passenger-side airbag standard. In 1996 Nissan discountinued the production of the Turbo models.

Nissan ended the production of the 300ZX Z32 in 1996 after 80.000 units being sold.

Conclusion

Even if the 300ZX Z32 was the most powerful Z model ever offered, with the most modern design, its biggest killer was its inflated price: around $30K on the first years, going to over $50K in the last year. And how in the '90s the big fashion were the SUVs, a $30K sports car was something the people couldn't understood. From the US market it was withdrawn in 1996, but for the Japanese market a facelift was offered for another two years.