The Nissan 350Z successfully brought the Z nameplate back from the grave. It did this by going in its own, modern direction. The 350Z was made possible because of the efforts of creative designers, relentless engineers, and ingenious executives at Nissan. This video extensively covers the conception, design, market reception, and lasting legacy of the Nissan 350Z.

The Datsun 240Z was a revelation, not just for Nissan, but for Japanese cars and the automotive industry as a whole. It offered stellar performance and unparalleled practicality in a stylish and affordable package. Nissan’s two-seat runabout started at $3,526, which undercut established sports cars by a considerable margin. And with 150 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, it blew other coupes around its price range out of the water.

Shifting consumer tastes and increasingly stringent safety and emissions regulations forced the Z to evolve. In 1974, the 240Z became the 260Z. The update was all but necessary to maintain the status quo. While it brought performance figures back to snuff (and then some), it also added weight and introduced complexity. Engine displacement for American-market examples increased again to 2.8L in 1975. For as much of a sensation as the S30 was, it would be impossible to carry its philosophy into the 80s. The Z had to adapt or die.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 INTRO
2:34 ROAD SONG (1998 Z Concept)
9:17 HISTORY OF NISSAN DESIGN AMERICA
14:13 1999 Z CONCEPT
18:13 EARLY DESIGN PHASE
24:52 AJAY PANCHAL INTRODUCTION
26:01 FINAL DESIGN EVALUATION
28:01 MISC ENGINEERING NOTES
29:32 2001 350Z CONCEPT
30:57 SOLO TESTS
32:15 COMPARISON TESTS
36:11 INFINITI G35
37:51 TRIM LEVELS/MODEL UPDATES