What is the NEW Nissan Z like on epic driving roads? Detailed review

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

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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98

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

[peternorrish]

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

[brucedriffill]

Back end is more 300zx than 200sx/Silvia

[Lewisiz]

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.

[fabvee]

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.

[trevorsmith]

It's nice to see a new car without a bloody great screen taking up the dash.

[cleonmain]

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.

[soggytom]

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!

[alansheard]

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.

[nathanchildress]

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

[Chris]

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.

[jamiedufrayer]

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!

[Risky]

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!

[dekkerlundquist]

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.

[Amphlett]

The rear lights are very 300ZX, I love it. Such a shame it's not coming to the UK. Great video Jonny, thanks!

[honda]

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 👌

[davesimpson]

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.

[jonnybarker]

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!

[TheRealCCSmith]

The Z is and always has been a car for drivers! They all are a joy to drive.

[tommarino]

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! 🙂

[davidsobel]

As a former Datsun 1972 240Z owner, I love it! I still haven't seen one on the street yet.