- Nissan celebrates the Z’s 55th anniversary in the US with a Heritage Edition featuring a new split-grille design.
- It boasts a flashy “New Sight Orange” color scheme and other retro touches, paying homage to the S30-gen Datsun 240Z.
- Production is limited, with a starting price of $59,135 and a choice of 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission.
As we first reported last month, Nissan is celebrating the Z sports coupe’s 55th birthday in the United States with a special Heritage Edition. The star of the show? A new split-grille bumper – a vast improvement over the standard design, if this author may be so bold.
Let’s face it, the standard Z grille wasn’t exactly a slam dunk with everyone. Nissan listened to the feedback because they introduced this split-grille option in Japan last year. It first appeared on the Proto concept car, then found its way onto the production-ready Fairlady Z Customized Edition for their domestic market.
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Beyond the newfound grin, the Heritage Edition throws it back to the S30-gen Datsun 240Z with a flashy new color scheme. Dubbed “New Sight Orange,” it’s accented by a contrasting, stealthy black hood decal, bodyside stripes, and special Heritage Edition badges flanking the Z emblems. Black 19-inch wheels and fender flares round out the sharper look.
Under the hood, it’s business as usual. Borrowing from the Z Performance trim, the Heritage Edition packs a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 pumping out 400 horsepower and a peak torque figure of 350 lb-ft. A 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels, with a limited-slip differential and Nissan Performance brakes with red calipers keeping things tight.
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Production of the 2024 Z Heritage Edition will be limited, but just how limited remains a mystery, as Nissan’s keeping that info for itself. Expect the Heritage Edition to hit dealerships in the coming weeks, with a starting MSRP of $59,135 for either transmission — a $6,165 bump over the standard Performance trim upon which it is based.
So, is the extra scratch worth the historic homage, a grille that finally does the Z justice, and maybe even a subtle nod to its fanbase? You be the judge. But hey, at least it’s not another grimace.
