Brief Introduction
Nissan 280Z was the second generation of the Z-car series launched by Nissan Motors in the international market during the 1960s. Before this, Nissan was a relatively small regional automaker that mainly focused on Japan and Asia. In a move aiming to penetrate the global automobile market, Nissan worked to develop a sports car model that would be inexpensive but innovative, stylish, and fast. The series managed to meet all its objectives by ensuring that the parts used would be interchangeable with all the other Nissan made vehicles. The Z-car series cars are still highly praised all over the world on the account of their aesthetics, affordability, reliability, and performance. This paper will explore the history of the Nissan 280Z with an emphasis on its place in the Z-car series by Nissan.
First Generation Z-Car
The first generation of the Nissan 280Z in the Z-car series was the Nissan 240Z (S30) that had two versions; one for the US market and another for the Japanese market, each customized for its particular market. The car was released in the US market on 22nd October 1969 where it reported significant sales due to its highly praised robust performance, reliability, and good looks. It sold more than 150,000 units from its release to 1974 when it was replaced by the 260Z model. The newer model had an increased engine size with the displacement of 2.6L. Nevertheless, the power of the car was reduced to 104kW so as to conform to the US emissions regulations of the time. The 280Z model replaced the 260Z model with another engine size increase and the new Bosch fuel injection method that revolutionized carburetors. The result was an increase of power to 127kW that could better handle increase weight from a mandatory larger bumper imposed by the US regulations and the new luxury features.
Second Generation Z-Car
The 280ZX was the second generation of the Z-car series and included a complete overhaul of the entire model with only a few items remaining unaltered. The unchanged items included the engine and five-speed manual transmission system. The body of the car was changed in response the era’s customer preferences such as luxurious interiors. In addition, the 280ZX introduced t-tops in 1980 and turbocharged engines in 1981. The engine alternations had the car being recorded as the fastest imported car in the US market. The turbocharged engine could deliver and acceleration of 0–60 mph in 7.4 seconds. Because of these changes, the 280ZX model became very popular and had over 86,000 cars sold within the first year of its launch. Most people who purchased the car indicated that the emphasis on luxurious inclusions radically changed the car’s levels of performance and comfort. The luxury features included climate control, leather interiors, and headlamp washers. Furthermore, this model challenged the convention by offering new colors including red, gold and even a combination of the two. Cost
Considering its capabilities and features the car was sold at only $3,500 and this allowed the car to dominate the market as equal value cars were at considerably higher prices. After the 1975 alternations the car was marketed at $7,968 which was a fair price considering the improvements that had been made to the car. However, it is interesting to note that presently the Nissan Z-car series in a high end car selling at $43,000.
Development of Later Generations
It is important to realize that while development of the Z-car series continued with four more generations the car changed completely with the 300ZX model of 1984 to the extent that it cannot be considered in the same category as the 280ZX that is the focus of this paper. Nevertheless, the Z-car model is still in production and currently in the sixth generation with the Nissan 370Z released in 2009 and still in production. In conclusion, Nissan 280ZX introduced and cemented Japanese automaker Nissan position in the US and global market. The car’s innovative improvements on the engine power and luxury additions ensured that the car is still considered as one of the greatest models ever produced and sold in US and Japan.
Works Cited
Millikin, John P and Dean Fu. "The global leadership of Carlos Ghosn at Nissan." Thunderbird International Business Review 47.1 (2005): 121-137. Print.
