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The Nissan 300ZX is a sports car produced by Nissan/Datsun and sold in its home market as the Nissan Fairlady Z.
Z31
The Z31 version was first introduced in 1984 as the third-generation Nissan Z-car. It offered V6 engines for the first time: a naturally-aspirated VG30E and turbocharged VG30ET, which produced 160 and 200 horsepower, respectively.
The chassis remained similar to the 280ZX, with the same 91.3 in wheelbase and MacPherson strut/trailing arm independent suspension.
In 1984 Nissan produced the 300ZX Anniversary Edition in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. The car was restyled somewhat in 1987, and a special edition 300ZX, dubbed the Shiro, was introduced in 1988. The Z31 was in production until 1989 and was replaced by the Z32 in 1990.
Z32
The Z32 was a complete redesign. It featured a naturally aspirated engine rated at 222 hp, and a top-of-the-line Twin-Turbo version rated at 300 hp. A convertible model was also introduced in 1993. Twin Turbo models were not offered as a 2+2 or convertible in the United states.
One major difference between the VG30E/VG30ET (featured in the Z31) and the VG30DE/VG30DETT (featured in the Z32) was the variable valve timing system (which was detuned in 1996 to meet smog regulation).
The platform was new, with a longer 97 in wheelbase and sophisticated multi-link suspension front and rear. Twin Turbo models featured electronically adjustable shock absorbers, and Nissan's all-wheel-steering system SUPER HICAS, which could turn the rear wheels a full two degrees at speed.
The Z32 was discontinued in 1996 in North America due to dwindling sales figures, heightened smog regulations, and rising production costs. The price of a Twin Turbo 300ZX rose to US$45,000 that year, too high for many consumers. Production of the Z32 continued in Japan until 1999.
Awards
The Z32 300ZX Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list every year it was available, from 1990 through 1996. The Z32 Turbo was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1990.
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