It’s not often that people seek my fashion or design insights—just check out my wardrobe choices for proof—but I believe the most visually appealing car ever produced by Nissan is the S30-generation Datsun 240Z. Now, Nissan is looking to capitalize on the enthusiasm for the legendary 240Z by introducing a significantly marked-up Nissan Z Heritage Edition.
The most notable change in the Nissan Z Heritage Edition compared to the standard model is its front design, featuring a revamped fascia. The grille has been split into two sections, with a broader and more trapezoidal lower air intake. This edition also showcases an exclusive New Sight Orange paint job, 19-inch black wheels inspired by Watanabe, and subtle fender extensions. Additionally, it includes black stripes: one at the top of the Z and another along each door sill. Beyond this, it remains largely unchanged.
Enthusiasts of the Z series will recall that this entire exterior design was previewed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022 through a concept vehicle called the “Customized Proto.” A version of this car was eventually released for Japanese customers, and now, similar options are becoming available elsewhere.
Inside the vehicle, there are no changes. The Heritage Edition maintains the same driver-centric, though quite minimalist, all-black interior typical of the regular Z. Fortunately, Nissan continues to offer the Heritage Edition with the option of a six-speed manual transmission along with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
There are no differences under the hood, either, as the Heritage Edition retains the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Standard features include a mechanical limited-slip differential and the usual Nissan Performance brakes with red calipers.
Although the Heritage Edition primarily offers cosmetic enhancements, the addition of the redesigned front end and distinctive paint job comes at a steep premium. Set to launch this summer, the nostalgic Z will start at $60,275—a jump of $16,000 compared to the regular Z, without any mechanical improvements. While the vibrant orange color is impressive and reminiscent of some of the more striking colors of the Datsun 240Z, visual features like paint and stripes can only go so far.
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