Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34

For over five decades, the Nissan Fairlady Z became the second-best thing to come out since the iconic Skyline GT-R. From the Safari to Suzuka, its motorsport pedigree has become the hallmark of the Z lineage. In the midst of the new normal, Nissan didn't give up on the Z bloodline so they've launched the ultimate Z ever made, and the world's on fire with this new version.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z

Priced at 5,241,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the reborn Fairlady Z promises to be the ultimate Z car speedo boys are yearning for. Despite its new looks, there's something odd about this car. Why stick to the Z34 chassis code? The styling inspired by the Z Proto concept looks brand new to them but it's still a Z34 underneath, therefore it's still a Heisei-era car recalibrated for the Reiwa era. Still, because most of the stuff is new, they've labeled this Fairlady Z as the RZ34 and the R stands for Reiwa. It's a Z34 reworked for the Reiwa era.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z

Like the Z Proto concept, the front design draws inspiration from the 240ZG, while the side view is inspired by the original S30 Fairlady Z, and the rear view design is inspired by the Z32. Although similarly sized compared to the previous Z34, the retro-inspired design is the stuff of legends.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z interior

The interior is newly reworked and driver-focused so speedo boys can enjoy driving behind the wheel. From its triple pod cluster, race-inspired gauges, a GT-R-styled steering wheel, and new performance seats, the new interior gives drivers the feeling of driving a race car on the road and track, from the Tokyo highways to the corners of Suzuka Circuit.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z

Because the Fairlady Z RZ34 is all about returning from its roots, it's now powered by a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine lifted from the Skyline V37 400R. It produces 405PS of power, and 475Nm of torque, and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. In addition to the new monotube shocks, new front geometry, increased rigidity, available sport brakes, mechanical LSD, and rear suspension tuning, the RZ34 features, for the first time, available launch control and electric power steering. The latter can be somewhat upsetting for purists behind the wheel just like the time when the Porsche 911 991 comes with it. 

Despite being bulky to drive due to the electric power steering drama, it's still worth an enjoyable car to drive on the road and on the track. Whether you're beating the rush hour traffic or beating personal lap times, the Fairlady Z RZ34's improved dynamics are what made it the best Z car to drive full-stop. As for fuel economy, the RZ34 is good from 9.5 to 10.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Because being the Z car built for the new normal, the Fairlady Z RZ34 features Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is a range of active safety systems consisting of Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent FCW, LDW, Hill Start Assist, BSW, RCTA, Hi-Beam Assist, Intelligent Emergency Brake, front and back sonar, and more. Although startling for speedo boys behind the wheel, who cares about them. Some speedo boys are toying around with autonomous tech nowadays.

The Fairlady Z RZ34 is still a Heisei-era Z-car underneath but the improvements really made the RZ34 the Z car fit for the Reiwa era. The European-built, BMW Z4-derived Toyota GR Supra should be worrying right now because its worst nightmare has come true in the form of the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34.

It may be known as the ultimate Fairlady Z ever made, but it made a lot of bitter sacrifices to become a living thing such as losing its European fans because of the fact that Nissan will not sell the RZ34 to the Old Continent for numerous reasons. For speedo boys in America, Japan, and other countries permitted to sell it, will the RZ34 Fairlady Z be hit or a miss?  Only time will tell...

Available colors: Ikazuchi Yellow/Super Black 2-Tone, Seiran Blue/Super Black 2-Tone, Carmine Red/Super Black 2-Tone, Stealth Grey/Super Black 2-Tone, Brilliant Silver/Super Black 2-Tone, Prism White/Super Black 2-Tone, Burgundy, Dark Metal Grey, and Midnight Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.