THERE'S A NISSAN Z THAT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE OG Z32 FAIRLADY Z - PRETTY RAD.
When you talk about Japanese sports cars that defined an era, the Nissan 300ZX Z32 always makes the shortlist. Launched in 1989, it was the fourth generation of Nissan’s celebrated Z-car line, and it immediately turned heads with its sleek, wedge-shaped design, flush headlights, and technology that pushed the segment forward. The Z32 was a proper child of the 1990s performance boom. Its 3.0-litre VG30DE V6 was already a strong motor, but with twin-turbos strapped on, it delivered 300 horsepower - a serious figure for the time and enough to rival Porsche and Corvette in performance. Power ran through the rear wheels via a slick 5-speed manual, while innovations like four-wheel steering (Super HICAS) and advanced multi-link suspension made it more agile than its competitors expected from a Japanese coupe.
The Z32 wasn’t just about numbers, though. Its flowing bodywork, low stance, and driver-focused interior made it an instant icon. Car magazines raved about its ability to mix comfort, everyday usability, and flat-out speed - and today, it’s a poster child for the golden era of Japanese sports cars. It also played a starring role in video games, tuner culture, and the early days of the import scene, cementing its legend among enthusiasts.
Now, as the Z celebrates its heritage, Nissan tips its hat back to that legendary fourth-gen with the new 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition. The latest Z is already a car designed with history in its DNA, but the new Heritage Edition for 2026 now adds a more direct homage to the Z32. Retro-inspired details and visual touches call back to that 1990s hero, especially around the rear design, which channels the signature look of the 300ZX. The Z lineup is offered in Sport, Performance, and NISMO grades, each with escalating levels of hardware and aggression. The Heritage Edition is available across the range and celebrates that Z legacy with exclusive detailing.
Under the hood, the twin-turbocharged V6 ensures the modern Z still has the muscle to back up its name. Standard models push 294 kW and 475 Nm of torque, with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic. Performance enhancements include SynchroRev Match (manual, Performance grade), a mechanical limited-slip differential (Performance and NISMO), and Launch Control for lightning getaways with the automatic. For those who want more, the Z NISMO delivers 309 kW and 520 Nm, along with a sharper chassis. NISMO-specific upgrades include retuned dampers, stiffer springs, unique stabiliser bars, and wider rear wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires. Functional aero-like canards, a larger three-piece spoiler, and a reworked grille further set it apart.
Heritage aside, the Z remains very much a modern performance coupe. Inside, the 12.3-inch driver display offers Normal, Enhanced, and Sport views, while connectivity is bang up to date with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, USB ports, navigation, NissanConnect® Services, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an optional Bose® 8-speaker system. Retro cues shine through with details like the triple dash-top gauges and the long hood with the “Z bulge”, while the rear end echoes the Z32 300ZX. The NISMO variant gets extra touches like Recaro seats, suede-trimmed panels, and red-accented design highlights. Standard kit includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. Adaptive Cruise Control comes as standard too.
Seventy years on from the first Z-car concept sketches and more than three decades since the Z32 redefined what a Japanese sports car could be, the 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition brings the story full circle. It’s a car that tips its hat to the past while packing the kind of performance, tech, and refinement modern enthusiasts expect. The 300ZX Z32 was once called a car ahead of its time - and now, in the new Z, time has caught up.
Take a look at the YouTube video hosted by the Kondor Cars crew that gives a cool overview of this new Z-car homage - the Z Heritage Edition. Pity these, or any models, will never make it to SA shores: 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition iconic sports car - all specs | KondorCars
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