The hidden design elements of the all-new Nissan Z

Inspiration takes many forms. A great novel, for example, can be inspired by an interesting story, a hit song from a picture, and a new design from specific flashbacks. When Nissan unveiled the all-new Z in August 2021, the world learned about the seventh generation of the Z, and some pointed to the sources of inspiration that Nissan designers drew on the new car.

Designers look back over the past 50 years of Z's history in search of inspiration to draw upon and add a unique touch to their work. They even hid some subtle design elements so that those who see the car fall in love with it at first sight and that feeling develops into a strong bond between it and the Z.

Here are design elements inspired by past models that artistically highlight the Z's rich 50-year history and celebrate its Japanese heritage.

Exterior Design:

Side Design: The most famous element of the Nissan sports car, the new Nissan Z features the familiar shape of the first generation, with the rear part being lower than the front. The long front, short roof and sloping roof complement the iconic design.

Front and back height / body and exterior door design: the golden ratio, which is the most beautiful number ever, a mathematical calculation that can be seen in nature, in the Nautilus shell for example, but also in art such as Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces, in architecture and even music. For the all-new Z, elements from the front and rear, window height and door panel use the golden ratio to give the design a natural beauty that everyone likes.

Silver Roof Accents: These unique accents are inspired by the shape and color of the katana (samurai sword) and highlight the lower body and accentuate the profile, especially when paired with the black roof.

These touches also reflect the car's Japanese heritage and the high level of craftsmanship that goes into creating the legendary sword:

Rear Side Windshield: The triangular rear side windshield was directly inspired by the first generation Z. This unique shape was also used on the 370Z.

Bonnet: Known to designers as the “Z Bulge,” it adopts the same approach as the original Nissan Z, with sharp spurs and sharp waves that accentuate the long front and reflect the power under the bonnet.

Front Grille: The rectangular grille design of the new Z allows for ample airflow that feeds the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, similar to the shape of the grilles of the original Z and 350Z. When you look closely at it, the new Z grille is made of rectangular ovals that resemble the taillights of the Z32.

Headlights: The headlights are based on the design of the first generation of the Z. They consist of two illuminated LED crescent-shaped headlights and are inspired by the glass-covered headlights of the 240ZG also known as the “G-nose” Z.

Z badge on The C-pillar: The all-new Nissan Z has a Z badge reminiscent of the first-generation S30 Z. It even occupies the same position, just a few inches from the car's rear side windshield.

Taillights: The rear design of the new Z is directly inspired by the Nissan 300ZX (Z32). A black midsection that runs along the rear is a design element that also features on the original Z and Nissan 300ZX (Z31).

Rear Spoiler: The functional and dynamic sporty rear spoiler was a popular addition to the first generation of the Z. The all-new Z spoiler was inspired by it.

18-inch Wheels: The 5-spoke wheels are inspired by the 4-spoke design of the first-generation Z wheels, with thicker lines and bolt holes fitted into the negative wheel space.

19” WHEELS: The 19” wheel rails are inspired by the traditional Japanese katana sword that is meticulously designed and handcrafted.

Rear windshield: On the lower part of the rear window in the Z is a hidden phrase: “Since 1969,” in reference to the car's rich heritage where the first Z was launched in the same year.

Automatic transmission: The all-new Nissan Z features a new 9-speed automatic transmission with Launch Control. The Z logo is also hidden on the side of the gearbox and can be seen from the bottom of the car.

Yellow Exterior Color: The all-new Z's new exterior colour, Ikazuchi Yellow, is inspired by previous Z cars. He chose the yellow paint of the original Z Yutaka Katayama, known as "Kai", to contrast with the blue of the sky. Katayama ran Nissan's US operations in the 1970s and is widely known as the father of the Datsun Z.

Interior Cabin:

Instrument panel: The overall instrument panel design in the new Z is inspired by the simple, functional horizontal layout of the original Z dashboard with a clearly defined center panel that is available on all Z models and symbolizes the design of the sports car (rear-wheel drive and front-engine).

Triple instrument cluster: The three instrument clusters in the upper center of the dashboard have characterized many previous Z cars and were the most visible interior design element that links 50 years of Z's heritage to this latest seventh generation.

The positioning of the gauge cluster is intended to reduce eye fatigue and ADHD while driving.

Center vents: Located above the center stack, angled against the bottom of the dashboard, in what designers call “reverse tilt,” a technology also used on the first generation Z. This approach reduces driver visual noise and creates It has an interior that feels safe even when driving at high speeds.

Tachometer: The new Nissan Z features race car-style gear-shifting lights that tell the driver exactly when to increase their speed. The red line on the tachometer points straight up, making it easier to see the needle when you get close to this mark. The proposals were made by professional racing driver Tsujio Matsuda and Nissan GT500 race car driver.