Issue #16

Features

Celebrating 40 years of Z Heritage

Who would have believed 40 years ago that a single car could make such a difference? The venerable Datsun 240Z first burst on the North American automotive scene in 1970 and made a huge impact on the marketplace. Some say it almost single-handedly lifted the entire Datsun/Nissan franchise to prominence in the US. Destined to become an icon for the marque, the Z car has stood as a beacon of affordable performance—a sports car for everyman (and woman). Chris Karl, executive director of the Z Car Club of America (ZCCA), does a masterful job of telling the story of how the Z came to be, how it has grown and where it evolved throughout its model line.

It’s no coincidence that each Z model has embraced multiple goals: performance, economy, utility, and durability are core values of this legendary model line. Add in the latest technology for each new iteration of the Z and it’s little wonder why its fame has grown. Automotive enthusiasts of every type know the legend of the Z car, but few know the full details of the lineage. Karl’s story is one Nissan Sport is proud to feature in this landmark year. It’s one we hope Nissan fans everywhere will enjoy.

32 motorsports

Godzilla runs into a few speed bumps in the Autobacs Super GT500 and FIA GT-1 championships. Off-road competitions from North America to Africa attract Nissan racers and rallyists, while the 350Z Roadster comes into prominence as a drift car. Now, the question is, whose V8 is that in the engine bay?

38 project vehicles

Infiniti G37xS:

Interior and exterior upgrades

1973 240Z:

Suspension overhaul, part 3

350Z T2 race:

Race ready maintenance and test pipes

42 DIY tech

Product Tests, Reviews & Spotlights: B16 Sentra gets blown power from Treadstone Performance.

How Tos, Tech Tips & Tech Explained: Build a low-cost knock sensor listening device to detect engine detonation.

Q&A: Murano CVT durability.

Departments

2 from the editor

Taking risks and looking at the world in different ways mean better, more innovative products from Nissan.

4 letters

Holding a magazine more satisfying than wireless media. Looking through the garage brings pleasant memories. Altima fan wants SE-R coverage and the facts about Z coverage. The downside of Nissan hybrids and leaving the mulletheads alone.

6 ignition

Being unique and weird may not benefit the individual, but could pay dividends for the car company you love.

8 shifting gears

San Diego Automotive Museum pays homage to Datsun in a uniquely American story, RPM (rumors, parts and more), Archives (1935 Datsun 14 Roadster), Redline (Consumer Reports names Nissans top picks, Titan news, GT-R track news) and quick shifts.

14 first takes

Nissan: 2011 Nissan Juke and Rogue

Infiniti: G25 and IPL G37 Coupe

20 behind the wheel

Jeff Nelson’s Z31 300ZX

Clayton Garner’s 720 off-road pickup

Eric Wolf’s NX2000

46 the scene

Event Recaps: ZDayZ, Branson Z Fest, GoneMOAB. Also: calendar of upcoming events, Nissan Sport website relaunch, Sarah’s Web Watch.

56 rearview mirror

1938 Datsun Type 17T fire truck survives the flames of war.