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[Home] [History - The Z] |
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|Intro| |1960's| |1969| |1970| |1971| |1972| |1973| |1974| |1975| |1976| |1977| |1978| |1979| |
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A NEW NUMBER, TWO NEW CARS Fuel vapourisation problems and stricter emissions regulations eventually caught up with the 240Z, and a new model had to be introduced. The 260Z overcame most of the 240’s shortcomings, but senisbly, with such a popular car, Nissan changed only the things that needed changing. The additonal 200cc (hence 240 to 260) was to retain the level of performance attained by the original 240Z of 1970, a that it did, on paper. The additional engine was achieved through a longer stroke which had the benefit of additional mid range torque, but at the expense of a willingness to rev. It was still a smooth 6 cylinder engine, but it wasn’t quite ‘pulling at the leash’ like the 2.4. The 2+2 was an inevitable response to the commercial succes of the Z, to provide continuing increase on sales Nissan had to start to appeal to a wider audience, that wider audience would have small children. Some say it was a dilution and when you realise that 200lb was of extra metal was added to make the 2+2, they might be right. However, the longer wheelbase gave much greater stability at higher speeds. Inside, there was a thicker padded steering wheel, integrated armrests and door pulls, more seat adjustment and enhanced instrumentation and controls. On the 2+2, the one piece rear seat could be folded forward to give more luggae space, the rear windows could be opened, and the doors had repeater releases inside to save the rear occupants stretching. Build quilaity was also improved. In Europe, the 260Z was hailed as an aggressive and attractive sports car, with 125 mph performance, excellent handling and what has sinced proved to be superb reliability. The opposition from Britain had been designed in the 1950s and was still being sold, yet only 5 years on, 240Z had been replaced by an even more exciting package in the same shell. SALES
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