History of the Nissan z car essay help

I'm studying industrial design and for one of my essays I'll be focusing on the timeline and history of the nissan z car, mainly focusing on the z32 for obvious reasons. I've put together a quick timeline of the z cars I can remember off the top of my head.
- Nissan 240z from 1970 - 1978
- Nissan 280z from 1975 - 1979
- Nissan 280z S130 (series 2 I'm assuming) from 1979 - 1983
- Nissan 300zx z31 from 1983 - 1989
- Nissan 300zx z32 from 1989 - 2000
- Nissan 350z z33 from 2003 - 2009
- Nissan 370 z34 from 2009 onwards

One thing thats a bit strange about this essay is that I need some comparisons between models. Sort of like a general survey of drivers between all the models. I've sort of gone out on a limb a bit with this assignment as most people are focusing on much more general everyday use objects that a large majority of the population possess. So to hopefully pick up some extra marks I've decided to focus on a much more specific group, and luckily I've got all you guys to help me out

So basically if there is anyone on here that has owned multiple z models, and has a bit of time to answer a few questions, that would be greatly appreciated.

Starting off, to those who have owned or driven 240-280z, how does the drive of the car compare to that of the newer z32,3,4? Not so much how it handles and what-not, but more how does the drive make you feel?

In particular, I've found that the newer style models of must cars have a much higher superficial value, and it can be much harder to create a strong emotional attachment to them.

Secondly, what do you guys think about how the the 240z has influenced modern sports cars? Also the focus of this essay is aimed around how the design can spark an emotional attachment to the cars.

Third question is just generally, why do all of you have such a strong emotional attachment to your z32's? Things like "I used to see a z32 parked up the street every day when i was growing up and i fell in love" sorta thing.

Questions like these can be pretty hard to come up with/answer so forgive me for my confusing post haha. Also thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out!:br:

 

This "how did you get into Zeds" thread may be of interest to you.

http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324334

I have owned both a 260Z, NA Z32 and TT Z32, details are in this thread.

 

totally missed the 260z



http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=z car history&sm=3
Might be some help ^^

 

That I did... I get so confused with the early model zeds, I cant for the life of me tell the differences between them.

Thanks for the link I'm looking for a more individual and emotional response though rather than just an extended timeline. Useful though nonetheless.

I had a read through that thread aswell, cheers AAU54U, awesome response!

 

Which of your ID subjects is giving you this assignment.

I suspect that if you look closer into the development of the 240-260-280 you will see ergonomics and other design decisions moving in the direction of western markets.

Then the Z32 development (engineering and design) all done or at least documented with CAD and the full size interior in plywood. The Z32 seems to be a complete departure from the way Nissan developed the previous Z cars. They were looking at European sports cars for direction. I am actually surprised they called it a Z because it doesn't seem to follow the 280zx.

Industrial Design essay usually = ergonomics, engineering, CAD, design and technology milestones.

 

The class is called Design in Society or "ThingSpeak" as they call it and its mainly based on the emotional responses and attachments that are created by objects that are meaningful to specific user groups.

Its the only class I have like this, the rest are all CAID/CAD and engineering subjects. Its a bit of a strange class...

 

I had a 260Z 2+2 for a couple of years back in the early 1990's and then got my Z32 about 7 years ago (and still have it). The Z32 would have to be my favourite. Why? Both were about the same age when I bought them, 16/17 yrs old and although the 260Z shape still looks good, the Z32 is, I think, even better. I think it is better looking even than it's newer cousins the 350Z and 370Z. Its wide, low, flat rear profile always appealed to me and it makes it look like it's made to go fast. The more I think about it the more I wish now that I'd kept the 260Z as well. Both models drove well and both made/make me feel king of the road. How do you compare two great designs, it's like choosing between milk chocolate and dark chocolate - Very different but both are so good. In the end I love them both.

 

i translated original japanese brochure for your essay. please see below:


much car,

such power,

very speed,

fairlady z.

 

Z33/350Z started production in 2002

They are all terrible cars that chew up way to much time effort & money, BUT every now & then you get to where ever it was you were going & realize the getting there was more fun than the being there.

In saying that there are plenty of other cars that offer this but people like to side with one team or company etc, this group will have generally just chosen or stumbled across the Z32 & be loyal until something sways them.

 

I have always loved the Z family - its not about one thing but rather the whole package being just right - all the models are awesome to me, I would be happy driving any of them, but when it comes to my daily - I prefer the Z32 because it has the best of all of them in it.

Each model has been better than its predecessor because the engineering technology has improved each time, the Z33 was cad designed and this is apparent against the Z31.

The exception to me is the Z350/ Z370 - this is the point where the targa roof and 2+2 option finished and the race proven motor was changed. To me these were a step backwards and the design clearly took a different step in the planning

The Z32 is the model for me. I mean as far as I am concerned it is hard to beat perfection, if only they reproduced it in CF or a lighter design like aluminium then I would be sold on a later model but this hasn't happened and can only be achieved through customising.

I cannot be too far off the mark in statistical terms, because the Z32 was one of the longest running production cars in history (10 years) and it won awards throughout its entire life. From memory it won a particular motoring award seven years in a row in amongst and against other successive competitors. This is a feather in the cap for the Z32 series. I cannot ever imagine getting rid of my Z32 regardless.


Just my thoughts- in line with your request

Cheers and good luck with the essay
JC

 

Personally I love the z32 because its new enough to have great performance and gimicks eg power seats etc. I also owned a s130 280z 2+2 in the mid 90's and find the 240-280z my favourites for shape but the overall package of the z32 is what makes me keep it. If I had my way I would have a 240 and what I currently have (but I would also have a SA22 and a FD RX7) my dream japanese garage.

 

I see, they want stuff about
Form <--> Function
Art <--> Design

Generalizations about Art is less useful than Design, but is more valued because there is a greater emotional attachment.

Nice bit of sculpture


still call it ART (but it is Designed Art)

 

Just a couple of corrections to your Zed history, slotting in the 260Z and 280ZX:
240Z (S30) - 2 seat only
260Z (S30) - 2 seater and 2+2, both in Aust market
280Z (S30) - 2 seater and 2+2, US market only? Not sold in Oz; not sure if they were sold in Japan.
280ZX (S130) - 2 seater and 2+2, only the 2+2 sold in Aust.
300ZX (Z31) - 2 seater and 2+2, only the 2+2 sold in Aust. Also sold as 200ZR with 2 litre RB20 motor.
300ZX (Z32) - 2 seater and 2+2, only the 2+2 sold in Aust.
350Z (Z33) - back to 2 seater only
370Z (Z34) - to 2 seater only

A reasonably accurate history that expands on this is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Z-car

 

And some more im aware of.

 

The history is coming along well, design and model types is perfect!

Keep em coming!

 

I will add that the 280zx (s130) was also available with 3 engines types L20 (6cyl 2.0l Japan only) L28 (6cyl 2.8L) and L28t (6cyl 2.8L turbo) and had the option of targas or slick top.

 

I will answer some questions for you survey form if you wish, the main difference that no one seems to state is that the older 240Z etc great cars but had very high noise vibration and harshness compared to a Z32, 240Z started the trend but is very unfinisihed etc compared to a more modern Z32.

 

Interesting link

http://z32.wikispaces.com/Production

 

Linky not working for me .... ????

 

Love this pic too btw

I love this interior shot.