[1] It was sold in Japan from 1983 to 2000 and in the United States from 1984 to 1996, the 300ZX name followed the numerical convention initiated with the original Z car, the Nissan Fairlady Z (S30), which was marketed in the U.S. as the 240Z.

The addition of the "X" to the car's name was a carryover from its predecessor, the 280ZX, to signify the presence of more luxury and comfort oriented features.

As such, sales dwindled each year, a trend in the higher end sports car market at the time, and Nissan placed a hiatus on selling new Nissan Z-Cars to the US after the 1996 model year, though the car would continue to be sold in the Japan domestic market until 2001 in low production numbers.

Designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team of developers, the Z31 improved aerodynamics and increased power when compared to its predecessor, the 280ZX.

According to Nissan, the new V6 engine was intended to uphold the sporty, six-cylinder spirit of the original Fairlady Z, but in a more compact and efficient package.

The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets for additional cooling, and fully floating piston wrist pins.

200ZR models also came standard with the R200 limited slip differential, white faced gauges, and ZR specific cloth upholstery.

[14] The Z31 body was slightly restyled in 1986 with the addition of side skirts, flared fenders, and sixteen inch wheels (turbo models only).

[15] The car was given a final makeover in 1987 that included more aerodynamic bumpers, fog lamps within the front air dam, and 9004 bulb-based headlamps that replaced the outdated sealed beam headlights.

The new V6 (2960 cc) Single overhead cam engine was available as a naturally aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing 160 and 200 hp (119 and 149 kW), respectively.

[20][21][16] The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition, released to celebrate the automaker's half-century, was a turbocharged coupé (two-seater) model with a Light Pewter/Thunder Black color scheme.

All 50th Anniversary Editions came equipped with a digital dash and ancillary gauges including average mileage, G-force, and compass readouts, in-car electronic adjustable shocks, Bodysonic speakers in the seats, cruise and radio controls in the steering wheel, mirrored t-tops, embroidered leather seats, embroidered floor mats, sixteen-inch (406 mm) aluminum wheels, rear fender flares, flared front fenders, a 50th AE logo badge on the driver's side front fender, and grey cloth indoor car cover with 50AE printing.

The 200ZR model was introduced in October 1985 featuring the RB20DET NICS with the worlds ceramic turbocharger, which was a joint project between Nissan and NGK.

With the facelift, claimed power of the turbocharged 300ZX dropped to 195 PS (143 kW) as Nissan changed from Gross to Net ratings, and the VG20-powered models were discontinued.

Swedish- and Swiss-market models (as well as those sold in Australia) received exhaust gas recirculation control systems to meet those countries particular emissions regulations.

There was only one trim level in Australia, with the digital dashboard and climate control being an optional upgrade package, and leather seats only available in the redesigned series 3 "Californian" models.

[36] Benefiting from Project 901, the Z32 was the first car to be marketed following the introduction of the 280 PS (206 kW) power ceiling imposed by JAMA that remained until 2004.

Standard features (for 1998) included: • Recaro Seats • Sideskirts • Rear Spoiler • Drivers Side Airbag • Cloth Seats • Anti-Lock Brakes • Xenon HID Headlamps • Cruise Control • Automatic Climate Control The only options were: • Carbon / Marble Interior Trim • Audio Equipment Package with EQ.

All JDM Z32s used a front rebar system made out of fiberglass rather than steel (like their American Market counterparts), and also had different exhaust systems with lighter weight Catalytic Converters (with only one set on the JDM Twin Turbo model vs. two sets on the USDM Twin Turbo models).

The cars were upgraded with larger Garrett turbochargers, HKS electronics and a Kaminari body kit designed by Pete Brock.

The SR-71 was California CARB certified and was to be sold through a select dealer network and Japanese performance tuning shops located within the United States.

[42] The SR-71 claimed the title of the third fastest production car in the world in 1990 for a fraction of the price of a Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari F40 according to the designer Randy Ball.

These performance upgrades included: Skyline Group N/GT-R Brakes, which were cross drilled and axially vented rotors with larger calipers and pistons and upgraded HI-Metal front and rear brake pads; a high flow intake system, which allowed the engine to run more efficiently; an aluminized steel free flow exhaust system, which extended from the catalytic converter; and a turbocharger boost pressure increase, bringing the total output to 365 bhp (272 kW) and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m).

Inspired by the film Toy Story, the commercial is set to Van Halen's cover of "You Really Got Me" and depicts a G. I. Joe-like action figure coming to life, getting behind the wheel of a red 300ZX radio-controlled car and picking up a Barbie-like doll for a date, stealing her away from her husband, who resembles Ken.

They then drive around the feet of Mr K, a caricature of former Nissan executive Yutaka Katayama acted by Dale Ishimoto, who smiles as he watches them go by.

Additional factory endorsement, combined with a new chassis, transmission and more reliable Goodyear tires contributed to the team's success.

In an attempt to level the playing field in the GTS-1 class by reducing the allowable horsepower, the IMSA declared the twin turbo VG engine ineligible for the 1995 season.

[53] The 1995 GTS 300ZX car would debut with the V8 Nissan VH engine at Daytona[54] and would place first in the GTS-1 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Moosehead Grand Prix in Halifax.

In Australia, the 1990 to 1995 Nissan 300ZX was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings brochure as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.

[63] In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 1991-1993 300ZX 3 out of 5 stars in front driver collision crash test ratings.