The Nissan Z sports coupe will not be sold in the UK or Europe, Nissan says this is due to emissions regulations and a “shrinking market”. The truth is somewhat in-between. Yes, Nissan Z sales have been extremely low in Europe. But the truth is, if Nissan was to comply with European emissions regulations then quite possibly the Z would increase in price to around $60,000 – $70,000. Nissan Z European sales reached a peak of 2,221 units sold in 2010. Since then sales have plummeted to 324 units sold in 2020. Nissan shifted only 17 units since the start of 2021 to date.

USA sales have followed a similar pattern, sales peaked at 10,215 in 2010 and dropped to just 1,954 in 2020. So far in 2021 Nissan managed to sell just 33 Z sports cars. In the biggest car market in the world. The explanation for the sudden drop in 2021 sales could be that potential new buyers are waiting for the new 7th generation model retail launch. The Nissan Z will go on sale in the USA next year, which means current 6th gen sales will disappear into a misty haze.

So the base price of the all-new 2022 Nissan Z will start from $40K, a $10K increase over the 6th gen. For that, you get a 400bhp twin-turbo V6 powerplant, six-speed gearbox or nine-speed automatic and a vintage-inspired exterior design. Standard equipment includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, an 8.0-inch infotainment system complimented by a 12.3-inch digital drivers display and a suede interior.

The Nissan Z has always been a very good sports car. That charismatic and strong engine with excellent driveability in all gears is complimented with great handling. But is the sports car dead? Has the sub-$50K sports car become a specialist machine aimed purely at satisfying the egos of motoring journalists? Motoring journalists who will give positive reviews because the Nissan Z presumably “rides like it’s on rails”. 

Based purely on the stats alone, the 2022 Nissan Z sports coupe looks to be dead on arrival. Or is it?