Nissan 300ZX Overview

Sorry. You'll have to forgive our self-indulgence. For those of us who remember the pre-fuel crisis '60s, there's just something about having 300 beasts under the hood that is simultaneously exhilarating and comforting.

That would explain why the Nissan 300ZX Turbo - the most powerful of 300ZX line - remains so popular among power enthusiasts despite the fact that several other bullets have shot onto the scene since this second-generation model was unleashed in 1989.

The 300ZX has undergone relatively few changes since then, aside from occasional styling refinements and mechanical tweaks to keep it current. The aerodynamic body lines and dramatically pointed nose are essentially the same as previous 300ZX incarnations.

To its credit, Nissan has successfully executed the delicate balancing act between classicism and variety by offering four separate variations on the venerated 300ZX body style: a 2-seater coupe, a 2+2 T-roof, a convertible and the T-roof 2-seater, which comes in normally aspirated and Turbo versions.

Styling refinements for 1995 include a body-colored front fascia and four new body-panel colors: Deep Purple Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Cobalt Green Pearl and Anniversary Gold.

Our test model was base-priced at $41,799 and came stocked with an array of standard features including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine. Standard performance features also included the valve-timing control system, sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection system with dual-plenum intake, 5-speed manual overdrive transmission, speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering, Super HICAS 4-wheel steering system, power 4-wheel vented disc brakes, anti-lock brake system and high-performance steel-belted radials.

Exterior standard features on our Turbo included cast alloy aluminum wheels, front air dam with twin intercooler inlets, heated power-remote mirrors, T-roof with removable tinted glass panels, body-colored rear spoiler and quad chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.

Among the high-comfort interior standard features were reclining front bucket seats, adjustable power seats with 3-position lumbar support, cut-pile carpeting (including the rear cargo area), cruise control, remote keyless entry, anti-theft security system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, side-window defoggers, turbo boost gauge, premium Bose audio system with cassette player; air conditioning and dual airbags.

The only optional items on our test Turbo were a leather seating package and a CD player.