The 1990 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo marked a triumphant return to form for Nissan’s iconic ‘Z’ series, injecting much-needed excitement and technological prowess into a brand that was at risk of losing its sporty edge. Tracing its roots back to the original Nissan Fairlady Z (Datsun 240Z in the US), the ‘Z’ lineage began in 1970, born from a desire to create an accessible, high-performing two-seater coupe.
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The initial Datsun 240Z was a sensation, capturing the hearts of American drivers with its blend of affordability, nimble handling, and spirited performance. By 1971, over 45,000 units had found homes. However, evolving emissions standards and stricter safety regulations in the US began to impact the ‘Z’ car’s original ethos. Subsequent iterations became heavier, more grand tourer-esque, laden with amenities but losing some of their raw sports car feel.
This shift was particularly evident by the time the Z31-generation 300ZX arrived in 1984. While still bearing the 300ZX name, it strayed significantly from the lightweight, agile spirit of the early ‘Z’ cars. Furthermore, the Z31’s styling was often criticized as being uninspired.
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Nissan recognized the need for a dramatic change, and in 1990, they unleashed the Z32-generation 300ZX. This was a complete revolution, boasting stunningly sleek aesthetics and a significantly more potent powertrain. To solidify its commitment to performance, Nissan soon followed up with the ultimate expression of the Z32 – the 300ZX Twin Turbo.
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The 1990 300ZX Twin Turbo was undeniable proof that Nissan had rediscovered its performance mojo. It stood out as one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in Nissan’s lineup at the time, incorporating groundbreaking features. These included a sophisticated adjustable two-way suspension system and the optional ‘Super HICAS’ four-wheel steering, a system that actively enhanced handling and stability (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering).
The automotive press immediately recognized the 300ZX Twin Turbo’s excellence. Motortrend bestowed upon it the ‘1990 Import Car of the Year’ award. Car and Driver magazine was equally impressed, consistently placing it on their prestigious ‘Ten Best’ list for an impressive seven consecutive years. This sustained recognition cemented the 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo’s status as a benchmark sports car of its era.
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Dimensions and Design
Exterior Specifications
| Length | 169.5 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.5 in |
| Height | 49.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 96.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,422 lbs |
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Aerodynamic Exterior Styling
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The exterior design of the 1990 Nissan 300ZX represented a significant departure from its predecessor. Nissan shed the sharper angles of the previous generation, embracing a more fluid and aerodynamic silhouette. A key styling change was the elimination of the pop-up headlights, replaced by sleek, fixed headlights sharply angled at over 60 degrees. This forward-thinking design was so impactful that Lamborghini later licensed and utilized these headlights for their iconic Diablo supercar, highlighting the 300ZX’s influence on automotive design.
To ensure optimal engine cooling for the potent V6 nestled under the hood, integrated air intakes were incorporated into the lower front apron. Distinctive ‘Twin Turbo’ badging proudly adorned the rear of the vehicle, clearly differentiating it from the naturally aspirated 300ZX models. For the American market, the 300ZX Twin Turbo was exclusively offered in the T-top configuration, adding to its sporty and open-air appeal.
Interior Space Dimensions
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in |
|---|---|
| Front Hip Room | 53.5 in |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in |
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Driver-Focused Interior
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Car and Driver magazine aptly described the 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo’s interior as “one of the most beautiful and efficiently designed sports car cockpits of that era,” and it’s easy to see why. The instrument panel is thoughtfully arranged, prioritizing clarity and ease of reading for the driver. The gauges are well-placed and legible at a glance. Crucially, many essential controls are strategically positioned on pods surrounding the steering wheel. This ergonomic design minimized driver distraction, keeping focus where it belonged – on the driving experience.
The sport bucket seats were designed for both comfort and support, essential for spirited driving. They came standard with fabric upholstery, but a premium leather option was available as part of a $1,000 upgrade package, adding a touch of luxury. While non-turbo 300ZX models offered a 2+2 seating configuration, the Twin Turbo variant in the US was strictly a focused two-seater coupe, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature.
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Engine and Powertrain
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At the heart of the Z-32 300ZX Twin Turbo lay the robust 3.0-liter V6 engine, also found in the naturally aspirated model. Even without forced induction, this engine produced a respectable 222 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, already surpassing the output of the previous generation 1984 300ZX Twin Turbo.
However, for the 1990 300ZX Twin Turbo, Nissan unleashed its engineering prowess with the addition of twin Garrett turbochargers and dual intercoolers. This twin-turbo setup dramatically elevated performance, boosting peak power output to an impressive 300 horsepower. This figure positioned the 300ZX Twin Turbo ahead of formidable competitors like the C4 Corvette, the revolutionary Acura NSX, and the refined Porsche 944 Turbo. The engine, known as the VG30DETT, became a legend in its own right, celebrated for its power and tunability.
| Drivetrain | Front Engine, RWD |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin-turbocharged, intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron block, aluminum heads, port fuel injection |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Displacement | 2,960 cc (180.63 ci) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 283 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 5-Speed manual (standard), 4-speed automatic (optional) |
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Performance Metrics
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Equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo delivered exhilarating performance. It could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.6 seconds and conquer the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at a speed of 108 mph. While its top speed was electronically limited to 156 mph, the 300ZX Twin Turbo possessed more than enough performance to confidently challenge its rivals in the competitive sports car segment.
In head-to-head tests conducted by Car and Driver journalists in both 1990 and 1991, the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo consistently outperformed respected competitors. It first edged out the Chevrolet Corvette Z51 and then the potent 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo. While not always the outright fastest in every metric, the journalists highlighted the 300ZX Twin Turbo’s exceptional blend of refinement, poise, and advanced technology that set it apart from its peers.
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 seconds |
|---|---|
| 0-100 mph | 15.2 seconds |
| ¼ Mile | 13.7 seconds @ 102 mph |
| Top Speed | 156 mph |
*Fastestlaps, **Car & Driver
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Drawbacks and Considerations
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Despite the widespread acclaim and impressive performance, the 1990 300ZX Twin Turbo was not without its minor shortcomings.
One area of criticism was the automatic climate control system. Its functionality was somewhat limited, offering only two manual fan speeds and lacking directional airflow control. The optional Bose sound system also drew criticism for its lack of user-adjustable fade or balance controls, relying instead on automatic system settings. Fortunately, these features were part of an optional package, allowing buyers to forgo them if desired.
A more significant consideration, particularly for maintenance, is the extremely confined engine bay. The placement of the twin-turbo V6, along with its extensive network of piping and vacuum hoses, utilizes virtually every available inch of space under the hood. This tight packaging makes even routine maintenance and repair work notably challenging, often requiring specialized tools and expertise. It is generally recommended to entrust under-hood work to experienced mechanics familiar with the 300ZX Twin Turbo’s complexities.
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo: Sales Performance and Legacy
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The 1990 model year marked a significant milestone for Nissan’s ‘Z-Series’ as cumulative sales surpassed one million units, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most successful sports car lines. In the United States specifically, Nissan sold 6,896 units of the 300ZX Twin Turbo in 1990. This represented a healthy 17.6% of total 300ZX sales for that year, indicating strong initial demand for the twin-turbo variant. However, sales figures for the Twin Turbo unfortunately declined steadily from 1990 until its final year in the US market in 1996, when fewer than 600 units were sold.
With a base price of $33,000 in 1990, the 300ZX Twin Turbo was a premium offering, costing over $8,000 more than the 1989 300ZX Turbo. Factors such as the strengthening Japanese Yen against the US dollar and the car’s increasing technological sophistication contributed to rising prices. By 1996, the price had climbed to $43,979. While undeniably an exceptional sports car, this steep price point deterred many potential buyers, especially as competing models offered comparable performance at a lower cost.
Ultimately, the 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo has firmly secured its place as an automotive icon of the 1990s. Its combination of striking design, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance made it a standout vehicle of its decade. For those interested in exploring other notable vehicles from this era, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to 1990s cars. The 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo remains a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its role in revitalizing the ‘Z’ legacy and setting a new benchmark for Japanese sports cars on the global stage.
