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The new, more compact body carries styling cues from classic Fairlady models and distinct “Z” badging. Lightening measures such as aluminum body panels keep the weight down, and the new interior uses higher-quality materials including a new “Forte Suede” cloth. Soft-touch materials make the cabin a friendlier place, and the new Fairlady’s interior has been optimized for performance driving as well. A factory-installed HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system is available.

On-road performance has been increased. In addition to the lightening measures, the car is more powerful, of course. The groundbreaking new transmissions are coupled to an independent suspension and aluminum-caliper opposed-piston Akebono brakes at all four corners. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control is also standard.

The Fairlady Z’s home-market pricing ranges from 3,622,500 yen ($38K) to 4,462,500 ($47K) yen, including Japan’s consumption tax. Some Japan-specific “performance” specifications that you might not have heard include the Fairlady Z’s 95% recyclability rate, and a reduction of interior volatile organic compounds.

Nissan expects to sell five hundred units a month in Japan. The Fairlady Z goes on sale today at Nissan dealers across Japan, and weekend sales launch events will be held December 6-7 and 13-14.