Kunos Simulazioni has once again shaken up the sim racing community. Through a recent tweet on their official account, it has been revealed that the legendary Datsun 240Z will be the second car confirmed for the highly anticipated Assetto Corsa EVO version 0.7. An addition that promises pure analog driving and is already stirring passion among heel and toe purists.
Technical Characteristics: A Perfect Recipe
The Datsun 240Z (S30 chassis) is no ordinary car; it is the very definition of an affordable and balanced sports car that changed the rules of the game in the 1970s. Among its most notable specifications are:
- Engine: A robust 2.4-liter inline-six L24 block (in the export version).
- Power: Around 151 HP, more than enough to agilely move a very lightweight chassis.
- Weight: Hovering around just 1,048 kg (2,310 lbs), giving it an enviable power-to-weight ratio.
- Chassis and Suspension: Four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson strut design) and rear-wheel drive, guaranteeing a predictable and communicative cornering behavior.
In the simulator, this will translate to a car that demands finesse with the pedals, allowing controlled drifts and a total connection with the tire physics that characterize the AC Evo engine.
“Fairlady Z”: An Enduring Legend in Japan
Although the Western world knew it as the Datsun 240Z, in its homeland it was christened the Nissan Fairlady Z (initially equipped with a 130 HP 2.0L engine). In Japan, this model is much more than a classic; it is a cultural icon. Its long-nose, short-deck silhouette (fastback style) inspired generations of enthusiasts and tuners.
Its cult status was further cemented in Japanese pop culture, immortalized as the infamous “Devil Z” (Akuma no Z) in the legendary manga and anime Wangan Midnight. It is the grandfather of Nissan’s entire “Z” lineage and a centerpiece in Japanese tuning (JDM) history.
A Pedigree Forged in Competition
The Datsun 240Z wasn’t just an attractive street car; it was a beast on circuits and rally stages around the world. Kunos often recreates competition versions or allows modifications, so reviewing its history is mandatory:
- East African Safari Rally (1971): Its overall victory in one of the toughest events in the world proved that, besides being fast, it was indestructible.
- Monte Carlo Rally: It stood out with great performances on icy and twisty European roads, achieving a podium finish in 1972.
- SCCA Championship in the United States: In the hands of the BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) team and driver John Morton, the 240Z dethroned established European brands and dominated the C-Production category in the early ’70s.
- IMSA GTU: It was a fierce competitor in North American endurance racing for over a decade.
What Awaits Us in AC Evo v0.7?
The inclusion of the Datsun 240Z as the second confirmed vehicle for the Assetto Corsa Evo 0.7 update gives us a clear clue of the direction Kunos is taking: they are not just looking for modern supercars, but want to offer raw, classic, and soul-filled driving experiences. Get ready to adjust your Force Feedback, because taming this analog marvel is going to be one of the great challenges of the upcoming release.
You can purchase Assetto Corsa EVO from our links for about 20 euros:
This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
