Nissan is introducing the 2026 Z Heritage Edition, a special model that pays homage to the brand's storied performance legacy, specifically channeling the spirit of the iconic GT-R R35 and the 1990s 300ZX. This limited-production vehicle, with only around 500 units planned, aims to bridge the past and present of Nissan's sports car prowess. It emphasizes both aesthetic tributes, such as the famous Midnight Purple paint and retro-inspired decals, and a core focus on driving dynamics through its Performance trim, including a sport-tuned suspension and a manual transmission option. This release comes as the legendary GT-R R35 concludes its nearly two-decade production run, positioning the Z Heritage Edition as a significant torchbearer for Nissan's performance future.

Embodying a Performance Legacy

The 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition arrives as a significant chapter in the automaker's high-performance narrative, particularly following the conclusion of the GT-R R35's remarkable 18-year production run. With almost 48,000 units sold globally, the GT-R R35 solidified its place as a legend, and Nissan has respectfully acknowledged its departure with a dedicated tribute. Rather than moving away from this rich history, Nissan is strategically infusing the Z, another one of its celebrated sports cars, with elements that evoke the GT-R's revered "Godzilla" status. This approach ensures that the passion for performance continues within the Nissan lineup, with the Z Heritage Edition serving as a direct link to the brand's most influential models and maintaining the enthusiast spirit.

This new Z variant is a deliberate homage, blending design cues and performance philosophies from past icons. The most prominent nod is the return of Midnight Purple, a color intrinsically linked to the R34 GT-R and a defining characteristic of the "Godzilla" lineage. Complementing this striking paint, the Heritage Edition features unique bronze 19-inch Rays wheels and side stripes that borrow a distinct 1990s aesthetic. Subtle details such as small wreath decals near the rear pillar badges and a carbon fiber rear spoiler with a "Twin Turbo" emblem further tie the car to the Z32-generation 300ZX, known for its significant cultural impact. Inside, while major overhauls are absent, illuminated "Z" logos on custom door sills and branded floor mats provide exclusive touches. Mechanically, the Heritage Edition is based on the Z Performance trim, offering a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and the highly coveted option of a six-speed manual transmission, underscoring its driver-focused character. While pricing is yet to be announced, it is expected to sit between the standard Z Performance model and the more aggressive Nismo variant, ensuring its position as a premium, collector-focused offering.

Design and Exclusivity

The exterior design of the 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition is a careful curation of historical references and contemporary styling, primarily distinguished by its exclusive Midnight Purple exterior. This iconic color, previously immortalized on the R34 GT-R, immediately signals the car's lineage and its deep roots in Nissan's high-performance heritage. Beyond the paint, the vehicle features bronze 19-inch Rays wheels that provide a striking contrast and a vintage motorsport appeal. Subtle yet significant details include side stripes with a distinct 1990s-era font and elegant wreath decals positioned near the rear pillar badges, directly referencing the aesthetic of the Z32-generation 300ZX. The inclusion of a carbon fiber rear spoiler, adorned with a "Twin Turbo" badge, further reinforces this connection to a celebrated era of Nissan's sports car design, creating a visual narrative that celebrates its illustrious predecessors.

Exclusivity is a key aspect of the 2026 Z Heritage Edition, with Nissan planning to produce a limited number of units, approximately 500, making it a desirable model for collectors and enthusiasts. This limited availability ensures its unique appeal in the market. Unlike previous special editions, such as the one paying tribute to the original 1970s Z, this iteration specifically focuses on the 1990s, drawing heavily from the design language and cultural significance of the 300ZX, as well as the R34 GT-R's Midnight Purple. This strategic blend of iconic elements from two of Nissan's most influential performance vehicles allows the Z to assume a more prominent role in carrying the company's performance torch, especially in the absence of a new GT-R. The commitment to enthusiast preferences is further highlighted by the availability of a manual-equipped Z Nismo on the horizon, signaling Nissan's dedication to delivering engaging driving experiences. The Heritage Edition's blend of aesthetic nostalgia and modern performance capabilities positions it as a significant tribute, solidifying its place in Nissan's rich automotive history.

Ferrari has unveiled its latest automotive marvel, the 849 Testarossa, a mid-engined plug-in hybrid supercar that pays homage to a legendary name while pushing the boundaries of modern automotive engineering. This new model, available in both coupe and Spider variants, is set to replace the acclaimed SF90 Stradale, building upon its mechanical foundation with significant enhancements. The 849 Testarossa boasts a formidable powertrain, advanced chassis dynamics, and a design that blends heritage with aggressive contemporary aesthetics, promising an unparalleled driving experience. With its potent performance figures and a legacy to uphold, the 849 Testarossa marks a thrilling new chapter for the Prancing Horse.

The engineering prowess extends to a meticulously crafted interior and a specialized Assetto Fiorano variant, designed for enthusiasts seeking even greater performance. The cabin features a driver-centric wraparound cockpit with innovative digital interfaces, eschewing a central touchscreen for integrated displays. The Assetto Fiorano option further elevates the car's capabilities with weight reduction, stiffer suspension, and track-focused tires, underscoring Ferrari's commitment to delivering extreme performance and exclusivity. This grand reveal solidifies Ferrari's position at the forefront of high-performance hybrid technology, offering both raw power and refined luxury.

Unleashing the Power: The 849 Testarossa's Hybrid Heart

Ferrari is bringing back the esteemed Testarossa name for its newest supercar, the 849 Testarossa, which is designed to supersede the SF90 Stradale. This vehicle represents a significant evolution in Ferrari's hybrid technology, featuring a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine working in concert with three electric motors. Two motors are positioned at the front axle, providing torque vectoring and regenerative braking, while a third motor is integrated within the eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle. This sophisticated powertrain collectively delivers an astonishing 1036 horsepower, a notable increase of 50 hp over its predecessor. The V-8 engine itself produces 819 hp and 621 pound-feet of torque, benefiting from new cylinder heads, a redesigned intake, lighter camshafts, and larger turbos. These enhancements enable the 849 Testarossa to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in an estimated 2.3 seconds and reach 124 mph in just 6.3 seconds, showcasing its formidable speed and agility. Furthermore, the vehicle can operate in all-electric mode for up to 16 miles at speeds reaching 81 mph, powered by a 6.5-kWh battery pack, offering a blend of performance and efficiency.

The 849 Testarossa's performance is not solely defined by its raw power; it also incorporates advanced engineering to refine the driving experience. Ferrari has focused on enhancing the engine's auditory presence, ensuring a more rewarding sound at all speeds. The braking system features brake-by-wire technology, with larger front discs and redesigned rear calipers contributing to more progressive pedal action and shorter stopping distances. Chassis changes include re-tuned suspension geometry aimed at reducing body roll, while high-performance tire options from Pirelli, Bridgestone, and Michelin ensure optimal grip and handling. The car's aerodynamic profile is a direct response to the larger turbos' cooling demands, necessitating an 18% larger front air opening and prominent XXL air intakes on the side bodywork. This design choice, while functional, also creates a distinctive vertical graphic, echoing the original Testarossa's iconic side strakes. The rear of the car features a twin-tail design inspired by 1970s sports racers, and a deployable rear spoiler, similar to that on the 296, increases downforce by 220 pounds at 171 mph, bringing the total downforce to 915 pounds—a 55-pound improvement over the SF90. These comprehensive upgrades underscore Ferrari's dedication to engineering a supercar that excels in every aspect of performance and design.

Design and Exclusivity: Coupe, Spider, and Assetto Fiorano Variants

The Ferrari 849 Testarossa offers enthusiasts a choice between a sleek coupe and an elegant Spider version, each designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience. The Spider variant, with its retractable hardtop and a power-operated glass wind blocker situated between the seats, provides the thrill of open-air motoring. This convertible option adds approximately 198 pounds to the coupe's 3461-pound dry weight, primarily due to the complex mechanism of the retractable hardtop and necessary chassis reinforcements, ensuring structural integrity and performance. Inside, both models feature a wraparound cockpit design, creating an immersive environment for the driver. A 'flying-bridge' center console houses the gear selector on a raised platform, maximizing storage space underneath. The infotainment system is seamlessly integrated into the driver's display, eliminating the need for a central touchscreen, while a dedicated passenger screen offers an interactive experience. The steering wheel is adorned with physical switchgear, including the engine start button and the eManettino dial, providing immediate control over various vehicle settings and enhancing the intuitive connection between driver and machine.

For those seeking the ultimate track-focused performance, Ferrari presents the Assetto Fiorano variant. This specialized edition is distinguished by its twin rear wings, which replace the standard twin tails, and an optional central racing stripe, giving it a more aggressive visual stance. The Assetto Fiorano sheds 66 pounds through the extensive use of carbon fiber components and lightweight seats, contributing to an improved power-to-weight ratio. It also features a stiffer suspension setup and comes equipped with high-performance Michelin Cup2 tires, optimized for enhanced grip and handling on the circuit. This variant is designed to amplify the 849 Testarossa's dynamic capabilities, making it an even more potent machine for demanding drivers. While U.S. pricing information is yet to be released, European pricing is set at approximately 460,000 euros for the coupe and 500,000 euros for the Spider. The Assetto Fiorano specification adds an additional 62,000 euros to either model, reflecting its exclusive upgrades. Deliveries for the 849 Testarossa coupe are slated to begin in mid-2026, with the Spider following in the third quarter of the same year, and dealer order books are already open, signaling the high anticipation for this groundbreaking supercar.