CAR NEWS

 Nissan Z Proto First Look: A Heritage-Rich Preview of the 400Z.

Nissan has unveiled the Z Proto, signaling the company's intent to launch a new generation of the legendary Z sports car. Shown at a virtual event the prototype car features a new design inside and out, as well as a V-6 twin turbocharged engine with a manual transmission. The Nissan Z Proto pays homage to 50 years of Z heritage. Sports a bright yellow pearlescent paint – a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first generation Z (S30) and the 300ZX (Z32) – and a black roof.

Highlights 

• Nissan Z Proto sportscar concept showcased with retro styling.

• Design references past Z cars like 240Z, 300ZX and 350Z Nismo.

• Will get a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 mated to a manual gearbox.

• The 2022 Nissan 400Z will go on sale in America in the spring of 2021.

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said, “The Z, as a pure sports car, represents the spirit of Nissan. It's a key model in our Nissan NEXT transformation plan, and it's proof of our ability to do what others don't dare to do, from A to Z. As a Z fan myself, I'm excited to announce that the next Z is coming."

While the front might not be to everyone’s taste though, the rear is certainly a lot prettier. The black trim that runs across the width of the rear with the tail-lights inset into it reminds us of the 300ZX, and there is even a Fairlady Z badge to remind us of the heritage the Proto Z harks back to. That said, it’s not all retro, as Nissan has used a fair bit of carbon-fibre – like on the front lip and rear diffuser.

The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an ideal sports car cabin, both for road and track. This can be seen in the Z's instrumentation. All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position.

All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position. The new, deep dish steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic. Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special yellow accenting and a layered gradation stripe in the centre of the seats to create depth.

Under the bonnet, the Nissan Z Proto will get a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine, which will be mated to a manual gearbox. While official specifications aren’t out just yet, expect the sportscar to make about 400hp – similar to the likes of competitors like the Toyota Supra.

While there is no official timeline on when the car will make it to production, most likely called the Nissan 400Z, expect a 2021 global launch.