Nissan Z Proto: A retrospective preview of the Z-car’s future
It has become an unusual occurrence to see a concept- or prototype car that isn’t electrified in some form. We’re living in an era where prevailing wisdom states that electric motors will soon replace the internal combustion engine, and many manufacturers are already downsizing and adding hybrid gizmos to retain or improve performance in preparation. But, as it appears at the moment, the upcoming Nissan 400Z could go in a completely opposite direction. Let’s take a closer look.
The last time I encountered a Nissan 370Z, it was within the confines of a racetrack, back in 2017. At that time, the current generation (Z34) was 8 years old already, and it felt every bit the charming throwback it was. In the time since the mild update it received back then, the 370Z has received no real attention, so it’s even more anachronistic now than it was back then.
Related: Nissan 370Z – Updated for 2018, but you’d never guess...
All of which makes the appearance of a standard manual gearbox in the freshly-revealed Nissan Z Proto quite a nice surprise. If nothing else, it signals that Nissan is considering the needs of enthusiastic drivers with dogged determination, when it comes to developing the Z34’s successor. Though Nissan is still stingy with the details of the new car, we’ve had a look at the building blocks at Nissan’s disposal to make some educated guesses about the final product.
Here’s what we know...
As revealed in the Z Proto, the styling draws heavily on the original 1969 240Z (S30) for inspiration, but it also mirrors the 1989 300ZX (Z32) in some details. Seen from the side, the roofline retains the clean, compact swoop that was a hallmark of the original car and made a comeback with the Z32 (and remained a consistent styling feature ever since). Check it out in this Nissan-supplied video to get an idea what the Z Proto looks like in motion.
At the rear, another classic styling cue returns with horisontal light strips (abandoned on the Z33 and Z34) clearly referencing the Z32-generation. The front end is a bit of bone of contention among fans, and, we suspect, might undergo some refinement before the new car hits the market. The DRL design and gaping air intake in the lower bumper recalls the original, but the former lacks visual depth and the latter rather overpowers the delicate surface detailing of the bonnet and front fenders.
Related: We compared the value proposition of the Nissan 370Z with two opponents, and came to a surprising conclusion.
... and here's the guesswork
Nissan confirmed nothing, except that the new car will be RWD, offer a manual transmission, and employ a twin-turbo V6 engine. Current data about this power unit point towards the 3.0-litre unit, related to the GT-R’s 3.8-litre, that’s currently in use in the Infiniti Q60 coupé in two states of tune.
The lower-spec version produces 224 kW and 400 Nm, and the high-spec derivative offers 298 kW and 475 Nm – making them both torquier than the current 370Z’s 373 Nm, and over a wider rev range as well. Some clever mapping should see the new, downsized engine exceed the current car’s 261 kW peak as well. Most importantly, this return to the (completely unrelated) Z32 engine’s displacement and configuration marks the rebirth of turbo power in the Z.
Chassis-wise, we don’t expect too much of a deviation from the 370Z’s platform, a front-mid-mounted layout which also serves under a host of other current Nissan/Infiniti products. It will however be further developed to meet future safety regulations, and incorporate updated electronic architecture to allow fitment of modern driver aids and infotainment systems.
Related: The Nissan 370Z was a fun companion when we reviewed it, but it was also quite hard work to drive.
The concept/prototype car’s interior looks promising, complete with three traditional hooded dials perched on top of the dashboard. As with all new high-end cars these days, the interior visuals are dominated by screens – in this case, a colour touchscreen in the centre console for infotainment functions, and a configurable colour display serving as instrument cluster.
Going on appearances, the bucket seats appear inviting and the cabin design is attractive, but it’s also apparent that the Z-car’s tradition of cozy (read: confining) cabin space remains intact. Cargo volume is similarly unlikely to improve much, since this Nissan “FM” platform isn’t known for its packaging efficiency.
More details to follow
That’s as far as the currently-available information and some guesswork can take us at the moment, but we’ll keep an eye on developments and let you know as the details unfold between now and the 400Z’s (the currently-mooted model name) expected full reveal in 2021. It takes remarkable conviction from Nissan’s side to stick with a market segment that’s been in decline for decades, especially given the difficult economic conditions out there.
Related: The best deals on Nissan 370Z coupés on AutoTrader.
The Z Proto also shows a glimmer of hope for Nissan as a whole: in spite of the tremors they’ve been experiencing of late (a fugitive company chairman, dropping market share in the crucial American market, and financial pressures due to the worldwide economic slump), there’s still enough fight left to revisit the car that first helped make them famous. The Z-car legacy seems to be on track to continue for quite a while yet: it’s far too precious for Nissan to let it go, and that’s always good news.
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