The current Nissan 0Z0Z has been around since 2009, dating back to the car years. But finally the company is back on the drawing board, and today we’ll find the long-awaited successor of the 370 – or at least, the earliest version. The Nissan Z Proto may not be available for purchase yet (the name “Proto” means “prototype”), but it does give an early glimpse of what to expect for the production model.
The many details you see here – things like retro styling, modernized interiors and twin-turbocharged V6 – should all make way for production when the new Nissan Z finally hits the market. We expect Nissan’s new sports car to go on sale officially next year. For now, all we can do is come up with a very beautiful preview.
Bonus: twin-turbo power
At the heart of the Nissan Z Proto is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Although this is still a concept, things like displacement and actual power statistics remain a mystery. But if this is the same motor as the Infinity Red Sport models, as reported, expect above 400 horsepower (298 kW) from the new Z.
That figure would mark an upgrade larger than the current 0Z0Z, which produces 2,336 hp (248 kW). Not only that, but it will give the Nissan Z a significant boost in the segment, putting it more square against competitors like the Toyota Supra – which produces a comparable 382 hp (285 kW) – as well as more powerful alternatives like the Ford Mustang GT Chevrolet Camaro S.S. , Among others.
The Z Proto’s new twin-turbo V6 comes in a pair of six-speed manual transmissions, and the yet-to-be-known power only travels the rear wheels. Nissan says automatic transmissions are also in development.
Exterior: Retro Chic
The appearance of the Nissan Z Proto respects its iconic Forbears. The bright yellow Pearlscent paint job is a subtle blend of first-gen 240s, while the extended hood, rounded LED headlights and other Z car squared grille blend hints. There is also a “Fairlady Z” badge on the trunk.
The rear of the Z Proto, however, has a black partition that can hide the length of the trunklead and the rear fenders, below the horizontal LED lights. That particular piece of design draws inspiration directly from the ’90s-300 300ZX.
But it’s not all retro. Modern carbon fiber elements spice up the exterior, from the side skirt to the front lower lip to the back diffuser. The body itself sits on a set of lightweight, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the rear end is topped by a pair of exhaust tips.
In terms of size, the Nissan Z Proto is actually a bit larger than the current 0,370Z, especially in length. The new Z is 172.5 inches long, 72.8 inches wide and 511.6 inches. The 370Z, meanwhile, is only 167.5 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 51.8 inches high.
Interior: clean and modern
The exterior of the Nissan Z Proto isn’t as retro as the exterior, but it does offer a clean layout with multiple screens. In the center of the cabin is a so-called “deep dish” three-spoke steering wheel that bears the “Z” logo and sports multiple controls on both sides.
The seats feature a combination of Alcantara and leather, with yellow stitching that extends to the steering wheel, shift knob boots and center console. And like its predecessor, the Nissan Z Proto has only two seats.
26 Photos
Technically, behind the steering wheel is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the old analog gauges of the 370Z. There’s also a brand new touchscreen display – if it’s the same screen as the new Rogue, it should be 9.0 inches – running Nissan’s latest infotainment system and three rounded indicators above the central screen, above the dash.
Pricing and availability
The Nissan Z Proto is just a concept, but we expect it to appear next year as the 2022 model Dell, sporting many of the signals you see here – it includes twin-turbocharged V6 engines. More details, such as horsepower and the car’s starting price, will be announced closer to the date on its sale, but it will outperform its Japanese rival, the Toyota Supra. Could start around 40,000.
