Still referred to as “Proto,” the next-generation Nissan Z coupe already has a body and interior that appear to be ready to go into production. But the marketing of this sport is still far away, and its twin-turbo V6 will deprive it of an importation in Europe.
[Mis à jour le 18/08/2021] A little less than a year after the presentation of the Proto Z, Nissan lifts the veil on the production version of its coupe. Soberly called Z, it is faithfully inspired by the concept. As expected, under its long hood, takes place a V6 biturbo. With 3.0 L of displacement, it produces 405 hp of power delivered to the rear wheels alone via a 9-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Another confirmation, his arrival in Europe, even in France, is clearly not on the agenda.
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Don’t call it 400Z. Even if this name seems to hold the cord to qualify the replacement of the 370Z, Nissan refuses for the moment to confirm it. In the immediate future, it will be necessary to be satisfied with a simple “Z Proto”, which leaves the door open to all speculation. On the style side, on the other hand, it is a barely disguised production model that the Japanese brand has just presented. during a virtual event broadcast from the brand’s “pavilion” in Yokohama.
Many borrowings from the old Z
Proud of its long line, which has long been successful, this two-seater sportswoman does not hesitate to multiply the references to her ancestors. The headlights, fairly simple and rounded at the bottom? It is an obvious nod to the 240Z, the one that started it all in 1969, and more precisely to the 240ZG which remained reserved for the Japanese market. The huge, perfectly rectangular air intake makes it more reminiscent of the 350Z, which had managed to give a boost to the saga in 2002, under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn. As for the rear lights enclosed in a black band, Nissan relates them to the 300 ZX Z32 of 1989, which had tried to play more in the court of the top-of-the-range GTs. The 370Z is never openly mentioned, but this new generation still keeps a profile with a familiar design, despite the arrival of a chrome ring and a length increased from 4.27 m to 4.38 m.
TO READ. The Nissan 240Z versus the 350Z
Old fashioned box and handbrake!
In the interior of this Z Proto, neo-retro is also in order. There is little more than the digital instrumentation, in 12.3-inch format, and the large touch screen to fully register this coupe in its time. On the contrary, the three manometers at the top of the center console play the card of nostalgia, just like the fairly refined shape of the three-spoke steering wheel. But we especially note the presence of two “archaisms” which confirm the desire to target a clientele of “purists”, at a time when electrification and automation no longer spare sportswomen: a lever for the handbrake and another for the mechanical box! Yes, unlike its compatriot Toyota Supra, this new Z will always allow you to taste the joys of the heel-toe.
The return of a twin-turbo V6
On the technical side, it is also classicism that prevails: no form of hybridization, even slight, seems to have been planned. The main difference with the 370Z will therefore come from the abandonment of the atmospheric 3.7 V6 of 328 hp, replaced by a twin-turbo V6 both more torquey and more compliant with the latest standards. For the Z line, this is a first since the disappearance of the 300 ZX Z32, which had only been offered in Europe in a double supercharged version. Even if it is never mentioned, this time it is likely to find the same 3.0 direct injection as in the Infiniti Q60, an engine whose 405 hp would fully justify the name 400Z. Nissan would thus trade the usual reference to engine capacity for an allusion to power, avoiding giving the impression of a step backwards.
Technical sheet of the Nissan Z proto
| Characteristics | |
| Motor | V6 biturbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Length | 4.38 m |
| Width | 1.85 m |
| Height | 1.31 m |
| Front-rear tires | 255/40 R 19 – 285/35 R 19 |
Nissan boss behind the wheel of the Proto Z
It feels good to be the boss. See Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan, got behind the wheel of the Proto Z. And to top it off, he had the underside of the car explained to him by Alfonso Albaisa, head of design for the Japanese brand, and by Hiroshi Tamura, Product Manager. As Mel Brooks said “It’s good to be the King” …
No marketing planned in Europe
In 2011, L’argus brought together the 370Z, then young, and the pioneer 240Z. A meeting that will be difficult to organize with the 400Z, due to the lack of official importation.
Unfortunately, if the choice of a very simple recipe, without electrification, can be welcomed by the followers of an “old-fashioned” sportiness, it will also be synonymous with CO emissions2 very high. Add to this the very delicate financial situation of Nissan today, and the manufacturer has officially confirmed to us that this new Z will not be sold in Europe. A choice in line with its desire to prioritize electrics and SUVs. As for other markets, such as Japan or the United States, they will have to be patient: the launch of the final version is not expected before 2022.
