September 16th 2020
The Japanese automaker has revealed the updated Nissan 370Z, which was much awaited since the current generation came about 11 years ago. The promo says Nissan Z Proto which means it is a prototype or the concept version of the production model.
While it will take a while to see the production-ready version, the prototype gives us a good idea of the sports car. We can see retro styling, revolutionized interior, and a twin-turbo V6, and all of these look very promising. The official debut may happen anytime next year but before that, we have a lot many things to discuss the Z prototype.
Powertrain
Powering the Nissan Z Proto is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with power figures hiding under wraps at the moment. Our good guess is at least 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) motor borrowed from the Infiniti Red Sport.
If this happens, it will make the Nissan Z more competitive in its segment. The outgoing model just yields 332 hp (248 kW) against its biggest rival Toyota Supra, which generates 382 hp (285 kW). The boost in power will also enable the Z to compete against the big boys like the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro SS.
The Nissan Z Proto’s engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission, which routes to the rear-wheels only. The Automatic will be optional.
Exterior
Talking about the design, the Z Proto pays homage to its ancestors. From its paint job to the hood and rounded LED headlights, all give us a glimpse of its forebears. The same retro feel is evident at the rear where the black partition and horizontal LED taillights hint at the ’90s-era 300ZX.
Do not take us wrong; the Nissan Z proto is not all about the hints of the past. The carbon fiber pieces at the side skirts, front lower lip, rear diffuser, and other places give it a modern feel.
In terms of size, it is bigger than its predecessor with 172.5 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and is 51.6 inches tall compared to the outgoing model, which is 167.5 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 51.8 inches tall.
Interior
The interior gives a modern feel thanks to the three-spoke steering wheel sporting the “Z” logo, and Alcantara and leather seats stitched in yellow. The same stitching can be seen on the steering wheel, shift knob boot, and center console.
The two-seat sports car welcomes you with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster swapping the old fashioned analog system as well as a fresh touchscreen display supporting Nissan’s latest infotainment system.
Price and Availability
Although the Nissan Z Proto is not the production version, it should be very close to the production-ready model. The design cues, the twin-turbo V6 and most of the interior should remain unchanged in the final model. Expect more details closer to its launch in 2021. The pricing should be around $40,000 to give a tough time to the Supra. For reference, the current 370Z coupe costs around AED 149,500 in the UAE.
Source and Images: Motor1