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Nissan 400Z: Z Proto concept revealed

It was nearly three years ago, already eight years into the 370Z's life, that Nissan planning boss Philippe Klein put to rest any notion that the ageing Z was dead.


The following years had not offered much promise, however, and the Renault Nissan alliance's fluctuating fortunes had sparked concerns the Z project had been shelved – or, worse, that it might take a form inspired by 2015's Gripz SUV concept. A little too edgy, and more than a little too tall, but nothing a modern car maker wouldn't try if it could get away with it.

Hints here-and-there kept the faithful holding on, but it wasn't until January this year that reports of a new Z car began to firm into something more than rumours, whispers and clickbaiting speculation.

Now, at last, it's upon us – in concept form, they say – as the Z Proto coupe. 

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Design

Revealed online today, the Z Proto appears to be a thinly-veiled preview of the actual new Z car, reported to be called 400Z – although the Fairlady Z badge on the hatch could hint at a return to its original Japanese-market name. Maybe. That would be cool, right? (In western markets, the name was replaced by Datsun and Nissan badges.)

In concept form, the Z Proto is immediately recognisable as a tribute not only to the legendary S30 generation (240Z, 260Z and, in North America, the 280Z), but also to the Z32 300ZX that came three generations later.

Importantly, Nissan boss Makoto Uchida said today, during the Z Proto's unveiling (see video at bottom of story), that the Z Proto is... 'not'... a concept, and that the look is "close to final".

Good news for those who are into what they see here.

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Of course, most of the Z Proto's styling influence is drawn from the S30 – particularly the wedge-shaped bonnet bulge, pointed nose and new headlights that portray a clear evolution of the original Z's 'sugar scoop' design.

(Nissan says the LED signature lighting is reminiscent of natural reflections formed by the Japanese-market 240ZG's headlight covers, although this writer has never witnessed the phenomenon.)

If any element of the Z Proto's design will polarise viewers, it could be the simple rectangular grille opening. Another throwback, the big grille's design is boxy and gawky when viewed front-on, but other off-centre vantage points more elegantly emphasise its forward-slanted and pointy shape.

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Move to the rear, and the 300ZX link is clear in the glossy black panel again masking 'capsule'-shaped tail lamps in a quad-light arrangement.

Nissan could easily have mimicked the 240Z's rear – in spirit, it isn't much different to the 300ZX – but according to Nissan design boss Alfonso Albaisa, there was a desire to deliver a multi-generational love letter.

“Our designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” Albaisa said.

“Ultimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future.”

All-in-all, we should be thankful we're not looking at a concept that has more in common with the comparatively anonymous 1999 Z concept. (Unless it floats your boat…)

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Platform

Nissan has yet to confirm if the Z Proto rides on a version of the existing FM platform that underpins the 370Z (among other models), but our roughly overlaid graphic below shows the wheelbase appears to be a match for the Z34's 2550mm – although the Z Proto has longer overhangs. (Nissan promises the new sections are lightweight carbon-fibre.)

At 4382mm, the Z Proto is 142mm longer than the 370Z, but they share an overall width of 1850mm and a near identical height: 1310mm for the Z Proto, 1320mm for the 370Z.

The fact Nissan has listed all dimensions for the Z Proto except wheelbase again suggests it is not yet prepared to confirm one of the hottest rumours surrounding the so-called 400Z: that it will not ride on a new architecture.

Still, there are many ways to overhaul an existing platform to provide a new experience, and Nissan looks set to ensure one key element will promote the new Z into a new arena: its engine.

Powertrain and rolling stock

Powering the Z Proto is a twin-turbo V6, and while this is yet another detail Nissan isn't ready to reveal much on, outputs are expected to match the 298kW (400HP) and 475Nm offered by the VR30 twin-turbo six used in the related Infiniti Q60 Red Sport.

The Z Proto rides on 19-inch alloy wheels (255/40R19 up front, 285/35R19 at the rear), while a pair of very production-ready exhaust tips poke out the rear. (They could stand to be a little bigger, though...)

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Inside

Moving into the cabin, the Z Proto reveals another significant makeover, although some elements – namely the door pulls and vents, dash-mounted gauges and basic centre console structure – look to be carry-over.

The centre console has had a number of simplifying changes made to its design, however, and the seats may also be reimagined trims of the existing 370Z's pews.

Forward of these elements sits a new dash design that gives the Z a modern, more premium look that should repair the Z34 cabin's current image of outdated details and archaic interfaces.

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Slender satin bronze vents replace the dull black, frameless plastic units of the 370Z's dash, and a new low-mounted main screen shows Nissan's latest infotainment system.

Physical air-conditioning controls sit tucked down beneath the dash, adding a little more old-school flair.

The new Z will also be the latest car to introduce a 12.3-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel – with a clever 370km of fuel remaining on the photos shown here – although we could see conventional analogue meters offered in a lower specification. (We suspect Nissan Australia will stick with a high specification, however.)

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There's a stylish new steering wheel, too, which looks to be a design unique to the Z, although familiar to Nissan buyers.

Of course, that all-important purist favourite, the six-speed manual gear shifter, sits proud in the centre of the cabin. Expect an auto option to join it in the production line-up.

And that, for now, is all we know about the new Z with any certainty – which isn't much, but it's also a whole lot more than we could confirm a week ago.

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When will the new Z car go on sale?

Nissan still isn't saying when you'll be able to buy the new Z, and some reports suggest its market launch could be as distant as 2023. For those keeping score, that would be 14 years of 370Z. More than two lifetimes for most model lines.

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida says: “With the Z, we’re bringing drivers the excitement of a pure sports car. For more than 50 years we have been creating the legend of Z together. I’m glad you’re with us for the next exciting chapter. The new Z is on its way.”

Now we just need Nissan to give the IDx concepts another chance at life...

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