[c1pher]

I am waiting for it to start.

[FrostyDC4]

[FrostyDC4]

Looks a lot like the Z31

[W///]

Hmm I'm not so sure about the front bumper opening, looks kind of clunky

[JPM-3]

As per the norm, everything other than the front looks mighty fine.

[TXSTYLE]

Love everything except the front end. They definitely MUST do something with that overly squared opening. Otherwise the side profile is gorgeous. I also like the rear end!

[Burrcold]

That big square grille looks so stupid. Looks like a Pokemon character. The rest looks nice!

[PYE46M3]

Oh look.... an ugly car from Nissan. What a surprise

[supra93]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The new Z is coming.

Nissan has unveiled the Z Proto, signalling the company's intent to launch a new generation of the legendary Z sports car. Shown at an event beamed around the world from the Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, Japan, the prototype features new design inside and out, as well as an upgraded powertrain with a manual transmission.

In Franklin, just south of Nashville, hundreds of Z owners and enthusiasts watched the Z Proto's Yokohama debut on big screens from their vehicles in a socially distanced event– part of a weeklong schedule of activities during the 33rd annual International Z Convention (ZCON).

First hinted at in a brand teaser video, "Nissan A-Z," shown in May, the Nissan Z Proto pays full respect to 50 years of Z heritage. At the same time, it's a thoroughly modern sports car.

"The Z represents the joy of driving in its purest form and has helped shape Nissan's DNA as a passionate, innovative challenger," said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. "Ever since the first generation, it has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts all over the world. That's why we're so excited today to be able to say to them: Yes, the next one is coming!"

Z Proto is one of 10 new vehicles that Nissan is showing for the U.S. in 20 months, along with top-sellers like Sentra and Rogue, and innovative new models like the all-electric Ariya crossover.

"The United States is home to one of the most devoted and enthusiastic Z communities in the world, with nearly 1.35 million total sales over the model's 50-year history," said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales. "With new models like Sentra and Rogue opening new eyes to our brand, Z Proto is our loudest statement yet that Nissan will continue to bring vehicles that thrill to U.S. showrooms."

Z Proto exterior: past meets future

Sporting a bright yellow pearlescent paint – a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first-generation 240Z and the 300ZX – the Z Proto boasts a fresh, attractive exterior design with a silhouette that communicates respect to the original model.

Using a theme that combines elements of previous generations while also projecting futurism was challenging, said Alfonso Albaisa, head of design at Nissan.

"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."

The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille dimensions are similar to the current model, although the grille fins nod to the past. The form continues to exude both sportiness and elegance.

"The LED headlights have two half-circles that hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s," Albaisa explained. "The ZG has clear dome lenses over the headlight buckets, which under light give off two circular reflections over each headlight. We liked that unique characteristic and discovered that it naturally fit with the Z's identity."

The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the Z Proto from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.

The rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX taillights, reinterpreted for the modern world. Set within a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, the LED taillights convey a sharp glow.

Lightweight carbon fiber treatments on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance ensure nimble performance. 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the Z Proto's striking road presence.

Z Proto interior: modern tech with a vintage touch



Designed to fit driver and passenger like a glove, the Z Proto's cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches.

The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an ideal sports car cabin, both for road and track. This can be seen in the Z's instrumentation. All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position.

The new, deep dish steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic.

Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special accent piping and layered seat material to create depth.

Sports car joy: an exhilarating, dynamic performer

The original Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible.

"The Z has always been a strong dynamic performer, making it easy for customers to enjoy its capabilities and feel as connected as possible to the car," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the Z Proto. "This has been true through all its generations, and this is what drives our passion to innovate and challenge the norm."

Each new generation had a more powerful engine, although the Z is about more than power increases.

"Z is more than just powerful and agile," Tamura continued. "It is designed to create a connection with the driver, for the car to be a 'dance partner' for their on-road adventures."

Make no mistake though, the Z Proto packs a powerful punch. Under the elongated hood is an enhanced V6 twin-turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. As a prototype, work is now underway to synchronize the power with the grace and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years.

"Nissan is transforming its business," said Uchida. "This summer, we unveiled the ground breaking all-electric Nissan Ariya crossover, which represents the future of mobility. Even as we open this new chapter, the Z, its heritage and passion, express who we are and has been shaping our DNA for over fifty years."

About ZCON
The Z Car Club Association (ZCCA) is hosting current Datsun and Nissan Z car owners from around the world for its annual International Z Car Convention. The event runs from Sept. 14 through 19 in Franklin, home of Nissan North America headquarters. This year's ZCON is expected to draw a large number of participants as the association celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Datsun 240Z's original model year.

For more information on the 2020 Nashville ZCON, please visit www.ZCON.org.

To find out more about the Z Proto, 2020 Nissan 370Z and the rest of the Nissan lineup, please visit NissanNews.com.

[TXSTYLE]

It is FAR from ugly. So that is simply a stupid remark.

Anywho... With a slight tweak of the front end, they will have a winner no question!

[c1pher]

I have mixed feelings. Waiting to hear the technical details.

[stein_325i]

Official press release from Motor1.

Originally Posted by Motor1

The Nissan Z is back, and it’s bolder than ever.

The current Nissan 370Z has been around since 2009, which is ancient in car years. But the company has finally gone back to the drawing board, and today we get our first look at the 370's long-awaited successor – or at least, an early version of it. The Nissan Z Proto may not be available to purchase yet (the name "Proto" meaning "prototype"), but it does provide an early glimpse of what to expect for the production model.

Many of the details you see here – things like the retro styling, modernized interior, and twin-turbocharged V6 – should all make their way to production when the new Nissan Z does eventually hit the market. We expect Nissan's new sports car to go on sale officially sometime next year. For now, all we can do is fawn over this very pretty preview of what's to come.

Performance: Twin-Turbo Power
At the heart of the Nissan Z Proto is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Since this is still a concept, though, things like displacement and actual power figures remain a mystery. But if this is the same motor from the Infiniti Red Sport models, as reported, expect upwards of 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) from the new Z.

That figure would mark a big upgrade over the current 370Z, which produces 332 hp (248 kW). Not only that, but it would give the Nissan Z a significant boost in the segment, putting it more squarely against competitors like Toyota Supra – which produces a comparable 382 hp (285 kW) – as well as more powerful options like Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro SS, among others.

The Z Proto's new twin-turbo V6 comes paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and all that yet-to-be-known power travels to the rear wheels exclusively. Nissan says that an automatic transmission is also in development.

Exterior: Retro Chic
The Nissan Z Proto’s look pays respect to its iconic forebears. The bright yellow pearlescent paint job is a subtle nod to the first-gen 240, while the elongated hood, rounded LED headlights, and squared grille blend cues from other Z cars. There's even a "Fairlady Z" badge on the trunk.

The Z Proto's backside, though, might be its most appealing angle, with a black partition that runs the length of the trunklid and over the rear fenders, hiding horizontal LED taillights underneath. That particular piece of design draws inspiration straight from the '90s-era 300ZX.

But it's not all retro. Modern carbon fiber elements spice up the exterior, from the side skirts to the front lower lip to the rear diffuser. The body itself sits on a set of lightweight, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the back end is topped off by a pair of exhaust tips.

Size-wise, the Nissan Z Proto is actually a bit bigger than the current 370Z, particularly in length. The new Z stretches out to 172.5 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and is 51.6 inches tall. The 370Z, meanwhile, is just 167.5 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 51.8 inches tall.

Interior: Clean And Modern
The inside of the Nissan Z Proto isn't as outwardly retro as the exterior, but it does offer a clean layout with multiple screens. At the heart of the cabin is a so-called "deep dish" three-spoke steering wheel wearing the "Z" logo and sporting multiple controls on either side.

The seats wear a mix of Alcantara and leather, with yellow stitching that carries over to the steering wheel, shift knob boot, and center console. And like its predecessor, the Nissan Z Proto only has two seats.

In terms of technology, located just behind the steering wheel is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which replaces the 370Z's outdated analog gauges. There's also a brand-new touchscreen display – if it’s the same screen from the new Rogue, it should be 9.0 inches – running Nissan's latest infotainment system and three rounded indicators just above that central screen, atop the dash.

Pricing And Availability
The Nissan Z Proto is just a concept, but we expect the production version to show up later next year as a 2022 model, sporting many of the cues you see here – including that twin-turbocharged V6 engine. More details like horsepower and the car’s starting price will be revealed closer to its on-sale date, but it might start around $40,000, undercutting its Japanese rival, the Toyota Supra, somewhat.

https://www.motor1.com/news/444156/new-nissan-z/

[heavyD^2]

I don't think Toyota has anything to worry about lol. What a letdown. Nothing says cutting edge like a perfectly rectangular grill and 90's teardrop headlights. Maybe it will look better in person. Interior looks kind of okay I guess although it looks like a lot of plastic. Hopefully performance is the strongpoint.

[stein_325i]

Need Mazda to join in with an RX-9 to bring back the holy trinity of Japan.

[heavyD^2]

It doesn't look terrible but I just don't get that rectangular grille. Looks like an unfinished front end. It just looks thoroughly average inside and out. The best part about the car is the coke bottle rear fender flare as the rest is pretty staid. I'm sure it will look better in person but performance will have to be very good to keep this car relevant.

[super51fan]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Official press release from Motor1.

Pricing And Availability
The Nissan Z Proto is just a concept, but we expect the production version to show up later next year as a 2022 model, sporting many of the cues you see here – including that twin-turbocharged V6 engine. More details like horsepower and the car’s starting price will be revealed closer to its on-sale date, but it might start around $40,000, undercutting its Japanese rival, the Toyota Supra, somewhat.

I wonder why they believe it will cost so much considering it is riding on an existing platform with existing hardware.

[supra93]

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by super51fan

I wonder why they believe it will cost so much considering it is riding on an existing platform with existing hardware.

That price seems about right given the price of an equivalent Infinity using that drivetrain. Sounds like it's going to be above $40k which isn't terrible considering how much STI's and Civic Type R's are selling for.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by super51fan

I wonder why they believe it will cost so much considering it is riding on an existing platform with existing hardware.

Not sure, but C/D also say they expect $40k marking a $10k increase over the current 370Z but just undercutting the 3.0 Supra.

[Mtxzptlk]

Love it! Body and Interior.

Looks simple, a little conservative for me. But at least Nissan didn't fuck up front end *ahem* M3/M4 *ahem*

Good base for all the aftermarket goodies to come.

[super51fan]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

That price seems about right given the price of an equivalent Infinity using that drivetrain. Sounds like it's going to be above $40k which isn't terrible considering how much STI's and Civic Type R's are selling for.

The price is definitely fair, but seeing as the Q50 starts at $36k I was expecting them to hit a touch below in infiniti's refinement (as I re-read that it almost sounds like an oxymoron but I digress)

Originally Posted by jstein55

Not sure, but C/D also say they expect $40k marking a $10k increase over the current 370Z but just undercutting the 3.0 Supra.

To be fair it is rather easy to undercut the Supra in price if you aren't focusing on the chassis and lap times which is what the Supra excels at.

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by super51fan

I wonder why they believe it will cost so much considering it is riding on an existing platform with existing hardware.

The VR30DDTT is an expensive motor to produce