Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, Nissan Motor Corporation has unveiled the Z Proto, a new generation of the legendary Z sports car, at a digital event from Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama. The prototype sports car features a new twin-turbo V6 motor with manual transmission and a new design on the exteriors and interiors.
The Nissan Z Proto pays homage to 50 years of Z heritage, reflecting in its neo-retro design theme. On the outside, the Nissan Z Proto carries over the iconic silhouette of the Fairlady Z, combining the retro theme with many modern-day features. The Z Proto also pays tribute to the popular paint scheme on both the first-generation Z (S30) and the 300ZX (Z32) – finished in bright yellow pearlescent paint with a black roof.
The Nissan Z Proto features teardrop-shaped LED headlights that echo with the original Z. The Z Proto takes the minimalist design approach and comes with a rectangular grille and oval grille fins, similar in dimensions with the current model. The LED headlights have two half-circles that reverberate with the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s.
From the profile, the Z Proto features a flowing roofline that starts from the nose and ends with a squared-off rear, giving the Z Proto a unique stance. On the rear, the Z Proto draws inspiration from the 300ZX (Z32) and comes with a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, complemented by sharp glowing LED taillights. The Z Proto also features 19-inch alloy wheels and carbon fibre appliques on the front lower lip, side skirts and the rear valance.
On the interiors, the Nissan Z Proto features a driver-oriented cabin with control mounted deep-dish steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instruments cluster with the redline shift point at the twelve o’clock position and displays vital information. The Z Proto also features a wraparound multi-layered dashboard with driver-oriented clocks on top of the dash fascia, a large centrally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, rotary air-con controls, bucket seats finished in black and yellow and a stubby gear selector.
Though Nissan has not revealed the technical specification on the powertrain, the brand has confirmed that it will be an “Enhanced” Twin-Turbocharged V6 unit married to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Z Proto is 4,382 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,310 mm in height.
It is important to note that the Nissan Z Proto is a development study vehicle and does not confirm or reflect production model specifications. More details on the Z Proto will be revealed in the near future.