Nissan’s prototype Z sports car nods to retro models

Nissan has just revealed its idea of the next sports car for the brand. Photos: Nissan

Nissan has revealed the future of its sports car range with the Z Proto debuted at a virtual event that was watched by fans around the world.

The Z car has been manufactured by Nissan since 1969 starting with the Nissan Fairlady Z and recently, the 370Z. 

Unveiled today at the Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, Japan, the prototype car features a new design inside and out, as well as a V6 twin-turbocharged engine with a manual transmission.

First hinted at in a video named “Nissan A-Z” in May, the Nissan Z Proto pays full respect to 50 years of Z heritage but the brand says is a “ thoroughly modern sports car”.

“The Z, as a pure sports car, represents the spirit of Nissan,” said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida.

The Nissan Z Proto celebrates 50 years of the sports car for the Japanese brand.

“It’s a key model in our Nissan NEXT transformation plan, and it’s proof of our ability to do what others don’t dare to do, from A to Z. As a Z fan myself, I’m excited to announce that the next Z is coming.”

 The Z Proto boasts a fresh, attractive exterior design with a silhouette that communicates respect for the original model. It sports a bright yellow pearlescent paint – a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first generation Z (S30) and the 300ZX (Z32) – and a black roof.

Combining a retro theme with one that also projected 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 Nissan Z Proto rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX.

The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille’s dimensions are similar to the current model with the addition of oval grille fins to offer an updated modern look. 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 fits 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 (Z32) 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.

The rectangular grille’s dimensions are similar to the current model, 370Z.

Lightweight carbon fibre 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.

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 12 o’clock position.

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

All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display.

Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special yellow accenting and a layered gradation stripe in the center of the seats to create depth.

But before you rush online to order one, there’s some bad news from Nissan. It says the “Z Proto is a development study vehicle and does not confirm or reflect production model specifications”.

We can dream though.