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Next-Gen Nissan Z Car
Nissan builds a wide range of sedans, crossovers and trucks, but the most noteworthy model in the lineup is the legendary Z sports car. In its current iteration as the 370Z, this iconic car celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and what better way to celebrate the past than by looking to the future? The Japan-based automaker has done precisely that, announcing plans to debut an all-new Nissan Z car on Aug. 17, 2021, in New York City.
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Next One Is Coming
“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!” Uchida enthused.
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Nissan Z Proto
We had our first inkling that a new Nissan Z car was coming when the automaker revealed the Z Proto last fall. The Z Proto is instantly recognizable as a Z car thanks to its long hood and roofline that flows smoothly from the top of the windshield to the squared-off rear end — much like the silhouette of the first-generation Z. The bright yellow paint is also a tribute to the past; the color was part of a popular paint scheme on the first-generation 240Z. Rumor has it that the production version premiering in August features styling similar to the Z Proto.
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Past and Future
“Our designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” said Alfonso Albaisa, head of design at Nissan. “Ultimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future,” Albaisa noted.
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Z Proto Front-End Styling
Up front, the squared-off grille of the Z Proto is similar to the current 370Z, while teardrop-shaped LED headlights look much like those on the original 240Z. In a nod to the future, side skirts, a front lip spoiler and rear valence are constructed from carbon fiber. Stylish 19-inch alloy wheels add to the overall look.
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Classic Headlights
“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,” observed Albaisa.
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Rear View
At the rear of the Nissan Z Proto, LED taillights take inspiration from the 300ZX, set within a section of black body that spans the rear and wraps around the outer edges of the car. A dual exhaust adds to the sporty nature of the prototype.
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Purposeful Cockpit
The deep-dish steering wheel of the Nissan Z Proto has a retro style while integrating quick-access controls for the driver. A thoroughly modern vehicle, the Z Proto puts a 12.3-inch digital display in front of the driver, making all vital information available at a glance.
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Incorporating Color
Inside the Z Proto, the bright yellow color continues as accenting throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel and piping on the seats.
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Twin Turbo
Although exact details about the upcoming Z’s powertrain have not been released, the Proto boasts an enhanced twin-turbo V6 engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Given that the most powerful version of the current Z car produces 350 horsepower, expect the new model to have at least that much.
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Devoted Z Community
“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 of 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,” Colleran confirmed.
© Nissan North America
August 17 Debut
Nissan has confirmed that the all-new next-generation Z sports car will debut in The Big Apple on August 17, 2021 — a few days before the New York Auto Show. We’ll have full coverage of the unveiling and details about the new Nissan Z car as soon as they become available, and those who attend the New York Auto Show will get a chance to see it up close and in person.
