We were about to log off from a Nissan livestream discussing its business plans for the next few years, but stuck around for the closing video.
And there it was, a teaser of the much-anticipated new Z Car, which is hotly tipped to be called 400Z. Whatever the name, it’ll replace the aged 370Z and take on the Toyota Supra in what promises to be a formidable Japanese showdown.
The images are grainy – even in a 1080p stream – and darkened, but we can see smoother lines, fat rear haunches/hips, a classic retro badge on the C-pillar, subtle bonnet bulging, a chrome strip running atop the side window line, and a large grille.
Pictured: Grabs from the Nissan video. Click or push to expand
It looks cleaner and less fussy than the last few Z cars, and clearly taps into the brand’s legacy that started with the Datsun Fairlady and 240Z.
The rumour mill has long suggested that we’d see the new Z before the end of this year, but with COVDI-19 causing mayhem, it might be pushed.
We had our virtual hands up in the Zoom presentation but were overlooked.
Excitingly for Nissan fans, the company announced it would focus principally on four segments: the C-segment (Qashqai and X-Trail/Rogue), D-segment (Maxima and Pathfinder), EVs (Leaf and Ariya), and sports cars. It showed pictures of the 370Z and R35 GT-R, suggesting both nameplates have rosy futures.
Nissan and Infiniti say they will introduce 12 models globally in the next 18 months.
As you can read in our recent feature, the upcoming Nissan ‘400Z’ will take the brand back to its roots, paying homage to the Datsun 240Z in all the right ways.
Nissan hasn’t officially confirmed the existence of a replacement for the ageing 370Z, but the company has filed trademark applications for a new ‘Z’ badge inspired by that of the 240Z in the USA, Australia, and Canada.
Power is expected to come from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the sexy Infiniti Q60 Red Sport packing about 300kW/400hp and 475Nm. An automatic is obvious, but hopefully a carried-over manual is added as well…
We hope Nissan’s engineers tweak the RWD Q60’s suspension and chassis to make the Z a keener handler if this is the path it’s embarking on. We’ve seen mules on track in development.
When we learn more we will report it, but expect details to trickle out ahead of a world premiere late this year or perhaps early next. Also check out our design review of the Z range with some renders here.
MORE: We build a Lego Speed Champions Nissan GT-R Nismo and you can win a box of it.
