The Nissan Z Proto is already gaining the attention of fans of the brand. The classic sports car aesthetics of a long hood and short rear deck make the Z Proto immediately identifiable, and its yellow exterior color option grabs attention like few others. This lean automobile is well designed for looks as well as speed, and its sleek exterior is sure to turn heads at any Nissan dealership. The Nissan Z Proto is the latest model to appear in Nissan’s long line of classic looking and beautiful sports cars, paying homage to the fifty years of Nissan’s sports car history while still Z Proto a modern aesthetic that everyone will love.
This combination of classic and modern is, perhaps, the best summary of everything the Nissan Z Proto represents. The classic long hood and manual transmission are combined with a modern twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a full suite of driver assistance safety features. This creates a sport car lovers’ dream: speed, smooth lines, and a powerful engine. This vehicle was built to pay clear homage to its past while also preparing for the future. If you want a classic sports car with a modern edge, you would do well to seek out a Nissan Z Proto when it becomes available at your local Nissan dealership.
Speed and Power: Exterior Details
The Nissan Z Proto was kept under wraps by the company for some time following the announcement of its initial release as a development model. Despite this fact, some details have inevitably leaked out early thanks to social media. The Nissan Z Proto, according to quickly snapped but carefully examined photos, runs on a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission included. While the manual transmission is standard, there is talk of an optional automatic transmission in the works as well. The automatic will most likely be the same seven-speed unit found on most INFINITI models.
The current Nissan Z car, the 370Z, has a 3.7 liter V-6 that produces 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque in the standard configuration. The Nissan Z Proto is speculated to be marketed under the name Nissan 400Z due to its engine and power output. Based on the INFINITI Q50, which also has a Nissan twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the Z Proto is likely to produce 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The chassis is assumed to be an evolution of the previous model’s, the rear-wheel drive FM platform. The suspension and brake components are assumed to be shared with the INFINITI Red Sport performance models, but they may be all-new for greater performance.
The long hood, front wide grille, and teardrop-shaped LED headlights are unmistakable nods to the original Nissan Z car, launched in 1969. The massive rectangular mouth and the squared-off truck of the Z Proto are more nods to the original Datsun 240Z. But while all these nods to past models exist, the Nissan Proto Z is actually larger than the latest 370Z and incorporates a thoroughly modern aura. These multiple nods to the past give the Nissan Z Proto a classic, streamlined look, while its modern aesthetic edge keeps the vehicle from looking dated.
The yellow paint selected for the Nissan Z Proto adds modern pearlescence to a hue borrowed from the original 240Z, making the car look bright and alive in the sunshine. Split five-spoke bronze wheels add to the contrasting look of the exterior. Six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers on massive brake rotors are borrowed from the GT-R to complete the Nissan Proto Z’s lean sporty appearance and provide incredible stopping power. Despite being an amalgamation of various older models, the Nissan Proto Z manages to achieve a modern look all its own at the same time.
Fits Like a Glove: Interior
The Nissan Z Proto was designed to be a comfortable ride, with seating for two. A 12.3-inch digital instrument console promises to keep all pertinent information in the driver’s field of vision at all times with some details designed to be processed with only a small glance. A three gauge binnacle is the only nod to the past found in the vehicle’s interior, with the rest of the space dominated by modern technology. The analog gauges mounted above the touchscreen show the vehicle’s boost pressure, turbo RPM, and battery voltage – all important information for a true sports car.
A new steering wheel design features improved ergonomics and easy access to features while recalling the current and classy three-spoke design. The Nissan Z Proto has an adaptive cruise control system. Additionally, a dedicated button to the left of the steering wheel will shut off the traction and stability control system if desired. This will allow for easy peeling out, leaving looping long black marks on the pavement in your wake. A camera button on the infotainment system strongly suggests the presence of a surround-view camera. Additional safety features likely include automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic monitoring, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Oval and circular air vents, as well as recessed oval style door handles, offer a sleek interior look to match the exterior. Yellow stitching and piping are included for a bright pop of color against the otherwise black interior, offering another call back to the pearlescent paint option for the exterior. However, the production model may well be offered with a variety of interior color options. The navigational system and entertainment system are both expected to be part of NissanConnect technology with a voice recognition system as standard. This will provide up-to-date connectivity without being a distraction from the classic driving experience.
A Glimpse of the Future with Nissan Z Proto
The Nissan Z Proto is expected to go on sale this spring as a 2022 model year. There is still no word on the MSRP, though it will likely fall somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000. This car blends modern technology with the classic lines of the Nissan Z’s fifty-year long history. This vehicle is expected to provide better driving feel, sound control, and styling as well as straight-up great performance numbers in the form of maximum speed, drivetrain, and gas mileage. In short, Nissan is focused on the overall picture provided by the Nissan Z Proto. Driver comfort, good handling, and stylish looks seem to be the goals with the Nissan Z Proto.
This vehicle knows exactly what it is and exactly where it fits in today’s sports car automotive market. The Nissan Z Proto has classic lines that echo its humble beginnings, a powerful engine that can carry it almost anywhere, and a roomy (for a sports car) interior designed to fit most drivers with the comfort of a good glove. It promises to mark a definite change in the line, honoring the past while ushering in the future. Anyone who loves sports cars and is looking for a new model that serves as a callback to the classics with all the comfort of modern cars will do well to look into the Nissan Z Proto when it arrives at your local Nissan dealership.
