Nissan Z Proto: new Z car on its way with twin-turbo V6 and manual transmission

Nissan has finally — FINALLY — given its first clear look at its new Z car — and purists should be happy.

Unveiled at the brand’s new pavilion in Yokohama, Nissan confirmed the upcoming Z car would have a twin turbo V6 petrol engine paired to a six-speed manual.

There had been talks of the new generation having hybrid or electric power — if even a new Z car would be made at all.

Nissan also stressed the Z Proto is not a concept, but rather a development study vehicle.

Which is to say, the end result will probably be very similar to this.

The designers wanted to pay homage to Z cars of the past, namely the 240Z and 300ZX, while also offering a hint of futurism.

It has the traditional long bonnet and low slung cabin, with the front end’s bonnet bulges and scooped out headlamps recalling the 240Z.

The headlamps are split into two semi circles, a nod to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 1970s.

At the rear, the LED tail lights recall the 300ZX.

The yellow paint is also a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first generation Z, the S30, and the 300ZX.

Lightweight carbon fibre on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance aim for lighter weight and more nimble performance, while 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts add to the road presence.

Though it will likely change on the production model, the Z Proto has chunky 285/35R19 tyres on the rear and 255/40R19 rubber at the front.

Inside, things have taken a quantum leap from the current model’s aged cabin.

There’s a 12.3-inch digital driver display which is configured so drivers can check the key info at a glance when driving hard, such as the redline shift point being at the twelve o-clock position.

The steering wheel has modern controls while also trying to keep a vintage aesthetic.

Yellow accents are dotted throughout the cabin, including stitching and accenting and a layered gradation stripe in the centre of the seats.

There was no word on timing — executives would only say the car is “on its way”.

Usually a car with a prototype as seemingly advanced as the Z Proto would see production start within 12 months, however given the already-long gestation period it could be longer.

Some reports even have its launch as distant as 2023.

Nissan didn’t outline any platform details, meaning there’s a chance the new Z could sit on the same architecture as the current 370Z.

The Z Proto is 4382mm long, making it 142mm longer than the 370Z but the width is identical and the height just 10mm different.

There was no figure for the wheelbase.

There was also no mention of the car’s official name. The 400Z moniker has long been rumoured, though the Proto’s ‘Fairlady’ badge on the rear could be a sign of a return to the car’s original Japanese market name, however we’d guess it’s more just a cool retro touch.

We wait with bated breath for more details.