The next generation Nissan Z coupe’s replacement has been long-in-the-tooth, with the current 370Z having been on sale since 2009 and ever since, it has been a parade of rumours as to when the next car is destined to arrive.
However, according to a report by Autocar, some dealer managers in the United States have been shown some of the new designs. According to them, the Japanese marque is slated to return to its roots with a 240Z-inspired front end and a 300ZX rear end, which should make for some interesting renders.
Further supporting the notion of a replacement, not too long ago, Nissan filed a trademark application in Canada for a new Z trademark which hints strongly at the 370Z’s replacement. It uses a retro font that’s reminiscent of the original Z car.
The new car, tipped to bear the name 400Z, is likely to use a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, that is mostly likely sourced from Infiniti’s parts bin. The engine in question is already in active service in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models. Check out our Showroom for the best deals.
The 400Z name also implies the power output – 400 horsepower in old English or 298kW. Crazier still, there could well be a Nismo version in the works too with 372kW or 500 horsepower. Perhaps it could be known as the 500Z. Only time will tell we’re afraid.
Powertrain aside, the new Z is not likely to get its own bespoke platform but rather expect Nissan to repurpose one of their existing platforms rather than create a bespoke architecture, given the Z’s poor sales numbers and financial health of the company.
The Infiniti Q60 seems to be the likely platform for Nissan to base the new Z car off from. This opens the 400Z to a whole host of possibilities, including all-wheel drive, perhaps. The new car is also slated to be lighter than the 1,825kg Q60.
No firm date has been given for the 400Z’s unveiling, but, sources suggest that the car maybe revealed as soon as later this year. However, given the coronavirus pandemic, the launch could easily be pushed to next year.
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