Nissan teases its next-gen Z car again, revealing it will reveal it Sept. 15.
Plenty of automakers seem to be banking on the appeal of past nameplates, generating a bunch of buzz by bringing back dead or expected-to-be-dead models to grab some attention in addition to some sales with Nissan being the latest.
The Japanese brand woke up the hype machine in May when it subtly showed a blurry, fuzzy next-generation Z car. The latest effort to rattle a few cages happened today with another tease about when the much-anticipated return will occur.
“We’re reawakening the Power of Z with the new Nissan Z Proto, combining 50 years of passion and heritage with modern technology,” officials said. “Please join us at TheNissanNext.com for the Z Proto Digital Unveil on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.”
(The Z is Back! Nissan video delivers first images on next-gen sports car.)
The newest YouTube video shows off the racing heritage of the Z Car and rolls over into running footage of all generations of the sports car before settling on a dark image that features the new model barely discernable in the black background.
In its latest YouTube teaser, Nissan shows off the entire Z-car family.
It’s tough to argue with the strategy with the long-term success of the Dodge Challenger and Charger models as well as the recent popularity of the new Toyota Supra and Acura NSX, among others. The Nissan Z hadn’t been updated – basically – in nearly a decade spurring fears the company might cut it from the line-up.
The automakers recent financial troubles necessitating a move to cut models after a $6 billion loss last year as well as other issues certainly only stoked those fears. Then May hit and long-time fans could breathe easier.
Three months ago, Nissan surprised us with a short YouTube video that previews an assortment of new and updated products close to emerging from the pipeline. These include the already touted Frontier pickup, the next-generation Pathfinder SUV and, yes, an all-new version of the Z.
(First Drive: 2020 Nissan Altima 2.0 Platinum.)
There wasn’t a lot to discern in the video that ran a mere 71 seconds, especially considering it highlighted fully 10 different models. But checking things out more closely – think frame-by-frame – does provide some insight, especially in light of what has already begun to leak out.
Nissan offered a sneak peak at the next-gen Nissan Z sports car in a video on the internet.
For one thing, there’s clearly a retro element to the renewed sports car, apparently harkening back to the classic 240Z model. That starts with a low nose and circular headlights, richly sculpted wheel arches and the shape of the fastback. Nissan also filed a patent application last year for what could be badging influenced by early versions of the Z.
This won’t be a retro-mobile, however. Those headlamps, for example, are expected to use LED bulbs, and there’ll be plenty of technology apparent, both under the hood and inside, sources suggest, from the latest Nissan advanced driver assistance systems to digital gauge and infotainment screens. The taillights, expected to be more like those on the 300ZX, also should be LED-based.
The interior, meanwhile, was not visible in the video but is expected to borrow touches from the latest Altima – while adopting a more twin-cockpit layout.
(Nissan may cut vehicle production by 1M as part of restructuring.)
As for powertrain, the betting is on one of two options: either a new 4.0-liter V-6 – with the two-seater being renamed the Nissan 400Z – or the twin-turbo V-6 that is powering the Red Sport 400 offerings from Nissan’s upscale Infiniti division.