New video previews Nissan 400Z | Update

Turbocharged V6 two-door gets its first official showing in presentation footage

Nissan has provided the first official glimpse of its long-awaited 370Z successor in a shadowy video, where the anticipated V6-powered model is illustrated as an upcoming model. With an angular nose ahead of a tapering rear roofline, it looks almost retro – and a damn sight more aggressive than the comparably rounded 370 design. It’s widely expected to be called the 400Z.

The manufacturer has remained tight lipped on the car's details, but it seems highly likely that the 400Z will be based on Infiniti’s rear-drive platform, as used by the Q50 and Q60, and be powered by the same twin-turbocharged V6 as sporting versions of those models, too. We know the motor’s good for 400hp, a figure that would not only work with the new name but also align the 400Z with its direct rivals, including the Audi TT RS.

Sightings of a 370Z-based mule last year at the Nurburgring suggested that Nissan is going full steam ahead with the high-speed testing from the off, which bodes well for the car's handling. While there’s plenty to love about the 12-year-old 370S, it’s never been the most athletic in the class, so expect a ramping up in lateral performance to go hand-in-hand with the output advantage, not to mention inevitable gains in refinement and efficiency.

While we’ve not been given an arrival date, this preview video does suggest a reveal is set for the not too distant future. The prospect of a new, £40k-ish Japanese sports car with the prowess of Nissan’s Z lineage – which, don’t forget, started way back in 1969 with the 240Z – is certainly a compelling one. If mothing else, it'll encourage Toyota to pursue a higher-performance version of the Supra, too...

ORIGINAL STORY: 31.10.2019

A decade is a long time in car making; when the Nissan 370Z first arrived in 2009, updating the 350Z template of big engine in a fairly big sports car made sense. It's predecessor had been successful doing that, after all, and why wouldn't you stick a chunky V6 in a sports car if possible?

In 2019, that's simply not going to happen anymore: the last remaining sports cars without forced induction are the Mustang, GT86 and certain Caterhams. For this next 370Z, then, due in 2021 and seen testing with a current body here, big change is likely. Welcome change, too, given the old 3.7-litre V6 was well past its best: expect a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 to take its place, taking power to around 400hp and placing it squarely amongst the M2 Competition, TT RS et al.

That engine could well be the one already seen in the Infiniti Q60; current rumours are that the next Zed could share some parts - as the last one did with the Q60/G37 - though little is confirmed just yet. Given the pressures currently faced by manufacturers in getting sports cars to market - see Toyota and BMW having to collaborate to make the numbers work - it would be a surprise for the 370 to receive too much that is bespoke given what's already available.

Beyond a confirmation as part of the Zed/GT-R 50th anniversary year that replacements are being worked on, there's been next to nothing from Nissan about what either sports car might be. To be honest, there's not much to be told from these pics either, because it looks like a 370Z with a bizarre front grille. But expect a comprehensive overhaul: this generation will surely have to accommodate hybrid drive, as well as the increased ride and handling demands imposed by current competitors. Trading on 'charm', 'honesty' or 'authenticity' simply won't cut it any longer.

Quite how Nissan will reinvent its sports car remains to be seen, then, but that doesn't stop us eagerly anticipating whatever it may be. Because while there have been some duffers in the past half century, there have also been some brilliant Zed cars as well - let's hope whatever this is will be another.