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.
Might be an appealing prospect, 400 bhp with a Turbo will be a lot quicker than 340 ish without, Nissan have a big gap between the 370Z and the GTR in terms of price and performance, different markets to an extent but the GTR is so fast and the 370Z, although could never call it slow, its a bit off the pace these days. Not a million miles off the original GTR which had 479 bhp.
Wonder if the new Supra has changed their plan at all ?
I'm very happy with my recently purchased 350Z, the engine has a lovely pick-up at the low end, strong torque and a nice sound towards the 7,500 rpm cut-out. So would be great to see a new model. I'd love it to be lighter, but I doubt that would happen.
Drivetrain possibilities:
4.0L nat-asp V6 with hybrid assist
3.0L turbo V6
2.5L turbo V6 with hybrid assist
1.5L turbo triple as a generator, full electric drive (like their e-Power Note & Serena)
Pure electric (e.g. insert two complete Leaf batteries and drivetrains, one at each end)
which would you favour?
The VQ engine(in the 370Z) does feel a bit ancient now though and it has a terrible reluctance to rev much above 6000rpm(which goes against the enjoyment of a NA engine somewhat).Yet max power is at 7000rpm with a redline of 7500rpm so it is quite frustrating in fairness.
So an update to Turbos is certainly needed and welcoming in many ways I think. I was a massive fan of the 300ZX Twin Turbo so I'm certainly not going to complain about the switch!
I guess that there is a big chance that the new Z with be auto only though(hopefully not)...because that is the fashionable gearbox nowadays for sure.
I like how the car has the post facelift wheels on it...yet it has the pre facelift front grill.
How can we be sure that it isn't just some random person going around the ring in their own car...who just has a bad taste for colour schemes and who likes drilling big holes!
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1119650_nissan...
You're right about the US market, I believe. The formula for success of the new Z car must be similar to that of Mustang: ie, ensure volume sales in the US such that higher costs borne in other countries can be, to a certain extent, amortised.
Volume for the Z car will not be Mustang-sized, but it must be substantial. Additionally, we should expect some degree of volume from China to support our maths. I will be surprised if Europe is the focus of this car.
The last time I commented on PH about the Z car franchise, another bloke insisted that the car (as we know it in the West) was conceived solely for a handful of discerning British motorists and that the story of Yutaka Katayama and his focus on the US market, is a cover-up propagated for more than 50 years by motoring press on both sides of the Atlantic.
4.0L nat-asp V6 with hybrid assist
3.0L turbo V6
2.5L turbo V6 with hybrid assist
1.5L turbo triple as a generator, full electric drive (like their e-Power Note & Serena)
Pure electric (e.g. insert two complete Leaf batteries and drivetrains, one at each end)
which would you favour?
Of your choices, I'm going to go with the 2.5L turbo V6 with hybrid assist. And here's why:
Nissan are going to challenge the sports car category a bit (I'm guessing here) by positioning the new Z car as the best expression of classical motoring. A sense of occasion.
Crucially, they will not focus on speed. Engagement and sound will be their calling card.
To achieve this, Nissan would specify a powertrain that allows for peaky revs -- yet also power -- and they will offer a manual transmission. They of course know that a self-shifting dual-clutch unit must be offered, and this will have driver settings that maximise on revs and on hustling through curves.
By weaving in the hybrid gubbins, Nissan provide both welcome torque and a bit of the future-proof. Furthermore, as it's still early days for hybrid performance powertrains, Nissan will enjoy some limelight here.
Also, price planning and product margin will limit the ability to use high-cost lightweight materials. But who knows: if Nissan are feeling revolutionary, there's always the polyester-based sheet moulding compound as used on Corvette.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff