Your First Look at the New Nissan Z Proto

Here at Newton Nissan South, we always stay up-to-date on the latest product news from Nissan. If history has taught us anything, it’s that every time the letter Z pops up, we can expect a new concept car to follow shortly after. In 1970, it was the 240Z. Then, in 1990, the 300ZX made its appearance. By 2003, the 350Z rolled onto dealership lots, and the 370Z hit the ground rolling soon after that. Most recently, the new Z Proto has been an indicator of the upcoming Z35-generation 400Z. This sparkling new racer is set to arrive at Nissan dealerships sometime in 2021. We are certainly excited to have it grace our dealership lot, but we shall have to be content with the announcements about the Z Proto from Nissan. Now, without any further ado, let’s explore the new Z Proto from Nissan.

Body Style

Since the last high-performance model to come out of Nissan factories was the 370Z, we will compare the new Z Proto to the prior version for simplicity. As a concept model, the new Z Proto is measured at about 5 inches longer than the 370Z. It also boasts a more streamlined, elegant shape from the outside to improve the vehicle’s overall aerodynamics and aesthetic. Designed by Alfonso Albaisa, this concept car gives a nod to the retro vibe of its predecessors without looking like a vintage replica.

To go into further detail on this, you will find that the new Z Proto features headlights inspired by those found on the vintage 240Z. Meanwhile, the twilight design was borrowed from the 300ZX. Other than the exterior light casings, the only obvious retrofitting is the three-gauge binnacle. Positioned on top of the dash, this is where you will find vital vehicle stats such as the readings on the speedometer and odometer.

With all that aside, the new Z Proto is very modern. As a two-seater, this coupe comes with a larger infotainment touchscreen that displays all of the tech features in the vehicle. It also comes with a brand new steering wheel design for an attractive and futuristic style. Rolling on 19-inch alloy wheels, it also will come in a pearlescent yellow color to signify the extensive racing history of the Z lineup.

Performance

Since the new Z Proto will be Nissan’s latest racer, you’re probably excited to learn more about the power and performance that it delivers. Rumbling under the hood is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is rumored to deliver around an astounding 400 hp. Fitted with a six-speed manual transmission for optimized control, you can become one with this coupe. There will also most likely be an available seven-speed automatic transmission available for those who don’t like messing with a clutch.

Although Nissan hasn’t released too many details yet, rumor has it that the Z Proto will come with the same RWD FM platform as the 370Z. Experts have also chimed in that it will most likely use the same suspension braking systems as the Infiniti Red Sport vehicles. The goal of the engineering team was to come up with a high-performance coupe that would blow the competition out of the water.

Interior

Although Nissan hasn’t told us much, we do know that the new “deep dish” steering wheel will feature integrated controls for audio, cruise, and phone features. You will be able to adjust the volume and speed limit, and you can answer incoming calls with the touch of a button. The unique “Z” badge is also located on the center of the steering wheel.

As for the aforementioned infotainment system, it uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen to keep all of the entertainment and safety systems in one convenient location. You can operate many different functions here, including music streaming, navigation, and more. The screen itself is positioned in a back-tilt to make it easier to operate from the driver’s seat.

Since this is a futuristic racer that will most likely be brimming with all of the latest tech advancements, it’s safe to assume that it will come with a slew of connectivity options. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will probably be included along with Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You should be able to sync your mobile device to the vehicle’s infotainment system and use the interface as a phone. This means that you will be able to stream your online playlists from Spotify or YouTube.

It also means that you will be able to use compatible apps such as Maps to find your way around. Nissan has not stated whether or not the new Z Proto will include a navigation system. With that being said, you should be able to access your phone’s navigation app through the multimedia center. Other functions that you will be able to perform include making/receiving phone calls and sending/reading text messages.

There is no word yet on the type of stereo system this model will have. However, the 2020 Nissan 370Z base model comes with a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. Higher trim levels switch that unit out for a premium eight-speaker Bose stereo.

Trim Levels

Again, the company has not stated what trim levels, if any, will be available on the new Z Proto. However, we can take a look at the last 370Z to get a fairly good idea of what to expect. This particular racer was offered in four trims known as the base, Sport, Sport Touring, and Nismo. If the upcoming 400Z follows the same pattern, you should be able to find one that is best suited to your daily driving needs. Also, keep in mind that there is a chance that it will only be offered in a single trim.

Leather-trimmed upholstery will most likely be included since it is such an upscale model. We expect the interior to look like the concept images provided by Nissan. If you take a peek at the gallery, you will see that the interior is decorated in black and bright yellow for a contrasting look. The bucket seats will cradle you and the passenger for a more comfortable ride experience. You can take your best friend out for a spin and blow their mind! Meanwhile, the door panels boast a sleek design with no bells or whistles. They simply feature the interior door handles and control buttons for the locks and windows.

According to the images, there is only one cupholder located in the center console area. You will also find the parking brake located here for ease of use. Overall, the cockpit appears to look like a track-ready race car, so that is what you should be looking forward to as we wait for Nissan to release more details.

Wrapping Up

Are you chomping at the bit to slip inside a new Z Proto? Well, you will have to wait a bit longer. The vehicle is still shrouded in mystery, which means that we won’t see it until the end of 2021 or possibly even 2022 if we even get it that early. As the next model in the Z family, the 400Z will surely be worth the wait. We are certainly excited to see this model drive onto our lot. We will be keeping our eye on Nissan’s updates for this exciting model, and in the meantime, you can try out the vehicles from the current Nissan lineup on our lot today.