First hinted at in a video named \u201cNissan A-Z\u201d in May, the Nissan Z Proto pays full respect to 50 years of Z heritage. At the same time, it\u2019s a thoroughly modern sports car.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Z, as a pure sports car, represents the spirit of Nissan,\u201d said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. \u201cIt\u2019s a key model in our Nissan NEXT transformation plan, and it\u2019s proof of our ability to do what others don\u2019t dare to do, from A to Z. As a Z fan myself, I\u2019m excited to announce that the next Z is coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
A global community of fans young and old attended today\u2019s virtual unveiling. Members of the Z Club in Japan, ZCON<\/a> participants in Nashville, Tennessee, and enthusiasts in various other markets tuned in for the event.<\/p>\n Exterior<\/b><\/strong>: past meets future<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Penned and developed by the design team in\u00a0Japan,\u00a0the Z Proto boasts a fresh, attractive exterior design with a silhouette that communicates respect for the original model. It sports a bright yellow pearlescent paint \u2013 a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first generation Z (S30) and the 300ZX (Z32) \u2013 and a black roof.<\/p>\n Combining a retro theme with one that also projected futurism was challenging, said Alfonso Albaisa, head of design at Nissan.<\/p>\n \u201cOur designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,\u201d Albaisa said. \u201cUltimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future.\u201d<\/p>\n The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille\u2019s dimensions are similar to the current model with the addition of oval grille fins to offer an updated modern look. The form continues to exude both sportiness and elegance.<\/p>\n \u201cThe LED headlights have two half-circles that hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s,\u201d Albaisa explained. \u201cThe ZG has clear dome lenses over the headlight buckets, which under light give off two circular reflections over each headlight. We liked that unique characteristic and discovered that it naturally fit with the Z\u2019s identity.\u201d<\/p>\n The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the Z Proto from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.<\/p>\n The rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX (Z32) taillights, reinterpreted for the modern world. Set within a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, the LED taillights convey a sharp glow.<\/p>\n Lightweight carbon fiber treatments on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance ensure nimble performance.19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the Z Proto\u2019s striking road presence.<\/p>\n Interior: modern tech with a vintage touch<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Designed to fit driver and passenger like a glove, the Z Proto\u2019s cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches.<\/p>\n The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an ideal sports car cabin, both for road and track. This can be seen in the Z\u2019s instrumentation. All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position.<\/p>\n The new, deep dish steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic.<\/p>\n Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special yellow accenting and a layered gradation stripe in the center of the seats to create depth.<\/p>\n Sports car joy: an exhilarating, dynamic performer<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n The original Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Z has always been a strong dynamic performer, making it easy for customers to enjoy its capabilities and feel as connected as possible to the car,\u201d said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the Z Proto. \u201cThis has been true through all its generations, and this is what drives our passion to innovate and challenge the norm.\u201d<\/p>\n Each new generation had a more powerful engine, although the Z is about more than power increases.<\/p>\n \u201cZ is a balance of power and agility,\u201d Tamura continued. \u201cIt is a vehicle that creates a connection with the driver not just on the physical level, but\u00a0emotionally, and responds to the driver\u2019s impulses.\u201d<\/p>\n Make no mistake though, the Z Proto packs a powerful punch. Under the elongated hood is an enhanced V-6 twin-turbo charged engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. As a prototype, work is now underway on synchronizing the power with the grace and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the launch this summer of the groundbreaking Ariya EV, we\u2019ve started a new era of electrification and autonomous driving technology,\u201d said Uchida. \u201cWith the Z, we\u2019re bringing drivers the excitement of a pure sports car. For more than 50 years we have been creating the legend of Z together. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re with us for the next exciting chapter. The new Z is on its way.\u201d<\/p>\n
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