Nissan’s born-again Zed sports car has leaked in production trim, and it looks just like the concept.
Photos of the 2022 Nissan 400Z have been published from the factory floor in Kaminokawa, revealing what’s changed in the jump from Z Proto to production car.
Most of the body has made the leap to showroom-ready unchanged from the concept, although there are some subtle changes.
The boot is now home to a subtle lip spoiler, and the Fairlady Z badge has been removed.
The detailing in the rear diffuser and bumper is identical, and it appears the Z badge on the C-pillar has been carried over – although Nissan has taped over it on this car.
Up front, the gaping square grille from the concept has carried over. It’s not yet clear where the numberplate will be mounted, although the orange marker lights on this particular car suggest it’s headed for the USA where front number plates aren’t universally mandated.
Inside, the cabin has made the leap from concept to production almost unchanged.
There’s a digital instrument binnacle and a touchscreen infotainment system, while the automatic transmission is controlled by a trio of buttons atop a small pod.
Nissan Australia is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Z.
“We’re seeing as soon as we come out globally with news on Z Proto and Z in general, there’s a lot of anticipation being fed through our dealers, through car clubs, and other enthusiast avenues,” Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester told CarExpert.
“You can see it on message boards, club hangouts in the digital realm, even enquiries to our call centre.
“I think for a market like Australia where performance vehicles play oh so well, that a car with the heritage that Z has is going to be an absolute rocket when it gets out here.”
It’s confirmed the road car will sport a twin-turbocharged V6 (just like the Z32) instead of the rev-happy 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 used in the 370Z.
It would be no great stretch to guess the new Z uses the aluminium-block 3.0-litre V6 TT donk used in the Infiniti Q60 – potentially the 224kW base unit, but more likely the 298kW and 475Nm iteration used in the Red Sport.
The 370Z Nismo’s aspirated V6 topped out at 253kW and 371Nm.
The Z Proto also uses (thank any deity you please) a six-speed manual, presumably pinched from the 370Z since the Q60 has always been an automatic.
Expect a seven-speed auto with paddles to also feature, since that’s likely to prove more popular.
