The production Nissan 400Z will be revealed in New York City on August 17, 2021 (August 18 our time) and we’re not expecting to be surprised.
That’s because we’ve already seen leaked photos and patent filings which reveal the 400Z will look essentially identical to the Z Proto.
The reveal should give us some clarity as to when production will begin.
When the Z Proto was revealed in September 2020, executives suggested the production version could be two years away.
Z Proto
It’s expected to ride an updated version of the 370Z’s platform, though this hasn’t officially been confirmed.
The most significant upgrade will be the powertrain, which Nissan has confirmed will be a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine.
We expect this to be the same aluminium-block 3.0-litre from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, which produces 298kW of power and 475Nm of torque.
The 370Z’s naturally-aspirated 3.7-litre V6, in contrast, topped out at 253kW and 371Nm in Nismo trim.
Details posted on the NissanZClub forums earlier in 2021 suggest the production 400Z will use the same nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission as fitted in the full-sized Titan pickup truck.
The JR913E is a version of the Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic automatic made under licence by Jatco.
The six-speed manual transmission will reportedly be a carryover item from the 370Z.
The same forum post also suggested the production model won’t be called 400Z, as was expected, but simply ‘Z’.
Photos leaked earlier this year show essentially no changes have been made to the exterior, though the spied example boasted a subtle lip spoiler.
Patent filings also show an essentially identical car, but for the expected production car details like sensors and side reflectors.
That means the Z Proto’s 300ZX-inspired tail lights and 240Z-inspired headlights are unchanged, as is the gaping, squared-off grille.
We don’t yet know where the front numberplate will be mounted.
Inside, the cabin has made the leap from concept to production almost unchanged.
There’s a digital instrument cluster 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.
“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.”
