It is a fabulous time to be a sports car fan. Manufacturers are catering to the enthusiast's needs. It is evident from the revival of famous nameplates like the Supra, Z4 and the development of entirely new ones like the first mid-engined Corvette Stingray and the scalpel-sharp BMW M2 CS.
Nissan used to be the major player in the affordable sports car market and has given enthusiasts cherishable rides like Silvia, Z-series cars, and the all-conquering GTR. Nissan's sporty image slowly faded away as the GTR and 370Z (still good, no doubt) badly were more than decade-old designs and badly needed a refresh.
Let's look back at the origins of the Nissan Z cars.
Breath Of New Life: Z Cars
The original Z cars date back to 1969, when Yutaka Katayama, the president of Nissan USA in the 60s, recognized the value of affordable and reliable sports cars. Thus the 240Z codename(S30) was launched as Datsun (a sub-brand of Nissan) 240Z. Since then, there have been six generations of Z cars.
As part of the 'Nissan Next' global restructuring plan, Nissan revealed its upcoming line-up of vehicles. It included the Nissan Z concept known as 'Nissan Z Proto.' Fans went gaga over it as it had retro styling and new tech to keep up with the times.
What's New With The 2022 Nissan 400Z?
The all-new Nissan Z car is touted to be named 400Z. It is one of the most highly anticipated vehicles set to launch in 2021/2022. (Z35). It is a homage to all the Z cars before it. Just a glance can show much effort Nissan put into designing their new 400Z.
Exterior Design Of The Nissan Z
The headlights borrow heavily from the original Datsun series yet are not in a perfect circle shape mainly because it was modeled after the 240ZG (a Japanese-only model) with clear dome lenses. The 400Z has rear LED taillights inspired by the (Z32) 300ZX. It has actual depth to it with a 3D effect when viewed from a different angle.
The 400Z has a badge mounted on the C Pillar and a Fairlady Z badge on the boot, just like the original. It is longer than the current 2021 Nissan 370Z by 5 inches and also features a Katana (a Samurai Sword) design on the roof. This design has a grey line separating the car color and the brushed aluminum effect. However, the first Katana design was seen on the Lexus LC500.
What's Inside The 2022 Nissan Z?
Even though 400Z has a 12-inch digital dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto still retaining the analog triple ancillary gauges in the center, displaying vital information like oil pressure, battery voltage, and water temp. The air vents also follow the same rectangular design language as the front grille and tail lamps.
The steering wheel looks similar to a Mercedes-Benz steering with its three-spoke design.Although Nissan has a partnership with Mercedes, it would be great if the interior quality is the only thing carried over. 8.0-inch infotainment display with Navigation and Nissan's latest NissanConnect user interface. Bose premium audio is likely an option.
Price And Package
The prices of the Z35 are to be somewhere around $35,000 to high $40,000 with two different packages Type-S & Type-T. The 'Base O' package starts around MSRP: $34,995 with zero options but will get Akebono brakes as standard. The Type-S will set you back $5000 more and come with Brembos brakes, beefier sway bars, an advanced cooling system, and no more floating calipers.
Type-T will focus on interior comforts like power-adjustable heated & cooled leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, if you fancy the best of both worlds, you can combine Type S&T and will set you back $10,000.
Specs and Color Of The 2022 Nissan Z
All cars get the 400hp 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 codenamed (VR30DDTT) seen in Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 coupe. Without any fluids, the car weighs 3,252lbs and features a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. The highlight is that it retains the 6-speed manual and real handbrake (a rarity nowadays) carried over from its predecessor, 370Z. A version of Nissan's tuning division Nismo is also n the cards. .Like the previous models, it won't just be a body kit, loud exhaust, tune, and some badges. However, fans of convertible have to wait as there is no Roadster version as of now.
All color options from the current 370Z will be carried over for the first year with additions like Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Gunmetal Grey, Magnetic Black, Passion Red, Deep Blue, Sunset Drift. Since the car has retro styling, "Heritage" colors like Heritage Yellow is a unique addition.
Final Thoughts
There have been countless renders of the all-new 2022 Nissan 400Z with aggressive front and wide-body kits and huge aero spoilers. The 400Z will compete directly with the BMW M2, Toyota Supra, Mustang, and even the Porsche Cayman. Nissan knows how to build a good sports car and still has a cult following in the enthusiast community. Compared to its rivals, all Z cars have excellent aftermarket support.
There are three USDM Production cars tested out on the roads. One car was spotted in Nashville, Tennessee Cars & Coffee in Cool Springs. Also, a camouflaged vehicle was spotted testing in Colorado. It simply hints we are closer to the release.