Next-Gen Nissan 370Z Will Have Manual Gearbox And Retro Z Design
Although we know there’s a new Nissan 370Z on the way, we have no idea what it looks like. Spy shots of a 370Z or ‘400Z’ test mule revealed a vehicle still wearing the body panels of the existing Nissan Z car (albeit with a bunch of holes drilled in the front).
However, a report has since come in that gives a few clues. Over in the US, Autoblog is citing a source that claims Nissan is “going back to the roots of the car” with a retro-inspired design.
This will result in a car with a similar outline to the current, ageing 370Z, but with a 240Z-like front end and some 300ZX echoes going on at the back. In contrast, the inside will be thoroughly modern, with the Z, at last, getting an infotainment system, and an overall cabin design said to be similar to the Altima and Sentra.
In line with previous reports, this fresh one suggests power will come from a version of the ‘VR30DDTT’ 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the Infiniti Q50/Q60. It has only ever been paired with automatic transmissions in production applications, but don’t let that panic you - there will be both auto and manual versions available.
We have seen a preview of this combination before - a current-gen 370Z Nissan cooked up for the 2018 SEMA show dropped the usual VQ37VHR for the VR30, which was hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox. The show car’s 400bhp output is around what we’re expecting for the new one.
We’ll be waiting a while to see the car in full, however - there’s a good chance it may not be revealed in 2020 at all. The question is, will Nissan keep the positively geriatric 370Z going until the new one is here, or give an overdue retirement?
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
UwU
I can’t believe all of this! Porsche 718s are getting 4.0-litre boxer-6s with manual gearboxes, BMW i8 is being axed and now the Z is going to resemble old-school Zs and also come with a manual. Bring it on, 2020!
And on top of that, the Pagani Huayra successor will have manual option too.
Yeah, but lets be honest considering how in 2018 only 2% of cars were sold with Manual, this will be a short release.
I actually can’t wait for it
Well this is awesome, cant wait
Ohhh, just make the blasted 400z already Nissan…. Goodness
Manual transmissions: the new 12” vinyl.
Good. We can consider that we are officially over the SUV phase.
Even the S2K is getting a new bodykit.
Bad news for Ford.
Next Gen Z with Twin Turbo V6 vs Updated Supra with slightly detuned S58B30 would be a great Battle.
It would even be better if Mitsubishi can somehow resurrect their Dying Lineup by reintroducing a 3000GT to compete with these two.
This would give enough incentive for Mazda to attempt a new RX Successor while Honda could then undercut them by releasing an S2000 Successor with Parts Sharing from the S660, and the Civic Type R.
Im very excited for this! Sounds very promising