The internet’s car section is buzzing over the newly released details on the next-generation Nissan Z Proto. With good reason, the current Nissan 370Z has been in production since 2009. That’s older than Snapchat, which didn’t launch until 2011. Nissan only gave us a taste of what to expect in the next-generation Z car, and it left us wanting more. Starting with styling, which Nissan describes as a “thoroughly modern sports car” and could almost be considered a greatest hits collection of design cues. A retro-inspired design is taking cues from the car’s 50-year heritage. Press photos show the Nissan Z Proto wearing a pearlescent yellow paint similar to a factory color used in the first generation 240Z. If you’re familiar with Z cars of the 1970s, your eyes will be drawn to the Nissan Z Proto’s modern take on the classic front teardrop headlamp design. The rear end draws inspiration from the Nissan 300ZX. The roofline is a direct callback to the past and matches beautifully with a set of 19-inch wheels.
According to Nissan, they asked professional motorsports legends for their advice to create an ideal cabin for both track and street driving. The rev-counter is placed center stage in the instrument cluster, like a race car, behind the deep-dish style steering wheel. The interior also features a convenient 12.3-inch infotainment system. A floor-mounted gear shifter confirms that Nissan Z Proto will have a six-speed manual transmission option. Nissan did not provide performance specs on the Z Proto but did ensure that the engine is a twin-turbo V6. The outgoing 370Z model currently makes 332 horsepower, and Nissan stated the Z Proto would make more power. We have a good feeling the Nissan Z Proto will be hovering if not surpassing the 400hp mark as more details come to light.