The primary difference between the silver Z car in the photos and the show car is the addition of regulation-satisfying side-marker lights on the quarter panels and inside the headlight housing. This gray Z has a deck-lid spoiler that isn’t present on the concept, and the silver highlights on the grille are more prominent.
Oddly enough, one thing we don’t see is a “400Z” label—though the badges on the exterior are taped over, it’s pretty obvious these are the same Nissan and Z emblems that adorn the concept. Today’s Z is labeled a 370Z, on account of its 3.7-liter V-6 engine; the 400Z moniker is expected, given the 400-hp-ish twin-turbo V-6 under the Z Proto’s hood that we anticipate will carry over to the production model.
The leaked photo set includes an interior shot, too. This particular Z apparently has the seven-speed automatic transmission, with what looks to be an airfoil-shaped transmission selector. It’s a nifty design that looks rather lonely in the large space which would otherwise be taken up by a proper gear selector. It’s interesting to note that even with an automatic, the Z retains its mechanical handbrake. We expected paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, and we can see them prominently featured in the photos.
We don’t see much in the way of the body-color-matching contrast stitching that adorns the Z Proto’s interior, and the seats appear to be upholstered in cloth. That leads us to believe this is a lower trim level, and with that in mind, it’s nice to see that the rest of the cabin appears to keep the promises made by the concept.
Is this the real 2022 Nissan 400Z? It looks to us like it is, and with any luck it won’t be long before we find out for sure. Brace yourself, Toyota Supra …
Photo credit: @laidoutdc4 on Instagram
