Almost a year after Nissan pulled the wraps off of the Z Proto concept, the Japanese automaker is set to reveal the production 2022 Z on August 17, 2021. Possibly bearing the name 400Z, in reference to its likely 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, the next-gen Z is due to largely mirror the Z Proto concept from 2020. As such, expect the model to wear 240Z-inspired styling and carry over the outgoing 370Z’s chassis, as well as a handful of that car’s exterior and interior pieces.
Whether Nissan decides to resurrect the convertible body style for this new generation of Z remains a mystery. A coupe, however, is a given. Spy photos of the new Z reveal few styling differences between it and the Z Proto. The most notable change appears to be the application of side-mounted reflectors at the car’s front and rear ends, which ought to appease regulators in the United States. Inside, the new Z is due to maintain the Z Proto’s digital gauge cluster and six-speed manual gearbox, although an automatic will remain an option—possibly an eight- or nine-speed unit in place of the 370Z’s seven-speed transmission.
