Too often, it feels like Europe gets all the good stuff. Now the tables have turned, as the new Nissan Z won’t be offered on the Old Continent.
Yes, we’ll see the new V-6 sports car here in the U.S., but not in Europe. The news isn’t particularly surprising, given that Nissan is carefully streamlining its European business with the help of alliance partner Renault. In May, Nissan said it would focus its core operations on Japan, China, and North America from here on out.
Nissan’s explanation for not offering the Z in Europe sounds pretty reasonable. “A shrinking European sports car market and specific regulations on emissions mean that Nissan was unable to build a viable business case for the introduction of the production version of the next generation Z car in Europe,” the carmaker told Automotive News Europe. Nissan’s business in Europe remains focused on crossovers and electrified vehicles. When asked by MotorTrend, a Nissan North America spokesman would not confirm the news.
The new Nissan Z goes on sale here in the U.S. in the spring of 2021. A thinly-disguised concept version, the Z Proto, debuted this week with a beautiful mix of retro and modern design cues. The rounded headlights, the C-pillar mounted badge, and the thin taillights harken back to the Zs of yesteryear, while the overall silhouette takes on a more sophisticated look. Inside, big screens make the cabin look much nicer than the interior of the ancient 370Z. Nissan hasn’t announced all the new Z specs yet, but we do know it will boast a twin-turbo V-6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Forgive us, Europe, but we can’t wait to drive it.
