2021 Nissan Z: What We Know So Far

[Mike]

A redesign is finally coming for Nissan's iconic sports car, and it sounds promising.

By Joey Capparella  JAN 21, 2020

Illustration by Radovan VaricakCar and Driver

• The next-generation Nissan Z sports car is finally on the horizon, and here's what we know about it.
• It will be the long-awaited replacement for the ancient 370Z, which has been on sale since 2009 with few updates.
• We expect the new Z to debut sometime this year as a 2021 model.

The wait for a new Nissan Z sports car is almost over. As we approach the arrival of a replacement for the long-in-the-tooth 370Z—finally!—the rumor mill is running at full capacity, giving us some exciting tidbits about the new two-seater's powertrains, platform, and design. Here is what we expect from the new Z.

Twin-Turbo V-6 Power

The most powerful engine currently in Nissan and Infiniti's mainstream lineup (apart from the GT-R) is the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes up to 400 horsepower in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60. This is the logical choice for the new Z, then, and sources within Nissan dealerships told Autoblog that this powerful mill will indeed be under the hood. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission choice for this engine in the Infinitis, but we're hoping and praying that a stick shift will be offered as well; remember, Nissan did hint that this was possible by bolting up a six-speed manual to this engine for its modified 370Z concept for the SEMA tuner show this past year.

Hinting at the New Car's Engine?

This engine's displacement calls into question what the new Z will be called. 300Z would be rational (or 300ZX, for nostalgia's sake), but we'd guess that Nissan will instead choose a number corresponding to the car's output rather than its displacement, like 400Z, to clarify its superiority over its predecessors.

Rear-Wheel Drive, as God Intended

A front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is the only real way to set up a proper sports car, and the Z will continue on with a newer version of Nissan's FM platform and share many components with the Infiniti Q60 coupe. That's from an earlier report from Autocar, which also said that the new car is code-named Z35.

Proof the New Z Is Real

All-wheel drive is within the realm of possibility, given that it's offered as an option on the Q60. But we don't think Nissan will go this route, as none of the Z's intended competitors—the Toyota Supra, Ford Mustang, and Chevy Camaro—offer the option of four driven wheels.

Retro Styling

Although the Nissan Z test mule we spied testing at the Nürburgring last year wore the old car's bodywork, we're pretty certain that the new model will have completely new styling. Autoblog's sources suggested that the original Datsun 240Z would serve as a styling inspiration for the new Z. We hope that means it will present simple, clean lines rather than the angular, tortured look seen on some Nissan concept and production cars lately. Roundish headlights and 300ZX-style taillights will reportedly serve as the key retro touches, as seen on our illustration above.

Got Datsun Nostalgia?

We doubt that the old-school theme will extend inside, however—and that's a good thing, because the 370Z's cabin is in need of a modern makeover. The cabin should retain its cozy, two-seat atmosphere, but we feel confident that it'll benefit from the latest Nissan infotainment system and a fresh dashboard design.

Hopefully Still Affordable

The current 370Z starts at just $31,015 and remains a decent performance bargain today despite its age. While there's no doubt in our mind that the new model will see a significant price uptick, we're guessing (and hoping) that the new Z will start somewhere in the $40,000 range, which would undercut the Toyota Supra by a few thousand dollars.

All signs point to the new Nissan Z's arrival being imminent. Our suspicion is that it will make its first appearance sometime later in 2020, going on sale in the U.S. as a 2021 model either at the end of this year or early next year. We can't wait to see it for real.

Source:  Car and Driver - https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30586109/nissan-z-future-2021/

 

[dutchzcarguy]

Over here.. we call that:  eenheidsworst!!   (translated: all look the same?)  It looks to much like a KIA or other coupe...  not for me.. thanks! 

[Heen]

I was really hoping the rumors of Nissan splitting from the Renault merger after the CEO issues were true before the full production of the new Z. The assurance of an all Japanese Z is all I ask for. And with a lot of manufacturers making options for smaller motors in the car, how would a 4.0L 400z work name wise with a small 4 cylinder? 240zx? ?

[dutchzcarguy]

On 1/22/2020 at 8:04 PM, Mike said:

The current 370Z starts at just $31,015 and remains a decent performance bargain today despite its age

Ah... another giant annoyance!!! over here (The Netherlands..)  the 370z costs over 100.000 euro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Due to taxes taxes and taxes...

that's nothing new here.. i drive a 300zxtt 1992 and i was told and i did the math and there are 50000 good old dutch guilders that dissapeared in the pockets of the government  It costed 173300 guilders about 65000 dollars then?....

[grannyknot]

6 hours ago, dutchzcarguy said:

Ah... another giant annoyance!!! over here (The Netherlands..)  the 370z costs over 100.000 euro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Due to taxes taxes and taxes...

that's nothing new here.. i drive a 300zxtt 1992 and i was told and i did the math and there are 50000 good old dutch guilders that dissapeared in the pockets of the government  It costed 173300 guilders about 65000 dollars then?....

Emigrate.

[Patcon]

20 minutes ago, grannyknot said:

Emigrate.

Or vote against taxes and or expect less services from a nationally level government

National government (either here or there)  is not known for its efficiency.

[Mike]

The image above was a concept drawing, I believe by a guy who works at Car and Driver.

[240260280]

I hope it is a clean slate with low weight and low price as the key points. The 350 to 370 path is a sad one.  Had the 370 style came out in 2003 then that would have been nice  then they could have spent 15 years just making it lighter.

 

The 300zx references may make "the new Z"  less "retro" or a truly mixed up mess.  It is the S30's 50'th not the 300zx's.

[SoCalJim]

22 hours ago, Mike said:

The image above was a concept drawing, I believe by a guy who works at Car and Driver.

I really like how this concept looks. 

[Dr. 240Z]

A March 23rd update:

It's been reported in a major Canadian national newspaper(National Post) that Nissan has just filed to registrar trade protection for a 2021 400Z with retro styling:

https://driving.ca/nissan/auto-news/news/nissan-files-retro-looking-trademark-for-400z-suggesting-cars-return

Here's the dream: To own a 1971 and a 2021......WaHoo!!

[240260280]

You 71 Z guys get the anniversary car! Nothing for us 69/70 owners lol

[240260280]