I See You: Next Nissan Z, Frontier Make Brief Appearances
Nissan’s new 4-year plan, despite aiming for efficiency and value, doesn’t leave sporty driving in the dustbin of history. Sports cars still exist as one of the automaker’s core products, and the very long awaited next-generation Z will be among that global cohort.
On the volume side of things, the brand’s compact and midsize crossovers are due for a rejuvenation, along with Nissan’s midsize pickup, which last gained a new body during the Bush administration.
In a teaser video accompanying its business plan, Nissan rolls out the entirety of its near-future product introductions. Most notable is the new Z, a sport coupe bearing a distinctive teardrop shape and immediately recognizable retro features. The camera zooms in to the new Z logo adorning the C-pillar.
There’s trim proportions and clean bodywork to be seen, with bulging rear fenders and a pronounced chin. If Toyota’s new Supra is too ungainly for your tastes, Nissan might have what you’re looking for. Expected to appear next year as a 2022 model, the next-gen Z might carry the 400Z name.
While the video showed no sign of the low-volume GT-R, as associated presentation outlining Nissan’s market strategy does indeed show the model inhabiting one of Nissan’s four core products (C- and D- segment vehicles, EVs, and sports cars). That’s no guarantee of its continued existence in the lineup, what with Nissan planning to shed 20 percent of its models over the next 4 years.
The next revamped models to appear in the Nissan lineup will be the next-generation Rogue and Pathfinder, joined by the updated Frontier (a model which saw its new powertrain debut in an old body for 2020) and full-size Armada. An electric SUV heralded in January by the Ariya concept vehicle will also make an appearance in the coming year. Besides that, the automaker’s woefully underperforming Infiniti division stands to gain a new QX60, which is something that might sell.
It seems Nissan felt comfortable giving us a taste of the 2021 Frontier, which appears in the video for just a brief moment. There’s not a lot to tell. The Frontier remains a midsize pickup, one that’s expected to ride atop an updated version of its existing platform.
[Images: Nissan]
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Assuming Nissan will be around in 2037 but if they are they might be part of Geely. The more I read articles about Nissan's cost cutting the less faith I have in Nissan. Nissan needs to start with better quality and better quality will bring in the customers. Getting out of less profitable markets is a good plan but without quality and relying on just less models and higher prices will just accelerate their problems.
Could Nissan build a light, fast, nimble Z car again? Or gasp! lower, yes actually lower, one of their CUVs and come out with a modern front wheel drive 510? One hit vehicle, Nissan just needs one hit vehicle.