Next-Generation Nissan Z Rumored For Tokyo - And Just In Time, Too
Nissan is finally ready to give us a look at the next-generation Z sports car — and just in time, too.
According to a report from Japan’s Best Car magazine, the Japanese automaker will unveil a Z concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in October. Earlier rumors suggested a next-generation Z car could take the form of a crossover, based on Nissan UK’s Gripz Concept, but it seems it’ll be a traditional rear-wheel-drive coupe with similar proportions to the current car.
In terms of design, the Z is expected to adopt a more aggressive style, pulling inspiration from the potent GT-R. The rumor suggests it will ride on a shorter wheelbase borrowed from the Infiniti Q60’s FR-L platform.
That means you shouldn’t be surprised to see it share powerplants with the Q60, including its 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine found in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport that could serve as the heart of a future Nismo model. Also rumored is an entry-level 3.0-liter V6 with 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain using the same engine and an electric motor to generate more than 500 hp. Nissan will likely offer a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for some models.
The current Nissan 370Z has been on the market for more than eight years and it’s long overdue for a makeover. Full-year sales for the Z in 2016 were at their lowest point in at least 14 years, down 20 percent versus 2015 to 5,913 units, according to GoodCarBadCar. Sales of the current 370Z peaked in 2009, it’s first full year on sale, at 13,117 units. North of the border, Z sales surged in 2016 to 932 units, which is the greatest number of Z’s Nissan has sold in Canada since 2004.
The next-generation Nissan Z should arrive by 2019.
A version of this article originally appeared on AutoGuide.
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Also, really looking forward to the new Z...I might pick up a pre-owned one in the interim (at 6'6", it's one of the few sports cars that I can fit comfortably in).
I was hoping they would downsize the Z and get back to its roots with FRS/BRZ type car but with that same 300 HP turbo V6 stuff in it. The current Q60 is a touch too big (my wife has one now and its spectacular!) so I was hoping for smaller. However it only makes sense to use the new Q as the base since this will be a limited, niche product thus a unique platform ain't happening. The current Z finds itself in a weird no-where land position: its not as light as the FRS/BRZ yet doesn't have the big HP of the Camaro and Mustang. It needs a direction and a focus. Thankfully Nissan came to their senses and aren't going with the stupid sporty CUV (GripZ) idea.