In September last year, the next-generation Nissan Z Proto was revealed as a precursor to the production model but since then, the brand has been rather silent on an official release date. A forum dedicated to this particular model however, says it has some information regarding when the Japanese manufacturer will be opening the order books for its highly anticipated compact sports coupe.
According to New Nissan Z, a staff member of the brand who claims to be familiar with the project confirmed that the order books will be opened closer to the 15th of November this year. The forum post states that this is the first time we’ve got to see an exact date rather than a general timeline regarding the car’s production and release.
The next-generation Nissan Z Proto is set to replace the current 370Z. While it will use the same platform, a twin-turbocharged V6 will be used as a source of power which is reminiscent of Z cars we’ve seen in the past. It will still be available with a six-speed manual gearbox and a rear-wheel drivetrain.
Where design is concerned, the next-generation Nissan Z has been penned as a culmination of its predecessors with LED headlamps paying tribute to the original JDM-exclusive 240ZG, a side profile inspired by the first-generation Z and an LED taillamp cluster inspired by the Z32.
Used on the concept are lightweight carbon fibre treatments on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance ensure nimble performance. 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the Z Proto’s striking road presence.
Despite being revealed to us in concept guise, with a final product yet to be unveiled, Nissan’s design boss for the project, Alfonso Albaisa, insists that the Z Proto is “not really a concept car”.
“Our designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” Albaisa said. “Ultimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future.”