Nissan has revealed the 400Z in its full production-spec glory
Words by Marcus Boothby
It has been many years in the making but Nissan has finally revealed its replacement for the aging 370Z in the form of the 400Z. The 400Z is the seventh-generation of Nissan’s Z car which can trace its roots back to the original Datsun 240Z which came out in 1969. The new car won’t be on sale in the US and Japan until next year, but the UK will be missing out on the car due to what Nissan says as “a shrinking European sports car market and specific regulations on emissions”. Right.
Anyway, let’s talk performance. The 400Z is powered by a new twin-turbo 3.0 V6 which has previously been seen in the Infiniti Q50/Q60 models as well as the Japanese market Skyline. This engine is good for 400bhp and 350lb ft of torque, being sent to the rear wheels via a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic gearbox. 0-60mph times haven’t been revealed but expect the 400Z to match the 0-60mph time in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, which is 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of well over 155mph.
The styling of the 400Z is near identical to the Z Proto which was revealed in September 2020, with some slight changes to some parts of the exterior. However, the rectangular grill is here to stay, as are many design ques which hark back to previous Z models. Most notably is the profile and front end treatment which is similar to the 240Z, and the rear is clearly inspired by the gorgeous 300ZX which is undeniably one of the best looking cars from the 1990s.
The interior is again similar to the Z Proto which is a good thing as we quite like the no-fuss attitude Nissan has applied to the 400Z’s interior. Again, there are hints of 240Z to the interior, with the most obvious being the three dials sitting on top of the dashboard. Else where, Nissan has given the 400Z two screens, with one being in place of the instrument dials and the other being a decently sized infotainment screen. If you’re familiar with the recent iteration of the GT-R, you’ll see that the seats are very similar which is said to improve comfort. I don’t think that matters when you’re too busy on track hooning the car.
Launch spec in the US will include Sport and Performance lines, both offering unique options and bits of trim. Predictably, there will also be a limited-run Z Proto Spec launch edition which will include featuring yellow brake calipers, bronze coloured wheels and other bespoke styling elements. Japanese spec remains to be seen but we’ve been informed that this will come at the end of 2021.
It’s clear that the 400Z is gunning for the Toyota Supra and we’re keen to see which one comes out on top. We have a feeling it’ll be the 400Z.
