2022 Nissan 400Z Proto concept gets revealed
The Nissan 400Z has become a long-awaited idea, with many questioning if it was even going to happen. To be fair, the last 370Z came out back in 2009 and it has taken 11 years for Nissan to do a follow-up. Of course, the Nissan 400Z will have big shoes to fill as it walks in the steps of the widely praised Nissan 370Z.
This past year, Nissan revealed the 400Z Prototype, which gets an expected power upgrade and a whole new design. The next-gen Z car is expected to come fitted with a twin-turbocharged V6 3.0-litre engine and will be powered by a traditional manual gearbox, with automatic being an option at an additional cost.
In terms of exterior design, the 400Z Proto will look nothing like its predecessor as it gets a more 70’s inspired design. The front comes featured with a square-shaped grille and headlights that have semi-circular daytime-running lights. At the rear, we get horizontal LED taillights, that comes with a design that looks very similar to the classic Nissan 300ZX. It seems that Nissan will keep it's two peeking out exhaust pipes, with one being on each side. A large contrasting black section can also be seen on the rear bumper, which gives the Z Proto a duller appearance than the 370Z.
The interior of 400Z Proto proves to be much more modern than its previous generation. It comes equipped with a long-overdue 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and gets well rid of its traditional conventional analogue dials. A second large touchscreen can also be seen on the dashboard. In terms of seat design, not much has been done. Two sport-inspired seats with yellow contrasting stitching will come standard.
The Nissan 400Z is expected to come out in 2022, but speculation of an early release has been rumoured. Although many are on the edge of their seats to get their hands on the latest Z-generation, one cannot help but wonder how it will compete with its current rival the Toyota Supra. In some ways the resemblance between the two are uncanny, and given the current trends, manufacturers are starting to focus more of their time on SUV’s and electric cars.
Also worth a look: the Nissan Rav4 and the Nissan's New Gravite MPV: A 7-Seater for South Africa?.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2022 Nissan 400Z cost in South Africa?
The 2022 Nissan 400Z is expected to start around R850,000 for the manual version, with the automatic transmission adding roughly R50,000 to that price tag.
Q: Is the Nissan 400Z worth buying over the Toyota Supra?
The 400Z offers better value than the Toyota Supra at around R200,000 less, plus you get a proper manual gearbox option and that classic Z-car heritage that purists absolutely love.
Q: How much power does the 2022 Nissan 400Z produce?
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine produces approximately 298kW and 475Nm of torque, making it significantly more powerful than the old 370Z's 245kW output.
Q: When will the Nissan 400Z be available in South Africa?
Nissan South Africa expects the 400Z to arrive in local showrooms by mid-2023, roughly a year after the global launch due to right-hand drive conversion requirements.
Q: What are the main differences between the 370Z and 400Z?
The 400Z gets 53kW more power, a completely redesigned interior with digital displays, retro-inspired exterior styling, and modern tech features the 370Z never had after 11 years on sale.
Should You Buy It?
The best affordable sports car under R900,000 in South Africa is shaping up to be the 2022 Nissan 400Z at an expected R850,000. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you want a proper manual sports car that won't bankrupt you like a Porsche 911. The 400Z delivers 298kW of twin-turbo V6 goodness, looks fantastic with that retro-modern design, and finally brings the Z-car into the 21st century with decent interior tech. At R200,000 less than a Toyota Supra and with more character than a BMW Z4, this is the sports car South Africans have been waiting for since 2009.
