Nissan just showed off a stunning design prototype for the future of its most iconic sports car — check out the Z Proto

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Nissan just showed off a stunning design prototype for the future of its most iconic sports car — check out the Z Proto
  • The aged Nissan 370Z sports car's replacement will be the production version of the Z Proto prototype, unveiled on Tuesday.
  • The prototype has a twin-turbocharged V6 and a manual transmission.
  • Nissan didn't release any other specifications about it at this time, but the prototype itself looks great.

At long last, Nissan has given us a look at the next car in its beloved and iconic Z lineup. This is the new Nissan Z Proto — for now, a prototype of what will replace the aging (but brilliant) 370Z.

Unveiled on Tuesday evening from Yokohama, Japan, the Z prototype wears a shade of pearlescent yellow paint and, to the relief of enthusiasts and Z fans everywhere, maintains the classical, sloped fastback Z design.

Nissan's Z cars have always represented driver-focused sportiness, but the current Z car, the 370Z, came onto the market in 2009 and has been long criticized for its age. Still, throughout its lifetime, the car has always offered enthusiasts a rewarding driving experience.

The new Z has big shoes to fill, since the car-enthusiast niche is famously a picky and nostalgia-filled one. Nissan was mum on many of the Z Proto's stats but did mention that it has a manual transmission mated to a twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

Read on to see more of the Nissan Z Proto.

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On Tuesday evening, Nissan unveiled the Nissan Proto Z — a prototype of what we can expect as the next Z sports car.

On Tuesday evening, Nissan unveiled the Nissan Proto Z — a prototype of what we can expect as the next Z sports car.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The eventual production version of the Z Proto will replace the aged Nissan 370Z.

The eventual production version of the Z Proto will replace the aged Nissan 370Z.
2019 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition. Nissan
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The Z Proto represents the next chapter in the Nissan Z story, which began with the Datsun 240Z in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Z Proto represents the next chapter in the Nissan Z story, which began with the Datsun 240Z in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The prototype wears a pearlescent coat of yellow paint as a tribute to a popular paint available with the first-generation 240Z and 300ZX.

The prototype wears a pearlescent coat of yellow paint as a tribute to a popular paint available with the first-generation 240Z and 300ZX.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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Nissan also says the rear of the prototype is inspired by 300ZX tail lights.

Nissan also says the rear of the prototype is inspired by 300ZX tail lights.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

From the front, it looks similar to the 350Z from the 2000s.

From the front, it looks similar to the 350Z from the 2000s.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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Like this guy right here.

Like this guy right here.
2007 Nissan 350Z. Nissan

Here's a closer look at the front grille.

Here's a closer look at the front grille.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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There will be a powerful, twin-turbocharged V6 beneath the new Z's long hood.

There will be a powerful, twin-turbocharged V6 beneath the new Z's long hood.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

Since each generation of Z is more powerful than the last, it'll probably have at least 332 horsepower, since that's what the 370Z makes.

Since each generation of Z is more powerful than the last, it'll probably have at least 332 horsepower, since that's what the 370Z makes.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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There will also be a manual (!) transmission (!!).

There will also be a manual (!) transmission (!!).
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

Nissan did not announce stats or performance figures, however.

Nissan did not announce stats or performance figures, however.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

Nissan does currently make a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 in the form of the GT-R's VR38DETT engine. It would be interesting if the new Z used a version of that engine, though nothing has been confirmed.

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When viewed in profile, the similarities to the rest of the Z cars are most striking.

When viewed in profile, the similarities to the rest of the Z cars are most striking.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The Z Proto keeps the classically sloped fastback design and long hood silhouette.

The Z Proto keeps the classically sloped fastback design and long hood silhouette.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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It wears the Z badge along its B-pillar.

It wears the Z badge along its B-pillar.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The hood shape is inspired directly from the original 240Z.

The hood shape is inspired directly from the original 240Z.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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As are the teardrop-shaped LED headlights.

As are the teardrop-shaped LED headlights.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The prototype wears 19-inch alloy wheels.

The prototype wears 19-inch alloy wheels.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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There are also carbon-fiber trims on the side skirts, front lower lip, and rear valance.

There are also carbon-fiber trims on the side skirts, front lower lip, and rear valance.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The prototype is 172.5 inches long (14.4 feet), 72.8 inches wide (6 feet), and 51.6 inches tall (4.3 feet).

The prototype is 172.5 inches long (14.4 feet), 72.8 inches wide (6 feet), and 51.6 inches tall (4.3 feet).
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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Judging from those dimensions, it sounds low-slung and wide, as a sports car should be.

Judging from those dimensions, it sounds low-slung and wide, as a sports car should be.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

The Fairlady badge is a nod to the name Nissan gave to a sports car it exported to the US in the early '60s — named after the Broadway musical "My Fair Lady."

The Fairlady badge is a nod to the name Nissan gave to a sports car it exported to the US in the early '60s — named after the Broadway musical "My Fair Lady."
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

Source: Nissan

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Inside, Nissan said it aimed to blend modern technology with vintage Z aspects.

Inside, Nissan said it aimed to blend modern technology with vintage Z aspects.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

There's a 12.3-inch digital information cluster for the driver, along with yellow accents all throughout the cabin.

There's a 12.3-inch digital information cluster for the driver, along with yellow accents all throughout the cabin.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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The new steering wheel is described as "deep dish" and offering a driver "quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic."

The new steering wheel is described as "deep dish" and offering a driver "quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic."
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan

Keep in mind that the Nissan Z Proto is still just a prototype, though it looks very close to production.

Keep in mind that the Nissan Z Proto is still just a prototype, though it looks very close to production.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan
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It's not immediately clear when we'll see the production version, but if it's the same as this prototype, then there's a lot to look forward to.

It's not immediately clear when we'll see the production version, but if it's the same as this prototype, then there's a lot to look forward to.
Nissan Z Proto prototype. Nissan