Last week, it was revealed that the production Nissan 400Z will look pretty much unchanged from the Z Proto that was unveiled last year. As far as we're concerned, this isn't terrible news since the Z Proto is an appealingly styled sports coupe that successfully implements styling cues from prior Z cars.

Nissan is keen to remind us of that proud Z legacy, which is why the company recently shared a new promotional video of the 400Z on a virtual track with several of its forebears like the 280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z, and the existing 370Z.

The video was screened at the 2021 Tokyo Auto Salon where Nissan expanded on the inspiration behind some of the Z Proto's design.

The large grille, for instance, not only helps to meet the coupe's performance requirements but is similar in shape to the rear combination lights. This is said to help create a visual connection between the two ends of the car. Interestingly, Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura initially envisioned more rounded headlights, perhaps more akin to those of older Z cars like the 280ZX, not the teardrop-shaped ones that made it onto the Z Proto.

However, the rounded headlights were found to be a technical challenge for the appropriate distribution of light. Another distinctive design element, the silver strip that runs along the top of the side window, is said to be inspired by a Japanese sword motif. Subtle details like the side character line and the hood power bulge starting at the same height were intended to emphasize the engine's power.

Speaking of the engine, all we know for now is that the 400Z is likely to use a twin-turbo V6 producing around 400 horsepower. Based on the video above - and despite the sketchy audio quality - it does sound like a bassy V6 rumble, although Nissan could technically have used any engine audio overlay for the clip. This powerplant should help the 400Z fend off the Toyota GR Supra.