The next-generation Z car, the Nissan 400Z has enjoyed one of the biggest hype buildups in recent memory and the good news is that it seems to be coming to an end. We've extensively covered this new Japanese sports car in recent months, including discussions regarding its price, digital renderings of what it might look like, and even a few leaked images of the production car. Last week it was announced that the production 400Z would be making its official debut on August 17 despite the fact that the New York Auto Show would be cancelled. Now the company has released three teaser videos on Instagram revealing the shapely lines of the new car, and confirming the official release date again.

The official debut of the new car will unfortunately only take place virtually, as is the norm these days. We've been exposed to the Nissan Z Proto concept (pictured in yellow below) on numerous occasions, and a few prior leaks (grey car pictured) appear to suggest very little will change for the production design. These teasers support that as we see the same LED DRL signature and the same chrome detail on the roofline. However, one big change could yet be revealed, as spy videos show the potential for a new two-piece split grille to replace the large rectangular grille that we had become accustomed to seeing on the Z Proto. Regardless, many critics agree that the 400Z looks better than its main rival, the Toyota Supra.

Nissan boastfully claims that "driving as it should be is back. Are you ready?" on its Instagram account. These are fighting words if ever we saw them, and the 400Z will have big shoes to fill, as its modern predecessors, the 350Z and 370Z were some of the best driving cars in their class. What we know is that the new Z will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, signaling the end of the car's long run with naturally-aspirated motors. This powerplant is expected to produce up to 444 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and will channel that power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. We're so close we can smell the burning rubber already.