And yes, a new Nismo is also planned.
Replacements for the aging 370Z coupe and roadster are happening. The coupe has been on sale since 2009. Problem is, sports cars typically have poor profitability, though there are exceptions. Last week we heard Mercedes-Benz approached Nissan about a potential partnership, similar to what BMW and Toyota have done with the upcoming Z4 and Supra. Nissan said thanks but no thanks because Mercedes wanted someone to co-develop the next (roadster only) SLC with, but Nissan knows convertibles are even worse sellers than coupes.
Scratch that idea. Today, Autocar has a new report claiming that not only has Nissan given the next Z car the green light, but a high performance Nismo variant as well. The new Nismo will supposedly come powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with around 475 hp and 451 lb-ft of torque, with power distributed to all four wheels. The standard Z-car, due to arrive sometime in 2019 for the 50th anniversary of the original 240Z, will also share that engine, though it'll produce around 399 hp and 350 lb-ft. Today's 370Z, by comparison, has 332 hp and 269 lb-ft while the Nismo offers 350 hp and 276 lb-ft. Needless to say, the new Z-car's rumored name is 400Z, but Nissan has yet to clarify this.
Also based on this latest report, we're given another reason why Nissan turned down Mercedes' offer: Infiniti already has the goods, and it's called the Q60. Work is also underway on the next Q60, which will share a rear-wheel drive platform, engines, and overall electronics with the new Z car. Dimensionally, both cars will be very similar, meaning the new Z car will be slightly larger than the 370Z. And yes, Nissan will launch a new Z roadster as well, though that's not expected to happen before 2021. So, when will we catch our first glimpse of the new design? Autocar believes the new Z car will appear in concept form next October at the Tokyo Motor Show.
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