The Nissan Z Proto arrives on a virtual track with the original model, 300ZX, 350Z and 370Z in a new promotional film for the highly anticipated model. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, the company also hosted a presentation at its global headquarters to discuss the next step design for this famous line of performance cars.
The clip shows the Nissan Z proto is what appears to be a video game. A booming voice speaks of the future, as the different generations roll in formation around the track.
78 Pictures
During the presentation, Hiroshi Tamura, who is in charge of the new Fairlady Z program, and Shinichiro Irie, who is in charge of the design of the model, discussed the shaping of the new Z. For example, Tamura said that he originally wanted the headlights to be round, but this was a technical problem due to the light distribution of the lamps, according to Impress car watch.
Irie focused on the rear of the Z Proto. He said the hips are meant to look muscular but like an athlete rather than a bodybuilder. Additionally, the piece of metal trim that follows the roofline and then splits into the fender is said to resemble a sword.
He noted that a theme for the Z Proto was a fusion of classic and modern elements. The taillights are a prime example of this as the stacked oval shape clearly evokes the 300ZX, but the three-dimensional effect for them on the concept was not possible in the 1990s.
A reference to the original 240Z can be seen when looking at the Z Proto in profile. The tip of the nose is lower than the edge of the trunk. This makes the car particularly sharp from the side.
Nissan does not yet offer many technical specifications on the new Z car. The company confirms that it uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that directs power to the rear wheels. Rumors put the engine power at 400 horsepower.
