13/03/2022
It's been 12 years since the last Nissan Z car was unveiled. Successor to the 370Z, the new 2022 Nissan 400z promises to preserve the inherent DNA of past Z cars while increasing technology first.
It was already decided. Gone
is the 3.7-liter V6 of the 370Z, replaced by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
developing 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 1,600
rpm. Nissan says this cuts the previous 0-60mph time of 5.0 seconds by 15%, so
expect it to be around 4.2 seconds. Enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that a
close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox mated to an EXEDY high-performance clutch
and carbon fiber composite driveshaft will be available.
The Z relies on front and rear shocks with a new, bulkier mono-tube design than the previous 370Z. On the other hand, Nissan claims that the Z's shock absorbers benefit from a 20% reduction in damping force to improve stability and comfort on uneven roads.
The automatic transmission
will come with two drive modes, standard and sport. As expected, sport mode
comes with quicker acceleration, stiffer handling, better cornering settings
and what Nissan calls Active Sound Enhancement.
The Z Performance gets red
brake calipers and 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tires. The Z
Sport gets 18-inch wheels with Yokohama ADVAN tires.
Inside, the three analog pods are back while the center console receives an 8.0-inch touchscreen while a customizable 12.3-inch TFT digital screen with three distinct modes sits behind the steering wheel. Sport mode places the tachometer in the center of the screen alongside a G-forces display and shift lights.
Remarkably, the new Toyota
Supra seems to be an obvious and direct competitor, which did not exist when
the 370Z was introduced more than ten years ago. It all comes down to price. The Nissan 400Z, compared to its
prototype, slightly revises the architecture of its front and rear lights to
meet current standards, when its shields are adorned with reflectors for the
same reasons. We also notice more prominent door handles or the arrival of a
spoiler at the end of the tailgate.
Nothing is certain yet about
the price of the 2022 Nissan 400z. The previous 370Z cost nearly $50,000, but
prices have dropped significantly in recent years to under $30,000. The new Z will
go on sale in the first quarter of 2022. Orders will open in November.
Nissan made the best decision
by opting for a complete redesign based on the first Z. The car is more
flexible and dynamic while retaining the same silhouette. In the end, it offers
a sleek and modern finish as if we had simply reworked the bodywork of the
first Z with current technologies and trends. In short, it's a car that the
automotive community already likes a lot and that will sell well, provided that
its price range is reasonable of course.
The Nissan 400z will be a beautiful sports car with a modern and clean line that also has some retro features. It is characterized by specific details on the brakes, rims, gear lever and door and seat trim.
