Pros
Research
- Cool retro styling
- Twin-turbo V-6 power
Cons
- Still rides on an old platform
After 12 long years, the Nissan 370Z is finally getting a replacement. The 2022 Nissan 400Z marks a new chapter in the iconic Z car's story while paying homage to its past. Based on the 2020 Nissan Z Proto concept, the 400Z draws styling inspiration from both the original 240Z of the 1970s and the Z32-generation 300ZX of the 1990s. Though it sports a retro exterior design, the coupe boasts a modern drivetrain and long list of tech features.
What We Think
We've yet to see the production-spec 2022 Nissan 400Z, but based on the Z Proto concept we're excited to get up close with Nissan's next-gen sports car. The Z Proto is a close-to-production representation of the 400Z, which means you can expect the retro design language to carry over. Depending on who you ask, that design is either classic Z car perfection or a little disjointed. The 400Z's front end and silhouette are meant to recall the clean, cab-rearward lines of the original 240Z. From the profile view, it looks great. But something about the 240Z's rectangular grille and round headlights was lost in translation on the new car. The rear end is all 300ZX, with a hatch, taillights, and bumper that all harken back to the '90s Japanese sports car.
The 400Z is expected to get the concept's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. That's good news because that engine can also be found in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, where it makes 400 hp. Nissan has also promised that the new Z car will be available with a six-speed manual transmission, something you can't get in the Infiniti. On paper, that all sounds great, but the 400Z's success could ride on its chassis. The next-gen car's platform will very likely be an evolution of the one that underpinned the 370Z, the 350Z before it, and several current Infiniti products.
Performance
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 is expected to appear under the hood of the production Nissan 400Z. That same engine produces 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque in the 2021 Infiniti Red Sport 400. A six-speed manual transmission option has been confirmed and a seven-speed automatic shared with the Infiniti is likely.
Safety
Safety features have yet to be announced for the 2022 Nissan 400Z, but you can expect a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and some form of automatic emergency braking (at least on automatic models). The Z Proto also hinted at full LED headlights, which will probably come with an auto high-beam feature. We'd be surprised if an adaptive cruise control system paired with lane centering-part of Nissan's ProPilot Assist tech-isn't offered on some models.
Technology
The Nissan 400Z will probably receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster designed with performance in mind. For example, the tachometer in the concept located in the center of the screen is the largest gauge and has its redline shift point oriented at the 12 o-clock position for maximum visibility. A central touchscreen will run the latest version of the NissanConnect infotainment system.
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