By The sports car segment is not going through the best period. Crossovers and SUVs are dominating the market with its versatility. While most carmakers are leaving this class, Nissan is still putting a lot of hopes here. Well, the latest moves are showing that the Japanese company is not thinking about the discontinuation. Instead of cutting models, they develop them further. So, we will see the 2022 Nissan Z as the next-gen sports car.
Although the information is confirmed, we don’t have too many details. Ivan Espinoza, chief in the development office, said the new sports vehicle is on the way. Also, we found out that the US version is appearing as Nissan 400Z. It comes instead of 370Z with improved styling and performance. Shall it get a 4.0-liter engine? We will see.
The Japanese giant has huge plans for upcoming seasons, so the rumors about the 2022 Nissan Z are not a surprise. Well, the priority is the redesign of the crossover and SUV class. Nissan and Infiniti marquees will update their lineups during 2021 and 2022. One of the last models to arrive is the new Z car. With sales of just 4,000 per annum, it is not hard to see why.
2022 Nissan Z vs Mercedes SLC
The Mercedes SLC is the new model by the German carmaker. This is another company that still hopes the sports segment is not done yet. However, the SLC belongs to the premium segment, so it will be easier to Mercedes-Benz to make a breakthrough.
Nissan and Mercedes are already teaming up when the German carmaker decided to launch a pickup truck. The X-Class is heavily based on Nissan Navara, the best-selling model in the world. However, it is not exactly what we were hoping for. Now, it is time to build a new unit. The result of joint development will be the 2022 Nissan Z.
We can also witness similar partnerships between German and Japanese giants. BMW and Toyota developed their sports cars for premium and non-premium segment. So, the 2022 Nissan Z and Mercedes SLC will compete with the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4.
2022 Nissan Z or 400Z?
The 370Z sports car is ready for replacement. The first details suggest the company is heading for the new generation and the new name. Ivan Espinoza mentioned Nissan Z, but he wasn’t precise about the exact names and specs. Fans will have to wait a bit before they hear more about the production of the new Z car.
4.0 Engine or 400 Horsepower?
The new vehicle will appear in the US as 400Z. This rumor immediately caused a lot of other speculations. The main question is – what does the 400 stand for?
Its predecessor was Nissan 370Z. The car is using a 3.7-liter engine. This one replaced the 350Z with a 3.5-liter V6 powerplant. Logically, the 400Z should carry a 4.0-liter displacement. But, most experts doubt this. It would be heavy and too slow for this kind of vehicle. Whatsoever, enthusiasts already offered an alternative opinion – could 2022 Nissan Z hit 400 horsepower? The current edition smashes 332 ponies, or 350 if you pick the Nismo tuning.
Well, a 4.0-liter is an option as well. The company is already using this on for the Frontier truck. But there, it is good for only 260 hp. We can be sure that the new car is not going to downgrade the power outputs.
2022 Nissan Z Nismo
The name is the only trace we can follow. Some experts say a 70-hp boost would be too much. But, the 2022 Nissan Z Nismo could take that. But then, the base version couldn’t be 400Z. Also, extra power would increase the price. The car is already struggling in the market, so the MSRP raise wouldn’t be a smart move, for sure.
On the other hand, drivers looking for a sporty feeling and additional power won’t mind too much for such things. The Nismo tuning provides special upgrades for the body, interior, and drive system. Unique suspension, brakes, and performance tires will definitely boost the interest. Also, there are a lot of red details around the vehicle. Nismo is producing cars for the most famous track races. There are not too many models with this badge nowadays and the 400Z will definitely keep the badge.
Release Date and Price
The 2022 Nissan Z is not a priority for the company. However, the good thing is the carmaker is considering its update and not discontinuation. The new Z car will arrive in the second half of the next year, while the concept could be presented earlier.
The price will have to stay put. Currently, 370Z costs just over $30,000 and the company could make a breakthrough if they start under this mark. On the other hand, the cost of the Nismo model could reach $50,000 if the vehicle comes with 400 hp.
As an industrial designer: Looking at the profile (side view) of the Nissan 400Z…looks great front to back and top to bottom. Very much like the tail light cluster concept. HOWEVER: the front view (specifically the grille) is ugly…appears as though the front configuration is missing completely! Extending the “tooth” looking profile common to all the other Nissan products is way too exaggerated. The “void” simply destroys the entire vehicle’s appearance…very “hard” lines.
To “further” my critique: The “grille” looks like the profile of a 1950’s truss style bridge design.
and…the headlights look as though the designer should have put down his or her pencil before extending the headlamp shape inwardly toward the centerline of the car…an awkward transition in the headlamp shape from vertical to horizontal.