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2022 Nissan Z finally revealed! New 370Z successor coming to Australia with Toyota Supra-smashing twin-turbo V6 power and manual option

Nissan has confirmed much which was already assumed about its upcoming Z.

Nissan has officially revealed its next-generation sports coupe in the US, now simply called the Nissan Z.

Much was assumed about the Z given its extensive “Proto” teaser program, but the brand has now confirmed it will be motivated by a 3.0-litre ‘VR30DTT’ V6 twin-turbo engine, driving the rear wheels via the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed torque-converter automatic.

The engine produces 298kW/475Nm, according to its American launch specification, with the maximum torque arriving at 1600rpm.

While official specification has not yet been given for our market, the Z arrives in America in two spec levels, Sport and Performance, and in Performance trim can even be had in ‘Proto’ spec to match the long-teased yellow prototype car. The interior of the new Z is said to have much of its design inspired by its 240Z ancestor.

Standard equipment (for the US market) includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, cloth seat trim with manually adjustable seats, an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a TFT display, keyless entry with push-start ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual USB ports with one Type A and one Type C.

The Z has had a significant digital overhaul in the cabin. The Z has had a significant digital overhaul in the cabin.

For the first time, the Nissan Z car is available with standard active safety features, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The top-spec Performance trim, meanwhile, adds 19-inch alloy wheels, additional spoilers front and rear, synthetic suede and leather seat trim with extra bolstering and four-way power adjust, a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with a premium Bose eight-speaker audio system, as well as a Wi-Fi hot spot, aluminium sports pedals, and improved padding in the cabin and glovebox.

Automatic-equipped cars have a limited traction/slip mode, while six-speed manual cars get a carbon-fibre composite drive shaft. The Z can be chosen in a total of nine colour schemes.

The Z can be had in nine colour schemes, with an array of two-tone choices. The Z can be had in nine colour schemes, with an array of two-tone choices.

While these specs are for North America only for now, we don’t expect too much variation for Australia, expecting the brand to even carry the manual option over.

Nissan Australia has confirmed the new-generation Z will arrive in our market some time in 2022 but could not be more specific. It will go into battle with its rival, the Toyota Supra, which is motivated by a 285kW/500Nm 3.0-litre inline six, driving the rear wheels exclusively via an eight-speed automatic.