The Z Proto is a near-production glimpse at Nissan’s replacement for outgoing 370Z. It’s eventual road-going counterpart will usher in a seventh-generation model for its ‘Z’ range of sports cars which date back to 1969.
On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes for enthusiasts, offering a six-speed manual transmission, a two-seat, rear-wheel drive layout and a turbocharged V6 under the bonnet. How this all comes together out on the road of course is yet to be tried and tested.
However, for the UK and the rest of Europe, it appears this will never be tried and tested unless you wish to import this new Z-car. That’s right, Nissan aren’t sending the production version this way due to ‘a shrinking European sports car market’, according to the manufacturer.
It’s a real shame, especially with it being an exciting new back-to-basics sports car which many petrolheads (including me) would welcome with open arms. Who doesn’t want a new performance car to be added to the mix?
Despite this disappointment, here are four cars the Z Proto’s upcoming production-bound successor – rumoured to be named the 400Z – will take on…
Toyota Supra
The most obvious rival for Nissan’s new Z-car is the latest Toyota Supra. Both are powered by turbocharged six-cylinder engines and are rear-wheel drive, two-seater sports cars. They’re also both from Japan – well, the Supra much less so what with it’s BMW basis.
Even so, a comparison between the 400Z and Supra would be an interesting and cool one to say the least, particularly when the two each have such rich heritage born from JDM awesomeness. Well, it seems us UK folk will just have to rely on car reviewers overseas.
BMW M2 Competition
Yes, you could argue the BMW Z4 M40i is a closer rival to the 400Z – being closely related to the Supra and all – however, I’d say otherwise. With the M2 Competition sporting the option of a manual transmission, along with a harder, sharper edge, not to mentioned more horsepower at 404bhp (the Z4 M40i has 340bhp), it’s likely to be more tempting to the driving enthusiast 400Z buyer than the Z4 in my opinion.
Sure, this £52,405 BMW will probably end up costing you a bit more than the Nissan, especially with optional extras on top, but the M2 Competition is a compelling six-cylinder sports car package.
Porsche 718 Cayman
Speaking of price ranges, with the 400Z expected to cost around $45,000 (£35,000) in the US, meaning the base £46,790 Porsche 718 Cayman another car to push the price bracket but still be a rival. That being said, you can get the Cayman with a manual ‘box and the model has always been a well-regarded favourite in the sports car category, praised for its amazing handling.
This makes it a real threat for the new Nissan, meaning the upcoming Z-car will have to really impress on the road and track to stack up.
Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang, like the Nissan Z-car, is an affordable performance icon. Like the new 400Z, it can be had with a driver-focused manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Though with the 5.0, you get an even larger engine – featuring eight cylinders – and a muscle car soundtrack too. For a lot of people, that’s a prime selling point.
In summary, this V8 pony car, along with the rest of the performance machines on this list, do prove one thing – that even of the 400Z isn’t heading to the UK, we still have some great sports cars on the market to choose from or, well, dream of.
petrolheads 