Nissan Z Nismo Captured In Spy Shots

Based on recent spy shots we’ve seen, it’s safe to assume that Nissan is testing a high-performance Z model that could be the long-rumored Nismo variant. Interestingly, Nissan was spotted testing two different prototype Z sports cars, but both look like they have upgrades over the standard model.

Photographers were able to capture two Z prototypes testing on the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County recently. While it’s not unusual for an automaker to test two models alongside one another, it’s interesting because the two vehicles were wearing different types of camouflage and had different exterior designs. One prototype was wearing a black covering that hid the whole vehicle from photographers, while the other had the more customary black and white camouflage. Beyond having different camo, the vehicles also appear to have different bodywork. Let’s dissect what we can see in the pictures.

The all-black Z prototype has some peculiar touches. For one, the hood has two large vents, leading us to believe that Nissan is trying to get more air into the engine bay. This could correlate to a more powerful engine, which makes sense based on the other upgrades we can see. The front air intake on the front bumper appears to be shorter, but wider, while the front splitter is much larger. At the back, the rear bumper looks like it protrudes slightly more than the one found on the regular Z and the rear spoiler is slightly larger.

Spotting changes on the prototype with the white and black camouflage is much harder, because its camouflage does a much better job of throwing the cameras off. Unlike the all-black vehicle, the camouflaged one doesn’t have vents in the hood. The front bumper has a unique design with a rectangular panel splitting the bottom portion of the hood and air intake. Because of the lines running alongside of the body, it looks like the prototype has updated side skirts, while it shares the same large splitter and as the other prototype.

Overall, it looks like Nissan is really looking to change the Z’s front-end design with an upcoming performance model. Based on what we’ve seen, we believe that Nissan is testing high-performance Z sports cars. The regular Z comes with Yokohoma Advan Sport tires, while the Performance trim gets Bridgestone Potenza tires. The prototypes that are being tested are wearing Dunlop tires with new nine-spoke wheels. The brakes also look larger than the one found on the regular model. Better tires, upgraded brakes, and improved cooling all point toward a performance model.

What will power the upcoming Z Nismo model remains a mystery. The current Z comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Instead of fitting the Z Nismo with a brand-new engine, we expect Nissan to upgrade the current one with sturdier internals, larger turbos, and more aggressive software. The end result could be up to 500 hp.

The high-performance Z was rumored to be making its debut before the end of the year. With roughly a week left in 2022, we don’t think that’s happening. Nissan hasn’t even confirmed that it’s working on the vehicle. Our best guess is that it will be revealed next year as a 2024 model and cost in the neighborhood of $60,000.

Source: Motor1

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