Nissan Z Proto’s design is ‘close to final’, says CEO Makoto Uchida

Updated Sep 18, 2020 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

Only very minor tweaks separate it from the actual production version.

You’ve likely seen what Nissan’s next-generation sports car looks like with the Nissan Z Proto, which pays homage to the traditional styling on the Z Series with futuristic bits.

And if you’re one of those hoping that the upcoming 400Z (the name hasn’t been confirmed, by the way) will at least remotely resemble what the Z Proto has to offer, you won’t be disappointed. 

Nissan Z Proto 3

Nissan says the Z Proto's design is practically close to the final version

Nissan boss Makoto Uchida says that the Z Proto’s appearance isn’t that far from off from the eventual production version. “The look of this is close to final, and the vehicle has been engineered for aerodynamics and body rigidity,” he said, belying the assumption that the Z Proto is a mere concept car. The design isn’t mean to test the waters, because what we saw is basically what the world will be getting when the actual model is released.             

>>> Related: Nissan Z Proto officially revealed: Nod to the past, peek into the future

Nissan Z Proto grille

That grille didn't sit well with purists and fans of the nameplate

Only minor changes are expected when the car transcends the Proto stage, likely small touches like hood vents and gills added to the profile. Nissan chief designer Alfonso Albaisa adds that Nissan’s engineering team will be responsible for these tweaks that will serve to strike a balance between the twin-turbo V6 engine and the chassis. “We often discuss this ‘passing the baton’ to our engineers because the engineers now own it and are finishing and fine-tuning and doing all of these things,” he explained.   

Nissan Z Proto 1

The car's silhouette has been generally praised in its homage to the iconic Z car line

While fans generally praised the Z Proto’s design, particular criticism has been leveled against the large square grille. Purists have argued that it looks out of place, as the rest of the car celebrates curves and fluid motion.

Apart from the aesthetics, Albaisa hinted at the twin-turbo V6 inside being a done deal, for those still skeptical. The Z Proto is rumored to be equipped with the same twin-turbo V6 found on the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport that makes up to 400 hp.  

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Know more about Nissan

Nissan

Nissan Philippines has a total of eight models in the market, excluding one upcoming vehicle which is the Nissan Magnite. The price list of Nissan vehicles in 2023 ranges from Php 779,000 to Php 4,698,000 for the cheapest Nissan Almera and most expensive Nissan Patrol, respectively. Meanwhile, the Nissan GT-R's price in the Philippines is available upon request so visit Nissan dealerships for inquiries. Nissan's best-selling models in the Philippine market are as follows: Nissan Navara, Nissan Urvan, and Nissan Terra.

At Philkotse.com, we provide you with the most up-to-date Nissan Philippines price list, along with promotions from all dealers, the best monthly installment programs, prepaid, and cash discounts in the Philippines market.

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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