Real deal? Videogame ‘leaks’ output of Nissan “400Z”
Eagerly awaited new Z-car will return to forced induction for the first time since 2000.
The Nissan Z Proto that is expected to become the production 400Z.
With details surrounding the Nissan “400Z” having tapered-off since its debut in Z Proto guise last year, the secrecy regarding its power output has now seemingly been outed by way of the latest Project Cars 3 videogame.
While only expected to debut in production-spec later this year, the new Z, as part of the game’s latest update, can be downloaded as a playable option, which inadvertently resulted in the reveal of the supposed output of the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged VR30DDT V6 engine.
Nissan Z Proto rear.
Based on a screengrab circulating on various online platforms, the Z will produce an indicated 331 kW, up 86 kW on the normally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 of the 370Z, and 33 kW more than the originally speculated 298 kW or 400 Pferdestarke (PS) its name makes reference to.
Equating to 450 PS, and not 480 PS reported last year, the screengrab also reveals a weight of 1 475 kg, which when compared to the 370Z in South African guise, translates to a surprise weight gain of 14 kg for the model fitted with the manual gearbox.
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Riding on the same FM platform as the 370Z, the “400Z”, whose engine, while still to be confirmed outright, looks set to be derived from the 298 kW version used in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as indicated by a previous teaser, as well as a seven-speed automatic with output going to the rear wheels as usual.
Having declined to release any technical details bar the manual ‘gearbox, Nissan has so far also remained mum on the screengrab revealing the output, with an unnamed spokesperson when questioned by motor1.com, stating that he “cannot comment on future production plans or specifications”.
Production ready looking interior of the Nissan Z Proto
Given the output’s connection to the 400Z’s name and not displacement as previous generation Z-cars referenced, the screengrab, for now, should be taken with a pinch of salt, although it could also be accurate as evidenced by Yokohama refusing to confirm or deny it.
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