Nissan 400Z set for twin-turbo V6

Nissan is putting the final touches on its all-new replacement for the 370Z and the good news the new-generation sports car will be on sale within the next 12 months.

According to Autocar, the powerful new small coupe will carry the Nissan 400Z nameplate and will come with a twin-turbocharged V6 that will offer significantly more performance than the outgoing naturally-aspirated 3.7-litre V6 it supersedes.

Featuring a completely redesigned logo that pays tribute to the original 1970s Datsun 240Z, the new 400Z has been rumoured to possess design cues borrowed from not only the first Z-car, but the entire Nissan Z back catalogue.

Some US dealers are reporting that when it arrives, for example, the Nissan 400Z will sport a snout that's evocative of the original 240Z and wear tail-lights like those seen on the 300ZX's cool rear-end.

Inside, designers are set to continue the retro theme, but blend it with cutting-edge tech and upmarket quality, with higher-grade materials used to reflect a higher price tag.

Behind the wheel, the driver is expected to have a full digital instrument panel and the car-maker's next-gen touch-screen infotainment system.

New driver assistance systems will also be introduced, including Nissan's semi-autonomous ProPilot cruise control system.

There's no word on whether the 400Z sits on an all-new bespoke platform, but the smart money is it will migrate to the same underpinnings that already lurk beneath the Infiniti Q50 and Q60.

That means, importantly for purists, the Nissan 400Z will remain rear-wheel drive and is likely to also share the Q60's twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 that should pump out at least 300kW.

With weight-saving over the outgoing 370Z, the new 400Z should hit 100km/h in less than five seconds and a top speed knocking on the door of 300km/h.

Expect Nissan's direct rival for the Toyota GR Supra to offer both a six-speed manual transmission and a quick-shifting auto.

Later on after launch, Nissan's performance division NISMO is expected to introduce an even faster version of the 400Z, which will rival the upcoming GRMN Supra with more power and a hard-core suspension tune suited for track work.

Originally, there were plans to launch the 400Z later this year, but it's thought they've been pushed back in the wake of the coronavirus.