Nissan gears up to replace the 370Z

Nissan has filed a trademark patent for a new 'Z' logo in Canada, indicating it's close to replacing the 370Z coupe and roadster.

Before the new Z logo was uncovered by US mag

A replacement for the decade-old 370Z, which could be called either the 390Z or 400Z and has already been spotted testing at Germany's Nurburgring, was officially confirmed at last year's Tokyo motor show.

Rumours are rife about what will power the next Z, but instead of a hybrid or pure-electric power, the safe money is the 390Z will come with by a downsized 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 borrowed from premium brand Infiniti.

Under the bonnet, the modern-day Toyota Supra rival will produce around 300kW and come with either a six-speed manual or a traditional automatic transmission.

To the delight of purists, the new Z will remain strictly rear-drive and designed to be a driver's car.

In terms of styling, we expect the flagship Z-car to draw its design cues from both the previous 350Z and 370Z, as well as earlier Z cars including the seminal original 1969 240Z.

Sadly, with Nissan production on hold in the uncertain economic climate, it's now impossible to predict when we'll see the new Z.