Nissan to save its iconic Z-car after all

It seems Nissan has pulled a last-minute U-turn on its decision to replace its iconic Z sports car following new reports that suggest it is readying a 355kW turbo V6-powered all-wheel drive coupe that will be unveiled before the end of 2019.

Until now, the Japanese car-maker had refused to confirm the current ageing 370Z would be replaced but, according to Brit mag Autocar, a decision for a 370Z successor has now been given the green light.

As Nissan celebrates 50 years since the original Z-car first went on sale, the significant delay to replace the current coupe and convertible, which trace their roots back to 2002, was caused by an internal struggle to create a viable business case for a successor.

The new Z is set to go head-to-head with both BMW's all-new BMW Z4 and its closely related sibling, the Toyota Supra. It's not known why Nissan execs changed their minds, especially since a Z-badged SUV that was mooted internally made more financial sense, but work has reportedly already begun on the new model, known internally as the Z35.

According to Autocar, to save costs the 370Z replacement will be based and developed side-by-side with the next-generation Infiniti Q60.

Sharing both its new rear-wheel drive platform, engine line-up and electrical architecture with the Q60, it's been reported the next Z-car will grow in size and be larger than the current 370Z.

Later on after its launch, which is set to take place by early 2020, Nissan will spin off a roadster version that should be on sale by 2021.

Likely to carry the nameplate 400Z, the fast Nissan will come powered with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 currently used by Infiniti.

Producing around 355kW and significantly more torque than the current 370Z NISMO (253kW/371Nm), the new car is expected to be in another league for performance, especially since insiders suggest it will come with all-wheel drive.

Expect the baby GT-R model to hit 100km/h in less than four seconds and top out at more than 270km/h.

According to Autocar, Nissan will unveil its first concept previewing the forthcoming Z car at the 2018 Tokyo motor show in October, before launching the production version a year later at the LA motor show in November 2019.