New Nissan 400Z 2021: Automatic transmission confirmed while Nismo, convertible versions a possibility

Nissan has confirmed its next Z sports car will be offered with an automatic transmission, in addition to the manual gearbox shown in the concept, while different body styles like a convertible and Nismo-tuned version are also being considered.

Speaking to journalists after the reveal of the Z Proto, Nissan Z, GT-R and Nismo product specialist Hiroshi Tamura confirmed a two-pedal option will be made available when the sports car makes it to production.

“Of course, we are going to have a two-pedal (version) and some appropriate performance,” he said.

Nissan has revealed the new Z car will be powered by a twin-turbo V6, though has not confirmed exact outputs or specifications.

If rumours prove to be true, and Nissan slots in the 298kW/475Nm 3.0-litre VR30DETT from the Q60 Red Sport, the automatic transmission will likely sport seven gears as it did in the Infiniti.

Mr Tamura revealed it was crucial for the new Z car, rumoured to be called 400Z, to have a three-pedal manual gearbox though, as around 35 per cent of current 370Z customers are opting to shift themselves.

When asked about a convertible version of the car, Mr Tamura said the decision had yet to be made if a roadster would be built.

“This is still an ongoing consideration, (whether) we have an open top or not, is still up for debate,” he said.

However, while the coupe will be the focus for now, Mr Tamura acknowledged that convertibles, such as the 370Z and 300ZX, also form part of the Z car DNA.

As for a more potent Nismo-tuned version, Mr Tamura would not be drawn on the possibility, but said the market will decide whether a new version comes to market.

“This answer is why not … for me, if customers strongly request for the Nismo grade, why not?” he said.

“I cannot say yes or no (right now), it’s not clear.”

Timing on the production version of the next Z sports car also remains unclear, but Nissan has a track record of releasing near-production ready concepts like the Ariya, putting the 400Z on track for a 2021 launch.