It’s been a long time coming but the Nissan Z Proto, the next in the line of Z sports cars from Nissan, has finally been unveiled. But there’s a catch, it’s not coming to Europe!

First of all, this is a prototype, but it looks near as dammit production ready as we expect it to be called the Nissan 400z when it does arrive. It features a striking design that takes cues from Z cars of old, with a fastback, sloping coupe body that emanates that of the original Datsun 240z.

Alfonso Albaisa, head of design for Nissan, said: “Ultimately, we decided the Nissan Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future. The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille’s dimensions are similar to the current model with the addition of oval grille fins to offer an updated modern look. The form continues to exude both sportiness and elegance.”

There are no official tech specs but we do know that it features a twin-turbo V6 engine, likely the VR30DETT found in the Infiniti Q50 (also known as the Nissan Skyline in Japan) and in that form in produces a healthy 400hp, taking the fight to the likes of the Toyota GR Supra and Porsche Cayman.

Crucially, that V6 engine is paired up to a six-speed manual, although we have no doubts that a paddleshift auto will be put in place as an option, too, when the production car is ready.

Elsewhere, the wheels are likely to be that of Rays like previous Z cars and those come in 19inch spec. Tyres are 255/40R19 and 285/35R19 (front and rear) making us more hopeful of that 400hp power figure. Behind those wheels, at the moment at least, is the brake setup from the Nissan GT-R; whether they will be in place on the production car is hard to say given the cost of said setup.

Inside, Z car fans will be pleased to hear that it gets rid of the dated interior from the Nissan 370z and comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and digital cluster, with leather dominating the dashboard. Thankfully, that old school Japanese tuner vibe lives on inside, with a host of gauges including a boost gauge, featuring prominently in the cabin.

Sadly, though, this all means very little to us here in the UK, with Nissan admitting that this car won’t officially come to Europe. That being said, with the UK recently signing a free trade agreement with Japan, perhaps importing an RHD JDM example to the UK won’t be as expensive as you might think. Either way, it’s nice to see the Z car return to the automotive industry. What do you think of the Nissan Z Proto?

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The Maserati MC20 is the long awaited super sportscar that Maserati has promised and is the successor to the bonkers Maserati MC12.

The new Maserati MC20 (MC for Maserati Corse and 20 for 2020, the year of its world première and the start of the Brand’s new Era) is the Maserati that we’ve been waiting for. It features a new Nettuno engine, which is Maserati’s very own power unit (first time in 20 years!). It produces a whopping 630hp from a twin turbocharged V6, which is capable of sending the Maserati MC20 from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and onto over 200mph.

According to Maserati, the MC20 is a class leader in terms of power-to-weight ratio with a figure of 2.33kg/hp or 429hp per tonne in normal speak. This is thanks to a generous amount of carbon fibre used throughout to help bring weight to under 1500kg.

Crucially, Maserati says: “The MC20 is designed to enable coupé and convertible versions and for full electric power”, meaning we’re most likely going to not only get a convertible, but also a fully-electric variant at some point.

The aerodynamics were designed through over two thousand man-hours in the Dallara Wind Tunnel and more than a thousand CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, which enabled the “creation of a genuine work of art”. The resulting car has a sleek line, with no mobile appendages but just a discreet rear spoiler that improves downforce. The CX is more under 0,38.

Maserati says that it’s designed the cabin to be as driver-focused as possible. There are two 10inch screens inside, with one operating the digital displays like the speedo etc., and the other to display the Maserati Multimedia System.  You also get a wireless phone charger, driving mode selector (very similar to that in the Ferrari), more buttons to control various gizmos and finally a storage compartment.

The new Maserati MC20 will be connected at all times with the Maserati Connect program. The full range of services includes connected navigation, Alexa and Wifi Hotspot and can also be managed through the Maserati Connect smartphone or smartwatch App.

For the launch, Maserati has also developed six new colours to characterise MC20: Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, Nero Enigma and Grigio Mistero. Each of them has been conceived, designed and developed exclusively for this car and they all, apparently, convey important themes: a strong reference to Made in Italy, to Italian identity and to the land, as well as one linked to Maserati tradition. Very patriotic then.

The production launch is scheduled for the end the current year with orders to be accepted from the 9^th September.

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