Nissan patent filing hints at upcoming high-performance Z variant

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Japanese publication Best Car recently uncovered a patent filing from Nissan, which hints at a high-performance variant of the Z being in the works. 

The filing with the Japanese Patent Office suggests that this could be the much anticipated Nismo version of the sports car, and that it could be revealed as early as 2023. 

Included in the patent filing was a render of a Z that’s wearing a bodykit with extended fender flares, which looks almost identical to the ‘Customised Proto’ concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. 

Along the same lines, a camouflaged Z was recently spotted testing in North America whilst wearing a similar bodykit.

The ‘Customised Proto’ was revealed as a tribute to the first-ever high-performance Nissan Fairlady; the Datsun 240Z Z432R. Not only was this classic coupe finished in the same shade of orange, but it was sold without a radio or air conditioning, and features thinner body panels to keep weight to a minimum. 

In the same report, Best Car says that a Nismo version of the Z would likely get a small power bump courtesy of a new engine management system. It will also likely get upgraded suspension, brakes, and interior trims.

Since hitting the market in Japan, Nissan has seen significant success with the Z, with demand pushing wait times out to two years before the brand put orders on hold in July of this year. 

In its current guise, the Nissan Z makes 298kW/475Nm from a twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine. This is sent exclusively to the rear wheels and buyers get the choice between a nine-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. 

Just recently, Chasing Cars tested the Nissan Z at the local launch in Australia, where Editor Tom Baker found that it stands up as a worthy rival to Toyota’s GR Supra.

Nissan Z 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Auto: $73,300
• Manual: $73,300