Concept Car
Nissan Z Concept
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The 1999 Nissan Z Concept (also known as the 240Z Concept) was a pivotal prototype unveiled at the North American International Auto Show to gauge interest in reviving the legendary Z-car line. Developed in just 12 weeks at Nissan's California design studio, it was intended to bridge the gap after the 300ZX was discontinued in the U.S.. Unlike previous Z-cars, it featured a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine (KA24DE) shared with the Altima and 240SX, producing 200 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.It maintained a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a 5-speed manual transmission.The "retro-modern" design, finished in a signature burnt orange (later called Le Mans Sunset), was heavily inspired by the original 240Z's silhouette and circular lighting motifs.It utilized brakes from the Japanese-market Skyline GT-R and featured an independent suspension. While the retro styling was praised, the 4-cylinder engine was widely criticized for not living up to the Z-car's 6-cylinder heritage.The high public interest confirmed the need for a new Z-car, prompting Carlos Ghosn to greenlight production, which evolved into the V6-powered 350Z (Z33) in 2002.Its styling cues, particularly the proportions and lighting, strongly influenced the modern Nissan Z (RZ34).
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