Nissan Z: why such a polarizing design?

 

Like it or not, the new concept of the future Nissan Z is causing a lot of talk this week, with its ambitious stylistic approach.

Some might find this innovative design quite shocking, since the last two generations, the 350Z and the 370Z , have followed a rather evolutionary formula.

Although several stylistic cues have been borrowed from previous generations in the Z's long history, this new concept vehicle is very polarizing. But why exactly?

A massive grille

Nissan has retained what characterizes the Z family from its beginnings, thanks to a grille located at the bottom of the bumper as well as a plunging muzzle. Unlike the previous two generations, the headlights are not stretched vertically, but rather horizontally. Moreover, the round shape of the latter is a nod to the 240ZG (sold exclusively in Japan in the 70s). The “teardrop” headlights, which are LED, blend in well with the rest of the body.

 

However, the integration of the grille may shock some people since it follows the trend of many vehicles these days - it is huge. The previous generations opted for a grid, certainly rectangular like this one, but much less imposing, so that it remained more subtle. Perhaps a more angled air intake at its ends would have been a solution.

 

The bumper fins have a line that lacks a bit of fluidity, although once again they are inspired by the original Z. The corners are loaded with sharp shapes that don't match the rounded design of the vehicle as well.

 

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In profile, an evolution

Inspired once again by the first generation of the Z, the profile opts for elusive lines that continue the design from the front to the rear.

In addition, the roof line begins at the grille and ends at the square angle of the rear. The transition from the rear quarter window to the low rear position also contributes to this reminder.

Overall, the roofline is a hit, especially with the black color contrasting with the rest of the car and ending at the rear. The chrome line that runs from the A-pillar to the end of the B-pillar is not necessary, however.

Skirts add tone to the profile line. The same goes for the successful 19-inch five-split-spoke rims.

The rear, inspired by the 300ZX

Much like the front, the rear of the car polarizes once again. On the one hand, we can salute the innovation of the lines that differ from the 350Z and 370Z for a new generation while being inspired by the 240Z classics. A beautiful mix between modernity and nostalgia!

While this is an interesting brushstroke, the fact remains that it is an idea that is not exploited elsewhere on the vehicle. The front instead employs sharp lines with a very rectangular grille that seems inconsistent with the rest of the car.

In addition, the passage between the side and the rear could be revised. In fact, the profile lines are very angular, while the rear is very square. So the transition between the two can feel like the car has been cut off from the rest.

Another element that could annoy: the shiny black line that surrounds the taillights. We can salute the boldness of this concept, but we can criticize it for not being reused for the grille. Some will like it for the originality, others will decry that the design lacks consistency in ideas.

Perhaps a glossy black line at the bottom of the bumper would have reduced the size of the grille and, consequently, might have helped design consistency.

In short, like it or not, the new Z will turn heads with its aesthetic both inspired by the past and trends found on the current market. But don't forget one thing, this is only a prototype, so some stylistic elements may change by the time it is released.