WHERE THE INSPIRATION CAME FROM

The Z Proto’s link to the 50-year history of the Z car is obvious. “We explored two directions,” said Nissan’s global design head, Alfonso Albaisa. “One with a strong homage tone and one with a futuristic feeling throughout. Our designers made countless studies and sketches, researching each generation to better understand what made it such a success… Ultimately, we agreed this new Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future.”

Various references to the 240Z and 240ZG (pictured) can be seen, but there are also nods to the 1990s 300ZX. Why?

“The 300ZX represented a technological breakthrough for Z and Nissan,” Albaisa said. “The seamless surfaces and absence of bodylines gave it a river stone-like, smooth quality,” hinted at on the new car.