√New patents hint at 2023 Nissan Z factory upgrades

A clearer picture of the performance potential of the all-new Nissan Z coupe — and clues to a possible Nismo model — has emerged from Japan.

The first good look at aftermarket upgrades for the all-new Nissan Z has been revealed in a new set of patent images.

Filed by Nissan in Japan, these show a Z coupe fitted with a body kit with a bigger front spoiler, flared guards, a lip spoiler on the boot, bigger wheels with a different design, a sports exhaust and a sticker kit.

Zed-car fans will be quick to note the modified Z shown in the patents appears to be a concept revealed in Japan in January, known as the Customised Proto – wearing the same front fascia, wheel-arch flares, bonnet and more.

While the design isn’t new, the body add-ons do highlight the potential for optional accessories to be sold and fitted in Nissan dealerships, or even a limited-edition model.

The pictures could also hint at the thinking and direction of the future Nismo version of the Z, which rumours in Japan suggest may be announced as soon as next year.

The patent filing in Japan follows pictures, reported by Drive last week, of a camouflaged Z being tested in the USA with the body modifications seen above – and on the Customised Proto concept.

The bold orange Z Customised Proto was one of the stars of the Tokyo Auto Show in January.

A Nismo model has been part of the global Z-car lineup since 2009, and the superseded version of the 370Z Nismo was sold in Australia from August 2017 until earlier this year, when the final sales total reached 367 cars.

The total number of 370Zs sold in Australia since 2009 is 5244 and Nissan Australia reports the overall total of Z sales since the original 240Z in the 1970s is more than 22,500 cars.

But there is still no official word from Nissan Australia about plans for any potential Z Nismo variant, as a company spokesperson told Drive it cannot comment on potential future models.

The post New patents hint at 2023 Nissan Z factory upgrades appeared first on Drive.