The Nissan Z could get a nose job, at least the Japanese version. The automaker first teased a new split-grille design on a custom Fairlady Z prototype shown at its Tokyo 2022 auto salon, and a report yesterday by Japanese Nostalgic Car claims an alternative front-end treatment is set to become a dealer-installed option. in Japan around the middle of this year.
Depending on what you think of the regular Z nose, this could be great news. At the very least, we think it gives the Z face more defined features compared to the gaping front holes of the current car. However, it probably doesn’t matter what we Americans think, as separate grille options can be ordered for the Japanese market.
When asked to confirm reports that an alternative grille would be entering production in Japan, a spokesperson from Nissan’s North American team said the company had yet to announce anything. Technically, that leaves the door open for the US version of the Z to receive a new nose, but we’ll have to wait and see.
For Americans dissatisfied with the standard Z grille—or those who find it lacking in performance—all hope is not lost. Our spy photos of the track-focused Nismo prototype not only looks promising for a sharper-handling model, but also one with some cosmetic surgery to the front.
