The Nissan Z has a pretty storied history. Launching with the blockbuster 240Z, it put Japan (and Nissan) firmly on the world map as a country producing an affordable sports car that was both fun to drive and gorgeous to behold.

As the following generations came though, the Z became fatter, more luxurious, more tech-savvy, and more expensive. Nissan retired the Z-car after the 300ZX in the late '90s, and brought the nameplate back with a bang in 2002 with the fresh and re-focused 350Z. That car would go on to star in movies and video games all around the world. Its success was so big, Nissan introduced the 370Z six years later, firmly targeting the Porsche Boxster/Cayman twins.

Since then however, Nissan's performance division seems to have fallen asleep. The GT-R is some 13 years old now, and the Z isn't far behind. Rumours have been circulating for years as to the shape and positioning of the new Z, but lack of evidence made everything hypothetical. At one point, there was a suggestion that the new Z would even become a crossover, with Nissan revealing the Gripz concept in 2015. Thankfully, the concept failed to grip the public.

The good news is that there has been a lot more Z-related activity recently. There have been a few spy shots over the past couple of months, so we know a new one is coming. Autoblog reports that sources who have seen the car at dealer meetings suggest the new Z will pack 'heritage-inspired' design, with the front sporting 240Z-like circular headlights, while the rear seems to be modelled off the 300ZX.

One thing Nissan does well is engines, and it's a safe bet the next Z-car will surely have some cracking motors. The twin-turbo 400hp V6 from the Infiniti Q50 is almost guaranteed, but you can bet Nissan is following the Supra closely and might offer a four-cylinder motor too. Expect a swanky new interior, as well as all the latest safety and driver-assistance tech (Nissan ProPilot, etc.). You can safely expect Nismo versions to follow later on down the track.

One big unknown is the name. Z-cars have always stated their engine sizes in their names, but it might seem counter-intuitive for them to have a smaller number after the 370. Best guess is it'll carry the 400Z moniker. Whatever it ends up being, the new Z can’t come soon enough!

Build your own

If you can't wait for the new Z, why not build your own hardcore Nissan? Out of Lego. Yeah!