These spy photos show a Nissan Z mule doing high-speed testing at the Nürburgring in Germany.

We believe this 370Z means that Nissan has legitimate plans for a next-generation model wearing the iconic nameplate.

Since this version looks almost identical to the current production model, we think it could be a test bed for an all-new powertrain.

Few sports cars are as iconic as the legendary Nissan Z, and no sports car is as desperate for a complete redesign. Well, if the spy shots of this odd-looking 370Z are any indication, the car gods have Nissan's ear, and they've convinced the automaker to reboot one of its most illustrious models.

Brian Williams

Of course, the mule in these photos that was caught undergoing high-speed testing on the Nürburgring in Germany could just be another special edition or a revised NISMO model, much like what Nissan did with the 2020 GT-R NISMO. However, we're confident that this familiar-looking setup is the current 370Z's replacement hiding in plain sight.

The last time the Z was refreshed was way back in 2013, but the car has six generations of history and can trace its roots to the 2009 model year. It has maintained the same VQ-series naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 that currently makes up to 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque on the top-of-the-line 370Z NISMO.

Brian Williams

If our assumptions are correct, this orange-and-black Z isn't a Halloween-themed limited edition; it's more than likely a test bed for the car's next-generation powertrain. Could Nissan be contemplating installing a version of its VC-Turbo (Variable Compression-Turbocharged engine) in the Z? Or will the Japanese automaker play pocket aces and introduce a new and improved version of its prolific VQ-series mill?

Whatever the outcome, we expect the seventh-generation Z to be built to battle the recently resurrected Toyota Supra, which currently develops 335 horses and 365 lb-ft.

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