You Can Finally Drive The Nissan Z Proto

Last year, Nissan previewed the next-generation Z car with a concept car called the Z Proto. Considering the Nissan 370Z has been on sale since 2009, a replacement is long overdue. Sadly, it’s going to be a while before Nissan launches a production version of the Z Proto, as the new Nissan 400Z isn’t expected to go on sale until 2023.

Since it’s a prototype, not many people will get to drive the Nissan Z Proto in real life. There is, however, an easier way to experience it because the Japanese sports car concept has made its racing game debut in Project CARS 3, allowing you to burn some virtual rubber several years before the new Nissan Z car arrives.

The Nissan Z Proto forms part of the new Power Pack DLC, which includes three other legendary Japanese cars including the 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex, 2002 Nissan Silvia (S15) Spec R Aero, and 2020 Nissan 370Z. Racing conversions are also available for each car. This isn’t the first time a car has made its racing game debut in Project CARS 3: the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was available in Project CARS 3 long before it was added Forza Horizon 4’s car roster.

Currently, Project CARS 3 is also the only racing game on PC and consoles that lets you take Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Lotus Evija for a virtual test drive.

As the largest entertainment industry in the world, video games can provide vital exposure to car brands, introducing new models to potential car buyers. Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, the Project CARS 3 Power Pack costs $9.99. In addition to the Power Pack, the fictional Lake Valley Speedway set in Utah has been added to the game in a free update.

In real life, the Nissan Z Proto is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance specifications have been kept under wraps, but it’s likely the same V6 that powers the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 producing around 400 horsepower.