Contrary to Z-car tradition, it featured a 2. 4 liter 4 cylinder (KA24DE) engine—shared with the Altima and 240SX—producing 200 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.
A “retro-modern” aesthetic in bright orange, heavily inspired by the original 240Z’s swept-back silhouette. It was developed in just 12 weeks at Nissan’s California design studio.
While the styling was seen as an interesting homage, critics and enthusiasts largely rejected the four-cylinder engine, considering it an “insult” to the Z-line’s six-cylinder heritage.
Despite the mixed reception, the concept proved there was still massive public interest in a new sports car. This eventually led Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn to greenlight the development of what became the 350Z (Z33), which debuted with a proper V6 in 2002.
Design elements from the 1999 concept, particularly the proportions and circular lighting motifs, were later cited as influences for the current generation Nissan Z (RZ34).
