Design research: Nissan 240/Fairlady Z successor

Nissan's plans for an affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupe to slot in below the current Z have been rumored for years and we've been informed that internal politics have killed off at least one revival of an iconic Datsun. If work ever gets underway on another budget coupe, Nissan should seriously pursue Polish designer Iacoski and his interpretation of a 240Z/Fairlady revival.

Aft of the a-pillar, Iacoski's inspiration is clearly apparent, blending the old 240's slopping roofline and short rear overhangs with the muscular haunches and angled fender flares of the current 350Z. Up front, the Photoshop wizard retained the old Fairlady's elongated hood and power bulge, and matched them with a front air dam, bumper and headlamp arrangement influenced by the second GTR Proto concept.

Iacoski's love of the old Fairlady inspired him to create a new modern version, the long front bonnet, short rear end and smooth curvaceous roof profile clearly pays homage to the series. Obviously recent Nissan design styles have influenced the renderings, we can clearly see a front fascia mimicking the design of the GT-R.

The ball is now in Nissan's court, but it definitely gets the thumbs up from WCF.