The 2022 Nissan Z is edging closer to its arrival, but Nismo has just shown off one of the first racing variants – designed especially to tackle the iconic Japanese Super GT Series next year.

Nissan and its motorsport arm Nismo have unveiled the new Z GT500 – complete with a wide body-kit, large goose-neck rear wing and finished in dark grey with a large black ‘Z’ design forming the livery.

The new Z will replace the R35 GT-R in the Super GT Series, which took over from a V8-powered 350Z back in 2008 – a 13-year run in the category.

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The Nissan Z will be the newcomer on the scene, having to race against the Toyota Supra and Honda NSX, which have been competing since 2020 and 2017 respectively.

Since 2014, all GT500 vehicles in Super GT have been restricted to a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed sequential gearbox, with a total output of 485kW.

When the road-going 2023 Nissan Z does arrive in the middle of next year, it will use a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 producing 298kW and 475Nm, with either a six-speed manual or an optional nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

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