Nissan’s upcoming Z-car is one of, if not, the most talked-about vehicles in 2021. After the 13-year production run of the 370Z, it was about time for a replacement to come around. Nissan has been very secretive about the exact specs of the new Z-car and the only thing we know for sure is that US prices will start at around $35,000. However, sometimes information leaks way before it was intended to. Such is the case with what we are about to share.

As soon as images of the Nissan Proto-Z started circulating the media, many fans wondered if there would be a NISMO version of the rear-wheel-drive coupe. It appears, the answer is yes. More importantly, some information leaked regarding the powertrain of the future NISMO 400Z. By now, we are almost certain, the 400Z will use the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 from the Infiniti Redsport models.

That said, some information leaked that NISMO will be using a different but familiar engine in the NISMO 400Z. We also happen to know that it will have the same V-6 twin-turbo setup. With this in mind, there is only one engine that comes to mind. It appears NISMO will realize every JDM fan boy’s wet dream. Nissan’s motorsport division will put the current GTR’s engine in the smaller rear-wheel-drive coupe. This means that, as soon as 2022, you might be able to get a car, powered by Godzilla’s engine, mated to a manual gearbox.

The VR38 unit could also get direct injection, like its smaller brother, the VR30DDTT, found in Infiniti’s models. We are expecting the engine to be de-tuned since the 400Z is much smaller and rear-wheel-drive only. In addition, we don’t know how much power the stock manual gearbox can take, should you choose to go for it, instead of the Mercedes-sourced automatic. In any case, we are expecting at least 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts) and 442 pound-feet (600 Nm) from the next NISMO Z.

One last thing. Happy April’s Fool! We hope you enjoyed the article. Frankly, I really want Nissan to make something like a GTR-powered Z-car that can also be had with a manual gearbox. Sadly, there’s no indication of it happening any time soon. With that being said, carmakers nowadays are quite secretive about what they are really up to, so you never know.