[Paul_S]

In the UK at least, the 370Z has pyrotechnics to pop the bonnet to prevent pedestrians hitting their head on the engine block if you run into them. There are regulations about how a car physically impacts people. That must influence the shape of cars to a certain extent, e.g. how low the nose is, how far the nose must be away from any serious metal, etc..

So, my question... When it comes to regulations, would the new Z design as seen in the Nissan Next video be allowed on the roads? Will the reality be less sleek because of regulations?

Looking at the nose of my 240Z there's no way in hell they would allow that nowadays!!

 

[fairlady]

My understanding is that manufacturers can comply with a blunt looking nose that while not as low as cars from the past, is still fitting of a sports car. See the ND Miata as an example, sold in the UK and other places where these regulations apply. The front end of the new Z could take a similar shape at the end.