Is the Yuanye Z9 our first look at all-new Nissan Navara?

When the all-new Mitsubishi Triton came out earlier this year in the country, we were expecting Nissan to follow suit in the coming months with the new-generation Navara in other markets. Given that the next-generation pickup truck from Nissan will largely be based on the new Mitsubishi Triton, it stands to reason that Nissan will modify it to suit the all-new Navara.

In the PRC, Nissan has come up with a new midsize pickup truck which is larger than the Navara & Triton. It’s called the Yuanye Z9, and it measures 5520mm long, 1960mm wide, 1950mm tall, and has a generous 3300mm wheelbase. That’s right, it’s one huge pickup truck that appears to be more of a competitor against the likes of the GWM Cannon and the JMC Grand Avenue.

Design-wise, the pickup truck looks unlike anything Nissan has ever designed. We couldn’t help but notice, however, to see some styling cues that appear to have been inspired by the all-new Triton. The pickup truck dons a discerning look from the distinct rectangular front grille to the stylish LED lighting signatures. The same can be said for the pickup’s rear which gets a unique set of vertical LED taillights, Z9 badging, and what look to be rear foglights integrated onto the back bumper.

We’re not entirely sure if the Nissan Yuanye Z9 will be exclusive to the Chinese market or if it will be offered globally. However, given its immense size and stylish looks, we won’t be surprised if Nissan might offer it in markets outside of the PRC. Heck, we’re wondering if this could eventually replace the Nissan Navara for global markets, but that remains to be seen. It also remains unclear whether the Yuanye Z9 is part of the Nissan Mitsubishi collaboration or a standalone project by Nissan in the PRC.

The new pickup truck has yet to be officially launched although thanks to the country’s Ministry of Industry & Information Technology (MIIT) releasing info early, the Yuanye Z9 will be available with internal combustion engines (ICEs). First up is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four which makes 258 PS and will have a top speed of 160 km/h. The other engine is a 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel which puts out 190 PS and has a top speed of 170 km/h. No transmission details were revealed, however.

Aside from having traditional ICE under the hood, the Yuanye Z9 will reportedly also be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. That means this could likely go up against the BYD Shark which made its global debut earlier this year.

Do you think the all-new Navara will base its looks on the Yuanye Z9? Or will it be entirely different? Let us know in the comments what you think.

Source: MIIT via Carscoops