NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Nissan to celebrate 50 years of Z cars

Nissan says it will celebrate 50 years of Z cars at the New York motor show next week with a special-edition version of its current 370Z coupe.

To prove it, the Japanese car-maker has released pictures of the car it plans to reveal.

Called the 370Z Heritage Edition, the celebratory Nissan comes painted in two colours -- either Chicane Yellow or Magnetic Black.

Inside, both cars come with an interior with plenty of bright accents that include yellow highlights on the steering wheel, gear shifter and door cards.

As part of the 2018MY updates to the ageing 370Z, which was introduced all the way back in 2009, the fast Nissan coupe gets a pair of revised headlights and tail-lights, new door handles and a high-performance clutch for the six-speed manual transmission.

Under the bonnet, the standard 370Z's 245kW/363Nm 3.7-litre V6 carries over unchanged.

That means the special-edition will still reach 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and top out at a limited 250km/h.

The special Z goes on sale next month in the US, but it's not known if other markets -- including Australia -- plan to take the special-edition 370Z.

It was hoped that an all-new 370Z replacement would be revealed at the 2017 Tokyo motor show this October to celebrate the actual 50th anniversary of Nissan Z cars in 2019.

Now that scenario in doubt following comments from a senior Nissan exec at the recent Geneva motor show, where he refused to confirm a replacement for the fast coupe is coming.