The 2023 Nissan Z is the much-awaited seventh iteration of Nissan’s popular two-seat sports car. It debuted as the Nissan Z Proto concept in 2020, wearing new and vintage design cues that pay homage to its predecessors. It shares the same Z34 architecture as the outgoing 370Z, but the new Z car has its fair share of updates to run alongside competitors like the Toyota GR Supra and the 2024 Ford Mustang.
Setting The Stage
The iconic Nissan Z sports car has an interesting bit of history. When Nissan was looking to develop a replacement for its legendary Datsun Fairlady sports car in the 1960s, the Japanese automaker went to Yamaha. However, Nissan had apprehensions about the Yamaha-built and designed 2.0-liter DOHC four-banger engine and abandoned the project in mid-1964. Yamaha went to Toyota after refining the prototype sports car, which eventually gave birth to the mythical Toyota 2000GT.
As for Nissan, it eventually launched the first-gen Datsun Fairlady Z in 1969, and the Z car has become a cultural icon over the past six generations. “The Nissan Z is our company’s heart and soul, bringing sports car design, performance, and excitement to a broad range of buyers, starting with the introduction of the first generation more than 50 years ago,” said Michael Colleran, Senior Vice President, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales.
2023 Nissan Z: Engine & Drivetrain
We’re talking about a new Nissan sports car, so the engine and driveline need to take center stage. Under the 2023 Nissan Z’s long and wide hood is a twin-turbocharged VR30DDTT 3.0-liter V6 inherited from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, albeit brandishing updated tuning, a new recirculating system to improve boost, and an innovative turbine speed sensor to squeeze out every ounce of power. The engine produces 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque, all of which goes exclusively to the rear wheels.
The new Nissan Z has a standard six-speed manual gearbox (hooray!) with a SynchroRev Match feature (Z Performance and Proto Spec trims). Moreover, there’s an optional nine-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control, paddle shifters, downshift rev matching, and a new magnesium casing that saves 44 lbs. of heft.
How Quick Is The 2023 Nissan Z?
The latest Nissan Z accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. It runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 107.6 mph. For comparison, the Toyota GR Supra reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds, while the more potent Supra 3.0 A/T finishes the sprint in four seconds flat.
Trim Levels & Pricing
The 2023 Nissan Z is available to order in a trio of well-equipped trims: Sport, Performance, and Proto Spec. Below is a quick breakdown and the standard equipment for each Z model. The price figures are inclusive of the $1,025 destination fee. Our free and easy search tools* show which Nissan dealerships have the best deals in your area.
Coupe Sport
The base Nissan Z Coupe Sport starts at $41,015. The price includes a generous list of standard features like LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start and proximity key, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and a digital instrument cluster. It also has an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a trio of analog pod gauges, USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and satellite radio.
Standard in the 2023 Nissan Z is a collection of advanced driving assistance technologies like blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and front/rear parking sensors.
Coupe Performance
The Nissan Z Coupe Performance starts at $51,015. It has more goodies and luxury features like active noise cancellation, heated mirrors, 19-inch Rays forged wheels, power and heated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction. Meanwhile, it has an upgraded nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, navigation, a Bose audio system with eight speakers, and a Wi-Fi hotspot feature.
Proto Spec
The range-topping Nissan Z Proto Spec is limited to only 240 units in the United States. It starts at $54,015 and comes with exclusive features like 19-inch bronze Rays wheels, a bespoke yellow and black paint job, and yellow interior stitching, to name a few.
Nissan Factory Warranty
The 2023 Nissan Z leaves the Tochigi factory in Japan with a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year limited powertrain warranty. Depending on how much you drive, an extended warranty may benefit you. Before you decide, see this helpful guide to Nissan extended warranties.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.
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