The Nissan Z is back, and it looks far better than the original or the ones after it, but we'll come to that bit later. The Z is a Nissan made by an obsessed team of designers and engineers that know exactly what a driver's car is supposed to be, what makes it desirable, offered at the ideal price. It is a sports car for today, tomorrow and the day after. There aren't too many sports cars that could possibly match it for practicality. With a 50-year legacy backing it, the Z is an icon that's being revisited in a new avatar.

This is a car that gathered itself a fan base the moment Nissan unveiled pictures of it for a first look. The Z is to Nissan what the Cayman is to Porsche, but while one is a far reach in terms of affordability, the other is attainable by anyone working a decent a 9-5 job. The Z is the closest you'll get to the thrill of driving without having to pay a huge sum of money. As you will read on, you'll understand that the Z is a bag of laughs on four wheels.

It is, in every sense of the word, a pure sports car that will connect you to the tarmac without compromising on the latest technologies that help you identify it as a sports car, not just a sporty car. Let's take a look at what could possibly make the seventh-generation 2023 Nissan Z a future classic sports car icon.

Related: This Is Why Gearheads Should Consider Buying The Nissan 370Z

2023 Nissan Z Looks Sharp And Modern

Gray 2023 Nissan Z
via Nissan

We'd be pulling a fast one if we said the new Z reminds us of the original, because in truth, it doesn't. The new car looks sleek and aerodynamic, but the long hood was designed with the original 240 Z in mind. Looking at it is enough to know that it is a rear-drive sports car. The stance from the rear, strangely enough, is better than that of the front. The silhouette is likable, but for someone who veers towards a Toyota GR86, that might not be the case. It is undoubtedly streamlined. Until the rear, that is - where it looks flat. The LED headlights feature two half-circle elements that have been inspired from the 240ZG that sold exclusively in Japan, in the 1970s.

2023 Nissan Z's Distinct Side Profile

Gray 2023 Nissan Z
via Nissan

The side profile looks so good, you keep staring at it like it's a split maxi dress on someone with long hair and a pretty face. The roof line flows smoothly from the nose to the squared-off rear, creating a unique overall profile. Also, because of its lower-set rear edge, the car looks unique. Unlike anything we've seen before it. The transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slug tail section is typical of all the Z cars. The handles are fitted flush with the door and the thin hatch design is quite cool. The tail lights incorporate the latest lighting tech, but it's a throwback to the Z32 from the '90s.

If you opt for the Z 'Performance' grade, the car gets a rear spoiler that ensures there's positive pressure where the hatch and spoiler meet. Know-how from designing the Nissan GT-R went into the development of the Z's front spoiler. The car is available in multiple color options, but Boulder Gray with a Super Black roof is our favorite.

2023 Nissan Z's Cockpit Designed To Fit Like A Glove

Gray 2023 Nissan Z
via Nissan

When you're making a driver's car, the cockpit becomes an integral part of the formula. The center stack draws inspiration from Z models before it; there are three analog gauges as part of the instrument panel, plus there's an 8.0-inch touchscreen audio display with climate control switches found near the shifter. All the important information reflects on the 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display, and it's all been arranged to appear easily to the driver. It also features a 12.3-inch TFT meter display with three display modes, like Normal, Enhanced and Sport. The three pod gauges on the instrument panel: boost, turbo speed and volt stare the driver straight in the eye. Shift levers for both, manual and automatic versions are new, and the deep-dish steering wheel has all the controls the driver requires.

The Z Performance model we drove in July this year, came with leather-appointed seats, 4-way power driver's seat, a 4-way power passenger seat, with both seats getting the heating function. It gets a host of features, but for that, we'll let the brochure do the talking. On the Z Performance grade, the car comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen and an 8-speed Bose audio system. The interior can be had in either of the three colors: Blue, Black or Red. Opt for the Proto spec, and you'll get yellow accents and stitching.

Related: This Chopped Nissan Z Roadster Render Looks Awesome

2023 Nissan Z Will Be A Future Classic

Gray 2023 Nissan Z
via Nissan

The Z is powered by the same VR30DDTT engine that's found in the Infinity Q60 Red Sport. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine churns out 400hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the rear through either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. It can sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. Our road tester, Bassem Girgis spent some time driving the Z Performance. Floor the throttle, and $53,610 for the Z starts to make total sense.

Gray 2023 Nissan Z
Nissan

You can also opt for the cheaper, entry-level grade that costs $39,990, which isn't too bad. There is a bit of lag initially, but at higher RPMs, it's a different animal. The acceleration is enough to push you back into your seat. The manual gearbox is a pleasure to run through. The steering is predictable; it makes you feel like a superhero, but in reality, it's the car wearing the cape.

Source: Nissan