The F&F Franchise may have overlooked the Nissan Z a tad in the more recent iterations, given that they focused more on the “10-second” car, the Toyota Supra but JDM and Japanese car fans know and love the Z car in all its nominations. Especially, given the 2023 Nissan Z, has no numbered nomenclature.
Other than the first moon landing and Woodstock, 1969 was also the year which saw the Nissan Z car first debut in the US, although, at the time, fans knew it as the Datsun 240Z. It’s been 50 years since then and the Nissan Z is now in its seventh generation. Breaking tradition, for the first time now, Nissan no longer uses a number as part of the car’s nameplate, opting to call the 2023 model, simply, the Nissan Z, although earlier reports suggested that Nissan may call it the 400Z.
The looks are different and this time, it seems the very essence of the car comes a little changed as well. Once the Nissan Z had the dubious distinction of carrying the title of the deadliest car on American roads. Yeah, we’re looking at you, 350Z. That said, the all-new 2023 Nissan Z is unlikely to be all that sinister but is still one thrilling ride.
Meet The All-New 2023 Nissan Z
The 2023 Nissan Z models come bearing a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, generating 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, adding a cool 60 hp and 80 lb-ft torque to the mercifully outgoing 370Z. Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual on an Exedy high-performance clutch, and a carbon-fiber composite driveshaft. Manual transmission Nissan Z cars also come with SynchroRev Match, a rev-matching system pioneered on the 370Z. There’s an optional nine-speed automatic transmission as well and comes with launch control and GT-R-inspired paddle shifters.
If you look towards the trims, the 2023 Nissan Z comes in two grades, Sport and Performance. There’s also a special edition model called the Proto Spec that celebrates the Proto Z of 2020, at a run of only 240 models, to honor the original 240Z.
Nissan’s Z comes with plenty of tune-ups, with better chassis, cooling, suspension as well as steering, so clearly, handling and ride are now superior. There’s a new double-wishbone aluminum suspension in the front with an increased caster angle, thus leading to better stability. The rear multilink suspension also comes reconfigured, and the Nissan Z now rides on wider tires with better body rigidity.
The Insides Of The Nissan Z Add To The Appeal
The 2023 Nissan Z finally shakes off the dated feel of the outgoing 370Z, getting new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment that has its fans, sighing in relief. It also comes with a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the SiriusXM satellite radio. Everything plays through a standard six-speaker stereo but if you are looking for better sound, you could upgrade to a Bose audio system as well. There’s an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot available too.
The cabin is modern with updated everything. Think power-adjustable seats wrapped in leather with upscale interior materials, cosseting you to the point of plush. For now, the 2023 Nissan Z remains a two-seat hardtop coupe with no rear seats, but a convertible option is likely to arrive before next summer.
While the base Nissan Z Sport could be your upwards of $39,990, it’s the Performance at $51,000 likely to attract the most buyers given the advantage of sportier suspension tune-up, a limited-slip differential, better brakes, and wheels, as well as power-adjustable seats with faux-suede wrappers.
Here's Why The Nissan Z Is Different From Its Predecessors
First off, while the Nissan Z remains a peppy and fun drive, it’s a heavier car this time, so putting the pedal to the metal is not likely to turn the car into a road beast. It’s also a lot safer than before and while the NHTSA ratings are not out yet, the 2023 Nissan Z does promise automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring as well as lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The bettered interiors and more upscale materials also bring the Nissan Z to a more Supra level than the Mazda MX-5 competition it was in its earlier avatars. It also offers more economy than its counterparts, including the Chevy Corvette or sports cars from Audi and BMW. That said, with a 0-to-60 mph run time of 4.3 seconds, it’s not the current generation Toyota Supra level. Again, unless you plan to race in the Nissan Z, regularly, it makes for more than a thrilling ride and now also adds in comfort, a level of plush as well as better safety than before.
Overall, with its $39,990 debut price, the 2023 Nissan Z makes for a great mid-level sports car for the price, and its features and ride quality are enough for anyone, who likes speed but wants it a little slower than insane.
Source: Nissan