Although the world goes gaga over the Nissan GTR and its predecessors, when you look back in time, it is evident that the original Fairlady Z put Nissan on the global map. The Fairlady Z was a hugely popular sports car in the U.S. as it was a no-nonsense affordable and reliable car that was easy to live with. Over the years, the Z went through multiple iterations, and the sixth-generation Nissan 370Z with the howling naturally aspirated V6 left without a worthy successor.
After a dreary long hiatus, Nissan finally resurrected the Z name and the torch-bearer, the seventh-generation RZ34 is a thoroughbred Japanese sports car with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine. It is one of the best sports car money can buy today and a car that is on the radar of anyone who finds joy in driving. However, here are the 10 most important things you need to know about the 2023 Nissan Z.
10 The 2023 Nissan Z Harks Back To The Original Z
What is the best thing about the 2023 Nissan Z? We think it's the styling. Especially how it looks like a modern version of the original Fairlady Z. Nissan pretty much nailed the design aspect of the 2023 Z as it's the latest incarnation of the Fairlady car with all the quirks and details that make it stand out from the usual crop of sports cars. The styling takes inspiration from a lot of Z models such as the 240Z and even the underrated 300ZX.
9 The 2023 Nissan Z Has A 400hp 3.0-Liter Twin Turbo V6
The banshee-like VQ V6 will be dearly missed for sure. But this time, like with every other new car, the Z also gets a turbocharged unit. Instead of downsizing, Nissan is still offering a V6 petrol engine that produces more power and torque than the outgoing generation. The numbers? 400 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque, which is 68 horsepower and 80 pound-feet more than the 370Z! Although it doesn't scream like the old engine, the new one still makes a racket if you're wondering.
8 The 2023 Nissan Z Comes With A 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
Manual fanatics and stick-shift gang rejoice! The 2023 Nissan Z is offered with 3 pedals and a 6-speed manual gearbox. This is a welcome change, as the manual gearbox is on the verge of extinction since most modern cars do not come with one. However, Nissan knows that most buyers also need an automatic and hence, they also offer a 9-speed automatic gearbox for the 2023 Nissan Z. There were some reliability issues with the auto box, but Nissan did get everything sorted out.
7 The 2023 Nissan Z Has Got The Dynamics To Back The Looks
The 2023 Nissan Z looks the part and has got a powerful V6 engine to do most of the heavy lifting. But what makes the Z even more special today is its chassis which completes the package as a driver's delight. Based on the M platform (Front Midship) platform as its predecessor, the Z is an outright driver's car with the poise and body control that we usually expect from a Nissan sports car. Plus, getting the tail out on this is a walk in the park.
6 The 2023 Nissan Z Boasts Of A Purposeful Cabin
The 2023 Nissan Z has a cabin that follows the same theme as the exterior. What we get is a mix of vintage and modern styling with a well-put-together cabin that also comes across as comfortable and practical. The door handles, three ancillary analog dials, and the classic round steering reminds us of other Z models. Elevating things to a modern stature are the 12.3-inch cluster, the 8-speaker Bose sound system with noise cancelation, and the central 9-inch infotainment unit.
5 The 2023 Nissan Z Is Still An Affordable Sports Car
With prices starting from $39,990 for the 9-speed automatic variants, the 2023 Nissan Z is a no-brainer, to be honest. Spec it up and even the range-topping Z Proto Spec versions will only set you back by $52,990 with all the additional goodies and the 6-speed manual gearbox. Although a faster car, in contrast, prices for the 2023 Toyota GR Supra start from $53,000 for the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder version making it substantially more expensive than the 2023 Nissan Z.
4 The 2023 Nissan Z Has A Mechanical Limited Slip Differential
Nissan is offering a lot of kit with the Z that will help it be a better driver's car out in the open. One of them is the mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential. Apart from that, the manual versions also get a carbon-fiber driveshaft which is lighter and stronger thereby increasing the throttle response and eliminating any drivetrain vibrations. The sports car also features a performance clutch from Exedy, Akebono brakes, and Rays wheels.
3 The 2023 Nissan Z Combines Modern Performance And Retro Looks
The 2023 Nissan Z gets up to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph. Yes, there are faster cars out there with better numbers. But for what Nissan is asking for the 2023 Z, it is an impeccable performance bargain and a true driver's car. The Z stands out with its unique design language and comes across as a breath of fresh air in today's world of not-so-pleasant-looking cars that lack character.
2 The 2023 Nissan Z Is Poised To Be A Future Classic
It is no surprise the 2023 Nissan Z has got everything on its side to make it a future classic. The Z celebrates the bygone era of pure sports cars that did not burn a hole in your wallet. Cheap thrills are what the Z is all about, and it gets everything right from the chassis to the performance to the styling. Another iteration of the Z will most likely be an all-electric or a hybrid and for that reason alone, the 2023 Z might just be the last of its lineage.
1 The 2023 Nissan Z Can Be Your Daily Driven Sports Car
We've established the Nissan Z is a great sports car and driver's car with enough performance on tap. However, just like the original Datsun 240Z, the Z is also a hugely practical sports car that can easily double up as your daily driver. It rides well, there's a 9-speed automatic gearbox and the short dimensions and practical cabin with all modern necessities make it an easy car to live with. And when the weekend comes, the 2023 Z's nose will be pointed towards a racetrack or a mountain road.