The 2023 Nissan Z exudes the perfect balance between contemporary performance and retro charm.
The legacy of the iconic Z-car dates back to the highly-coveted 240Z, which debuted in the U.S.for 1970 under the Datsun brand moniker. Nissan built the 240Z so well that it outperformed some high-end sports cars with outstanding Japanese performance and reliability for a fraction of the price. Over five decades later, Nissan pays homage to its trendsetting Z vehicles with the seventh generation model, redesigning the distinctive Z-car silhouette and ushering it to new heights of technology.
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Dropping the numerical prefix in its badge for the first time in American history, the 2023 Nissan Z arrives in a world where sporty coupes take a back seat as EVs and crossover SUVs rule the road. Nonetheless, the new Z carries the weight of the iconic nameplate on its shoulders with remarkable poise, exuding the perfect balance between contemporary performance and vintage charm. Let's delve deeper and get you up to speed on the ten things we now know about the 2023 Nissan Z.
After a surprisingly long 12-year production run with minimal development or upgrades, Nissan finally called time on the dated 370Z. However, the 2023 Z inherited its predecessor's underpinnings, indicating that not everything is new under the skin. However, it is no surprise considering the 370Z relied on the same formula, building on the same architecture utilized in the 350Z.
Although the chassis might look the same, Nissan intimated that it's not entirely a carry-over, but rather a thoroughly updated and modified platform based on the malleable FM (Front-Midship) underpinnings. The Nissan Z's shell is strengthened, with Nissan engineers claiming a 10.8% increase in torsional stiffness with nearly 50lbs in weight gain.
The new Z's silhouette is nearly indistinguishable from the original 240Z, touching the high points around the six generations of the Z series while remaining true to the vision of future models. The completely modern design features the signature long hood and short rear deck styling that made the first generation Z car one of the best-looking sports cars of the 1970s.
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The fresh appearance further pays homage to the legendary 240Z by echoing its dished-in headlights, old-school boxy front grille, and C-pillar badging. From the rear, the 2023 Z draws inspiration for its taillights from another iconic Z car, the Z32 300ZX. The black plastic flanking the brake lights accentuates how flat the rear fascia is compared to the rest of the body.
The 2023 Nissan Z's interior is a welcome upgrade over the 370Z, although it retains the vintage two-seat coupe layout with no vestigial rear seats. The GT-R inspired the leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the unique groove nods to the legendary GT-R R32. The modernized cabin also features well-thought-out controls with physical buttons and knobs for the infotainment system and air conditioning.
The new Z comes with new seat designs, which offer impressive lateral support with a slide-reducing center pad and anti-slip material. Despite the improvement, notable flaws include thin seat foam that gets uncomfortable during long rides and limited headroom space for tall occupants due to the high seating position.
The new Z boasts a redesigned, driver-focused cockpit with the latest technology. A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with race car drive-designed gauges offers three selectable screens depending on driver preference. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Nissan Connect services, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay is pleasantly responsive and laid out intuitively.
The triple analog pod gauge is a Z-car legacy, offering the driver key information, including turbo speed (up to 250,000 rpm), turbo boost, and voltage. The standard convenience features include push-button start, intelligent cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic temperature control, USB points, 12-volt power points, front and rear sonar sensors, and six audio speakers.
The seventh-generation Z houses a slick 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that adds a significant bump in power output compared to the previous generation 370Z. The engine delivers 400 hp at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm, 68 more horsepower, and a 30% increase in torque compared to the outgoing 370Z.
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To increase the output, Nissan adopted small-diameter turbochargers and a turbo speed sensor to utilize the full capabilities of the turbos to achieve maximum spooling speed. While the twin-turbos balance response time and power output, an electronic valve timing system adjusts the intake valve timing to ensure an optimum response.
Nissan's engineering team employed a multi-prong approach for impressive cornering and high-speed driving. These upgrades include enhancing body rigidity, electronic power steering, and broader front tires to increase cornering G by approximately 13%. In addition, a new mechanical limited-slip differential optimizes power distribution to allow the best grip for powering out of corners.
Front and rear dampers feature a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter that reduces dampening force by approximately 20% to help soften impact shock, improve handling stability, and enhance road-following performance. The front double-wishbone and rear independent multi-link aluminum suspensions have been reconfigured with improved settings.
Nissan offers the new Z with either a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or an advanced quick-response, nine-speed automatic transmission. The first and second gear synchros are designed to ensure that the driver easily handles the twin-turbo engine for the manual. At the same time, the shift mechanism is redesigned to deliver a more direct, positive feeling.
The automatic boasts a wide gear ratio spread and shift-by-wire technology, activated through a unique palm-shaped controller that might tempt manual driving enthusiasts. However, steering wheel paddle shifters borrowed from the GT-R are also available for added trills.
Z Performance models equipped with a manual transmission come with a launch assist control system, a first for any rear-wheel-drive Nissan. On the other hand, all Z models fitted with an automatic transmission come standard with the launch control system.
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The launch control holds the engine at a pre-set rpm and modulates the power to enhance the delivery of smooth acceleration from a standstill. As the driver pulls away, the launch control eliminates wheel spin and axle hop for a fast and consistent acceleration every time.
Nissan loaded the new Z with standard driver assistance and active safety technologies. Considering the 2023 Z is low-slung with poor rearward visibility, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind-Spot Monitoring are necessary features.
Other safety features include Automatic Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and High Beam Assist. Since the IIHS and NHTSA are yet to test the 2023 Nissan Z, crash and crash prevention systems are yet to be tested and made public.
The 2023 Nissan Z will be available in Sport and Performance grades, with sales expected to start in Summer 2022. The Z Sport has a projected MSRP of $39,990 not including the $1,025 destination charge, while the top-of-the-range Performance will demand $49,990. Surprisingly, manual and automatic versions will cost the same price.
Nissan plans to produce one special edition of the Nissan Z to celebrate the distinctive styling of the Z Proto introduced in 2020. Limited to just 240 ("240" get it?) examples in the U.S., the Proto Spec will feature bronze-colored 19-inch wheels, yellow-colored brake calipers with the Z logo, exclusive Proto Spec suede and cloth door trim, and exclusive Proto Spec leather-appointed seats with yellow accents.
Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.