With the new Supra from Toyota and the redesigned Corvette, Nissan thought it was the best time to bring back the ageing Z series. From the alphanumeric nomenclature of the 370 Z model and the 240 Z from 1969, the new version is now called the Z. Does this mean this is their last model? We never know. With the playful handling and the acceleration that makes you feel G’s, this new car replaces all the specs from the previous generations. However, the last generations were more affordable and leaned towards rivalries like the MX-5 Miata and the Toyota 86 or Scion FR-S. Where does this lie? Let’s find out.

What’s New?

The new design is inspired by all the previous models, from the Datsun Z to the 370 Z. All of them combined with a futuristic look make the car an apple of the eye. The interior modernization and updated technology all account for the new Nissan Z 2023. Although the price is higher than the 370z, it is still considered a bargain compared to rivals like Audi TT and Supra.

A Visual Throwback to the Nissan Z legacy

The Pre-Z’s

• Nissan/Datsun produced two-seat sports cars before the Z.
• The 1.0-litre four-cylinder Sports 1000 roadster, known as the Fairlady 1000 in Japan, was introduced by Datsun in 1959.
• But the 1963 Sports 1500, with its 85-hp 1.5-litre four, was the model that made Datsun a household name in the North American sports car market.
• The Z-car debuted in 1970.

• The initial two-seat 240Z, which debuted in Japan in 1969 under the name Fairlady Z, had a long snout and a fastback tail hatch that gave it the appearance of a more angular Jaguar E-type.
• The 12-valve, 2.4-litre straight-six engine produced 151 horsepower and reached sixty miles per hour in 7.8 seconds.

• 1978, a second-generation Z (S130) was introduced for the 1979 model year.
• The Datsun 280ZX's redesigned interior and external appearance garnered much attention. It provided a greater degree of luxury to satisfy the expanding expectations of the sports car market.
• The 280ZX was the first Z to feature T-tops and 4-wheeled brakes with discs, a 2+2 variant, and a Turbo model.

• In 1983, the Fairlady Z underwent a third-generation Z31 transformation.
• In 1983, the 300ZX was released on the American market and was manufactured until 1989. Like its predecessors, this third-generation Z-Car (Z31) offered an economical entry point for sports car enthusiasts and had standard air conditioning and a leather interior.

• The Nissan 300ZX, the fourth generation of Fairlady Z (Z32), was introduced in 1989.
• Its broad, low-proportioned style and unusual front end with headlamps made it aggressive and gorgeous.

• The fifth generation of Nissan Z-Cars began production in 2002 by introducing the two-door, two-seater sports vehicle known as the Nissan 350Z, ending the US market's six-year manufacturing pause.
• Nissan's market position was revitalized in the second part of the decade thanks to the 350Z's svelte makeover of the 240Z DNA.

• The 2010 Nissan 370Z coupe, in production from 2009 until now, was a mainstay of the Nissan portfolio.
• Its sleek and clean aerodynamic chassis has been packed with excellent performance thanks to the V6 engine and optional 7-speed automatic gearbox.

• A lot of people praised the Nissan 370Z roadster's exceptional performance.
• The performance, quietness, aesthetics, and ease of use of the convertible top of the Nissan 370Z were all lauded.
• The 370Z Roadster convertible was produced more than ten years ago.

• A tall hood and a small back deck are hallmarks of vintage sports cars, and the brand-new Nissan Z offers both in keeping with its performance heritage and recognizable Z design cues.

Trims for the Nissan Z 2023

Performance Redefined in the Nissan Z 2023

The Heart of the Nissan Z 2023

The Nissan Z 2023 is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6, just like its powerful sibling, the Nissan GT-R. However, the Z receives a 400-hp 3.0-liter engine from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 linked with a manual six-speed or a nine-speed automatic gearbox instead of the GT-R's fire-breathing 565-hp 3.8-liter.

Nissan continues only to provide rear-wheel drive for the Z. The Z has a lot of power thanks to the turbo six, but our manual-transmission test car reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, far slower than the Supra. The automobile can easily beat the 4.3-second mark with the 9-speed automatic.

The rev-matching option for the manual gearbox is another option to have fun with, but it has a crumbly feel.

Yes, you can have fun with the rear-wheel drive as the engine has enough horsepower to get the car sideways with no problem at all. Lower the gear and push the pedal; it’ll make you want to do more.

The Handling and Suspension of Nissan Z 2023

The Z's handling and braking Performance also fall short of its primary competitors, halting from sixty miles per hour in 112 ft and recording 0.98 g of longitudinal grip on the testing skidpad. When pushed, the Nissan seems more hesitant and less enjoyable to drive than pure sports cars, which seem more enjoyable and exciting the further you make them. The body control and steering input could use much work near the limit.

While the brakes seem powerful, the ABS sometimes feels rudimentary, enabling a tiny brake lock-up that can momentarily unbalance the car.

The Z may not be a performance powerhouse, but it is undoubtedly one of the cozier sporting coupes on the marketplace.

Fuel Economy of Nissan Z 2023

ACCORDING TO THE EPA, the Z with the automatic gearbox is considered the most energy-efficient model. It has a 19 mpg city rating and a 28 mpg highway rating. Using the manual results in lower mileage of 18 mpg urban and 24 mpg interstate.

The Luxury Upgrade interior and exterior for the Nissan Z 2023

Outside of the Nissan Z 2023

The Performance variant has a few aerodynamic and aesthetic improvements. It has two exhaust outlets and adds front and rear spoilers to minimise lift, however it is unclear by how much.

Inside the new Nissan Z 2023

Nissan hasn't altered the Z's interior layout even though it will be new in 2023. With no remaining back seats like the Porsche 911, it is still only a two-seat coupe. But everything else is different now. The inside of the new Z has been upgraded with contemporary materials, which considerably improves the worn-out 370Z's interior.

There are options for leather furnishings, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Tech and infotainment

With a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a 9.0-inch device with navigation also available as an option, a 12.3-inch electronic instrument display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, Nissan has modernized the Z. Standard equipment includes a six-speaker stereo, but audiophiles can elect to upgrade to a premium audio system designed by Bose; an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot is also an option.

Safety features for the Nissan Z 2023

Several driver-assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian recognition, and blind-spot monitoring, are standard equipment on Nissan's Z model. Essential safety elements include:

• Pedestrian identification in automatic emergency braking standards
• Typical lane-departure alert
• Conventional adaptive cruise control

Attributes to keep in mind for the Nissan Z 2023:

Pros

✔ Comfortable ride

✔ A lot of power from the twin-turbo V6

✔ An excellent fusion of modern and vintage elements

Cons

✘ Performance is inferior to competitors.

✘ Driving at the limit is not as fun as driving comparable sports cars.

✘ Optimum performance requires 93 octane.

✘ Lack of smoothness with manual gearbox

Note Worthy

1. The new Z model replaces the former 370Z.
2. 400 horsepower is possible with a turbocharged V6.
3. Numerous tech elements are both standard and optional.
4. There are still manual transmissions available.
5. The seventh-generation Nissan Z is introduced.

What’s the experts say on Nissan Z 2023?

Edmund’s say:

“To get the most out of the Z, we'd go straight for the Performance trim. This choice ensures you get the limited-slip differential (it helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration as cornering) and includes wider wheels and upgraded brakes.”

Verdict:

With the market for sports cars in that sector forecast to increase from approximately 10,000 units a year to 14,000 or 15,000 units by 2026, the new Z is anticipated to have a higher overall sales figure during its lifetime.

The 'cheap' sports car is noteworthy since it's making a serious return, with the Z adding many additional competitive choices.

Ultimately, this represents the Z as it should have been in the previous generation. It mixes a highly tuneable engine with retro-modern styling and a passably functional cabin.

FAQS

Is the Nissan Z 2023 available with a manual transmission?

Yes, the 2023 Nissan Z is available with a manual six-speed transmission, providing driving enthusiasts with the option for a more engaging driving experience.

How does the handling and performance of the Nissan Z 2023 compare to its competitors?

While the Z offers impressive power and a comfortable ride, some competitors may have superior handling and performance capabilities, especially when pushed to their limits. The Z is known for its balance between modern and vintage elements.

How does the Nissan Z 2023's price compare to its competitors like the Audi TT and Toyota Supra?

While the price of the 2023 Nissan Z is higher than that of the 370Z, it is still considered a competitive option compared to rivals like the Audi TT and Toyota Supra, offering a balance of performance and affordability.