Nissan Breathes New Life Into Z Sports Car Lineup

Nissan Z car’s star has faded in recent years, as dated design and subpar technology have kept it behind newer and more exciting models from the competition.

However, that’s all about to change, and if the new Z is anywhere nearly as good as it looks on paper, Nissan has a hit on its hands. After months of rumors and speculation, the automaker just dropped all the details, and they look great.

The new Z will arrive in 2023 and will not carry a number along with its single-letter model name for the first time in its history.

Nissan will offer three models, though one will be a super-limited run of 240 units – a nod to the original 240Z. The Z Sport and Z Performance models will form the backbone of the lineup, while the limited Z Proto Spec will get exclusive wheels and design touches.

The car will feature a VR30DDTT twin-turbocharged 3.0L V-6 making 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. (475 Nm) of torque. That same engine, with 400 hp, won Wards 10 Best Engines honors in 2017 and 2018 in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60, respectively.

Power will reach the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. Models equipped with a manual gearbox get an EXEDY high-performance clutch and a carbon-fiber-composite driveshaft, while 9-speed cars will get aluminum paddle shifters or optional GT-R design paddle shifters. Both models feature an advanced launch control system.

The Z’s cabin (pictured below) will feature two seats and a host of new technology. Nissan says the seats have been designed using knowledge gained from the GT-R’s development, with an eye on both hold and fit.

Microsuede on the seatbacks helps grip the driver and passenger, and the top Z Performance trim gets leather and power seat adjustments. Three interior colors are offered, but the special Z Proto Spec model gets yellow accents throughout.

2023 Nissan Z_interior - Copy

The car will get a 12.3-in. (31-cm) TFT gauge cluster that changes configuration based on the selected drive mode: Normal, Enhanced or Sport. An 8.0-in. (20-cm) touchscreen is standard, along with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, hands-free phone connectivity, SiriusXM radio and Siri Eyes Free tech.

The Z Performance gets a larger 9.0-in. (23-cm) touchscreen, navigation, NissanConnect Services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-speaker Bose stereo and active noise cancellation.

Several advanced safety features will come standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent forward collision warning, blindspot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

2023 Nissan Z_O-32