2023 Nissan Z

Overview

Sports cars are having a moment—witness the revived Toyota Supra and the splashy mid-engine Corvette that both debuted last year—so it’s perfect timing for Nissan to redesign its aging Z coupe. Perfect, also, because it’s clearly become dated. Historically, Nissan’s sports car has sported an alphanumeric name, such as the outgoing 370Z model and the original 240Z from 1969, but this generation will simply be called Z. The 2023 Z is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. We’re impressed with the Z’s playful handling and zippy acceleration and we were delighted to find that it’s overall more refined than the car it replaces. Mercifully, the Z also receives a technology update with new touchscreen infotainment, a reconfigurable digital gauge display, and a host of new driver-assistance features. Whereas the last generation 370Z went up against more affordable sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Toyota 86 in price and performance, this next-generation car moves slightly up-market to put the Supra in its crosshairs.

What’s New for 2023?

Nissan’s iconic Z-car is all-new for 2023. Previewed by the Z Proto concept car, the new Z draws design inspiration from past models but gives us a glimpse into the future with updated technology and a much-needed interior modernization. The new Z goes on sale in summer 2022 as a hardtop coupe but a convertible version could follow later.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Z Sport

$41,015

$51,015

Z Proto Spec

$54,015

Although its base price is higher than the outgoing 370Z’s, the new Z still represents a bargain compared to key rivals such as the Supra and the Audi TT. To justify its higher price tag, the Z ups the ante with more luxury features and more desirable styling. We’d go with the mid-range Z Performance trim, which adds a sportier suspension tune, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, and power-adjustable seats with faux-suede upholstery.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Like its beastly brother, the Nissan GT-R, the Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6. But, instead of the fire-breathing 565-hp 3.8-liter that’s under the hood of the GT-R, the Z gets a 400-hp 3.0-liter mill from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 paired to either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. While all-wheel drive is available in the Infiniti, Nissan is sticking with rear-wheel drive exclusively for the Z. The turbo six gives the Z a lot of zip and we estimate it should get to 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds. Cornering grip is tenacious and the Z’s sport tuned suspension is both an eager partner on twisty roads and compliant enough to provide comfort when commuting. When we get a chance to take the Z to our test track, we’ll update this story with more driving impressions and test results.

More on the Z Coupe

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA hasn’t released any estimates for fuel economy for the new Z, but if the Q60 is anything to on, we can expect highway fuel economy ratings as high as 28 mpg or so, with city ratings falling just south of the 20-mpg line. We’ll know more closer to the car’s on-sale date and we’re hoping to test the Z’s highway fuel economy on our 75-mph test route. For more information about the Z’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Although it’s new for 2023, Nissan hasn’t changed the layout of the Z’s cabin. It remains a two-seat coupe with no vestigial rear seats à la Porsche 911. What has changed, though, is everything else. The new Z receives a modernized cabin with updated materials—a welcome improvement over the current 370Z’s dated interior. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control are all available. Cargo space remains a mystery, but we aren’t expecting the Z to be a Costco-run champion; we fit three carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the old 370Z, which should be plenty for most sports-car buyers.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Nissan has brought the Z into the twenty-first century with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment display (a 9.0-inch unit with navigation is optional), a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A six-speaker stereo is standard but audiophiles can upgrade to an optional premium audio arrangement engineered by Bose; an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Nissan offers the Z with several standard driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. For more information about the Z’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Nissan’s basic warranty package is just that: Basic. Rival such as the Supra and the BMW Z4 both augment their standard warranties with lengthy complimentary maintenance plans.

Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2023 Nissan Z

Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door hatchback

PRICE

Base: Sport, $41,105; Performance, $51,105; Proto, $54,105

ENGINE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled 24-valve V-6, aluminum block heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 183 in3, 2997 cm3

Power: 400 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS

6-speed manual, 9-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 100.4 in

Length: 172.4 in

Width: 72.6 in

Height: 51.8 in

Passenger Volume: 52 ft3

Trunk Volume: 7 ft3

Curb Weight (C/D est): 3500-3600 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

60 mph: 4.2-4.4 sec

100 mph: 10.1-10.4 sec

1/4-Mile: 13.0-13.3 sec

Top Speed: 155 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 20-22/18-19/24-28 mpg

More Features and Specs