2023 Nissan Z: Blast From The Past

2023 Nissan Z

The 2023 Nissan Z is a new iteration of a vehicle with a long lineage. The first Nissan 240Z was launched way back in 1970 and provided Nissan or rather Datsun a halo car that helped it penetrate the US market. That very first Z car was so successful that it was a template in which other Japanese manufacturers started to follow. Soon America had plenty of different sporty and fun to drive Japanese sports cars to choose from. Even as popularity in these sports cars started to disappear, Nissan has always stayed committed to the Z. While many of its competitors left the market, the current version of the Z is now in its seventh generation. This new 2023 Z brings retro looks, better performance and more technology in a sporty package that is ready for the modern times.  

Exterior Design:

One look at the 2023 Nissan Z and you can tell that designers wanted to give the vehicle a retro appearance. The Z seems to combine different looks from past generations into a retro, yet modern look. The front end on the Z is clearly based on those early generations from the 1970’s. The long hood and small square grille pays homage to the original 240Z, as does the current cars’ bug eyed headlights. In profile the car has a sleek fastback look with a short rear deck. The design from the side is clearly reminiscent of classic Z cars from the 1970’s and even the 1980’s. Around back the rear tail lights resemble the 300ZX from the 1990’s. The retro and modern design has been controversial with many people complaining about the front end look. While many people may have their own opinion on the design I actually think it looks cool and I enjoy finding elements that tie the current generation to previous generations of the car.    

Interior: 

On the inside the interior of the new Nissan Z is much more modern and is a big step up from the previous 370Z. Materials consists of both soft and hard touch surfaces, but again the materials are elevated from the previous version. Fit and finish also looks good from what I can see. The 2023 Z features an 8-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital dashboard display. A three pod cluster sits atop of the dash, providing information like turbo boost, turbine speed and voltage in analog form. The performance seats have anti-slip materials to hold you in place during a spirited drive. These seats felt both comfortable and supportive. The Z has a nice thick, leather stitched steering wheel that also now telescopes to help you find a better driving position. Interior room is tight, so you better be very comfortable with the person beside you. The new Z also only seats two with enough space in the hatch to carry a few duffel bags. A sliding center armrest reveals a second cup holder and there’s even a spot to hold a phone. Storage space is limited so Nissan had to get somewhat clever with the amount of space they had to work with. Overall the interior of the 2023 Nissan Z is more modern than its retro exterior looks would imply. The new Z has a nice blend of materials and Nissan made sure to emphasize the vehicles’ sporty nature with performance oriented seats and gauges.

2023 Nissan Z tail light design that references the legendary 1990’s 300ZX

Performance and how it drives:

The 2023 Nissan Z comes standard with a 3.5-liter Twin Turbo V6 that produces an impressive 400 HP and 350-lbs of torque. My tester had the 9-speed automatic transmission but a 6-speed manual is also available. Under the skin the new 2023 Nissan Z has a lot of similarities to the old 370Z. In fact, the chassis is a carryover from the old 370Z. the new Z has an aluminum double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear that are similar to the previous version but have been slightly updated. Despite the old platform and slightly updated suspension setup the new Z is still responsive and fun to drive. First thing you notice when you sit inside the new Z is how low the seating position is. Visibility is not ideal, especially from the rear. Once on the road, the new Z feels a little rough and not as polished as a sports car should feel. Over slight bumps, you can feel every imperfection with the vehicles stiff suspension. In stop and go traffic, the engine and transmission could be smoother. This vehicle is definitely better suited to the open road and that is where the new Z begins to leave a more positive impression. The throttle is responsive and the car has plenty of torque. The brakes however are a little vague and involves a little more effort to stop than I would like. It also takes more effort to steer as the steering feels heavier than I initially thought it would. Even with some slight issues, the new Z can still be a fun and enjoyable car to drive. It is entertaining at high speeds and can take corners with precision despite the heavy steering that takes a little time to get used to. It’s well balanced and has a playful personality. The engine note has an artificial throaty whine that sounds more like a forced sound than that of a powerful one. After some time driving the 2023 Nissan Z you learn to accept the engine sounds and even begin to appreciate it in an era where engines are downsizing or disappearing all together. The Nissan Z has many driving characteristics of an old school car that has been tweaked for the modern era. It’s a little rough and not as refined but I guess that’s what makes this vehicle unique. It will appeal to fans of previous Nissan Z’s as well as those who just love sports cars.

Pricing:   

In Canada pricing for the Sport trim and 6 speed manual starts at $46,498 and $47,998 for the automatic. The performance trim starts at $58,498 for the manual and $59,998 for the automatic. In the United States the Sport starts at $40,990 and the performance trim at $50,990. The Limited edition Proto Spec is priced at $53,990. For each trim in America, manual and automatic transmissions are priced the same.

The Nissan Z badge

Final Thoughts:

The new Nissan Z is a highly anticipated new product for the 2023 model year. While it doesn’t break new ground in the sports car segment, Nissan has done a great job at incorporating traits from generations past into this version. Its retro looks are head turning and its interior is contemporary. The new Nissan Z is a vehicle that is easy to live with as a daily driver but offers customers a shot of performance when needed. The vehicle could be a little more refined for the price but I am glad that Nissan has decided to offer a two seat sports car at all. In an era where sports cars are becoming an endangered species it’s refreshing to see brands like Nissan stay committed. Nissan could have offered an electric sports car but instead produced a traditional sports car that is a blast from the past. Many enthusiasts and fans of the Z wouldn’t have it any other way.

Main competitors:

Toyota Supra

Ford Mustang 

Nissan badge