It started 52 years ago with the Datsun 240Z, one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history. Today I bring you the seventh-generation, the 2023 Nissan Z. For the first time, there are no numbers in the name, it’s just the Z.
Exterior
I love the looks of this Z, you see hints of all the Z cars of the past. One constant through the years is the long hood and short deck.
The 2023 features LED lights all around, 19” wheels, red brake calipers, front and rear spoilers, dual exhaust, a very swooping roofline, and I love the door handles.
Performance
Perhaps the biggest news for this new two-seater is under the hood where you’ll find a heavily-braced 3-liter V6 with twin turbos, a first in a Z car. My tester has a 9-speed automatic with shift paddles, but you can get a six-speed manual as well. Neither transmission is an extra charge.
So, how is the performance? This rear-wheel-drive sports car is putting out a strong 400-horses, up 68 from the 370Z and it has 350-pound feet of torque. 0-to-60 time is a swift 3.8 seconds.
Interior
Another nice improvement in this new Z is the interior. My tester has red and black leather seats that are bolstered and quite comfortable. Power seat buttons are on the right side of the driver’s seat, something rare.
In front of you as you sit is a 12.3” gauge cluster that has a lot of different configurations in the center. It is quite colorful and easy to read. You get exterior temperature, time, miles on the car, and distance to empty.
Upper dash, you get a 9” touchscreen that operates the Bluetooth, an information screen, audio, a menu button, navigation, and a button for connections. The system works well and is quick to go between functions. The info screen gives you a ton of real-time info from weather, to sports scores, to stock prices, movie listings, and more. Above the touchscreen, I love that there are three analog gauges that are angled toward the driver.
The center console is fairly simple and includes the start button, drive modes which only includes normal and sport, and a pretty cool square shifter. There are also switches for the heated seats and a cupholder.
Just above this are the knobs for the air-conditioning system, and even higher is knobs for volume and tuning the radio. Everything is easy and somewhat minimalistic.
Features
This is the Performance package, but there is a Sport package below this that starts at only $39,900.
This package comes nicely equipped with leather power heated seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, Wi-Fi, aluminum pedals, power windows and locks, adaptive cruise control, and much more.
Safety
On the safety side, you get: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
Ride and Drive
The Z Performance is incredibly fast, especially from takeoff using the launch control, the handling is superb, steering feedback is great, and the ride is not overly rough. The exhaust sound is very good as well.
Fuel economy is rated at 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined. MSRP is $53,610 which is an incredible value for what you get.
Verdict
If a two-seater will work for you, this is an excellent daily driver and yet a very fun sports car when you feel the need for speed.
Check out Jerry's 2021 Nissan GT-R Review here
- What I Liked Most: Performance and exterior looks.
- What I would change: Make it a little quieter inside.
- MSRP: Base price $49,900, as equipped $53,610.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 19 City/28 highway/22 Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 4,600 miles.
- Weight: 3,602 pounds.
- Spare Tire: None. Repair kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 172.4” long/72.6” wide/52” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: Unavailable-filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- Official Color: Passion Red.
- 2023 Nissan Z: Much improved for 2023, but this two-seater stayed true to its roots.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,0000 mile power train with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Kaminokawa, Tochigi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Nissan.
