Sports cars are having a moment—witness the rise of the Toyota Supra and the mid-engined Corvette that debuted last year—so it's a good time for Nissan to redesign its aging Z coupe. Perfect, too, because it's clearly out of date. Historically, Nissan sports cars have had alphanumeric names, like the outgoing 370Z model and the original 240Z from 1969, but this generation will be called the Z. The 2023 Z is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. Powering the rear wheels is via a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic. We were impressed with the Z's cheerful handling and nimble acceleration and were pleased to find that the Z is smoother overall than the car it replaces. Luckily, the Z also receives a technology update with a new touchscreen infotainment, a reconfigurable digital gauge display, and a host of new driver assistance features. While the last-gen 370Z competed with more affordable sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota 86 on price and performance, this next-gen car moves further down the market to put the Supra in its crosshairs.
Nissan's iconic Z car is here with a new look for 2023. Judging by the Z Proto concept car, the new Z takes design inspiration from previous models but gives us a glimpse into the future with the latest technology and much-needed interior modernization. The new Z goes on sale in summer 2022 as a hardtop coupe, but a convertible version may come later.
Despite a higher base price than the outgoing 370Z, the new Z still offers a lower price than key rivals such as the Supra and 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 midrange Z Performance trim, which adds sportier suspension tuning, 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 beast sibling, the Nissan GT-R, the Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. But, instead of the 565-hp 3.8-liter engine under the GT-R's hood, the Z gets the 400-hp 3.0-liter engine from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 paired to a six-speed manual. or a nine-speed automatic. Although all-wheel drive is available in the Infiniti, Nissan stuck with rear-wheel drive exclusively for the Z. The turbo six gives the Z a lot of edge, but our manual-transmission test car hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, well behind the Supra. With the nine-speed automatic, we were able to accelerate the Z to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Cornering grip is plentiful as long as you don't drive too close to the Z limits. However, if you push it hard, the suspension tuning turns out to be insufficient for the task. Its compliance provides good comfort on the move, but rival sports cars offer sharper reflexes.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
According to the EPA, the most efficient Z is the one with an automatic transmission. It's rated for 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Using the manual drops those numbers to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. If we get the chance, we'll test the Z on a 75 mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with the results. For more information about the Z's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Even though it's new for 2023, Nissan hasn't changed the layout of the Z's cabin. It remains a two-seat coupe with no rear seats remaining the Porsche 911. But what has changed is everything. The new Z receives a modernized cabin with updated materials—a welcome upgrade 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 don't expect the Z to be a Costco-managed champ; We fit three carry-on suitcases in the old 370Z's trunk, which should be enough for most sports car buyers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Nissan has brought the Z into the twenty-first century with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen (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 setup designed by Bose; An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Nissan offers the Z with several standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring. For more information about 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 automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control is a standard
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nissan's basic warranty plan is just that: Basic. Rivals like the Supra and BMW Z4 both supplement their standard warranties with lengthy free maintenance plans.
The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
No free scheduled maintenance
Specification
2023 Nissan Z Performance Vehicle Type
: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2 passengers, 2-door hatchback
PRICING BASIS
/As Tested: $51,015/$53,610
Options: Passion Red premium two-tone paint, $1695; Illuminated kick plate, $500; floor mats, $400
MACHINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6 twin-turbocharged and intercooler, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injection
Capacity: 183 in 3, 2997 cm 3
Power: 400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0 inch ventilated disc/13.8 inch ventilated disc
Tires: Bridgestone S007 B-Silent
F: 255/40R-19 96W
R: 275/35R-19 96W
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 100.4 inches
Length: 172.4 inches
Width: 72.6 inches
Height: 51.8 inches
Passenger Volume: 52 ft 3
Luggage Volume: 7 ft 3
Curb Weight: 3507 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.5 seconds
100 mph: 10.6 seconds
1/4-Mile: 13.0 @ 111 mph
130 mph: 19.0 seconds
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 8.0 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.0 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd):
155 mph, 70–0 mph braking:
166 ft, 100–0 mph braking:
Roadholding 331 ft., Skidpad 300 ft.: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/24 mpg
2023 Nissan Z Performance Vehicle Type
: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2 passengers, 2-door hatchback
PRICING BASIS
/As Tested: $52,085/$54,335
Options: Boulder Grey/Super Black two-tone paint, $895; flared black kick plate, $500; interior accent lighting, $445; floor mat package (premium floor mat, trunk mat, first aid kit, cargo net, owner's manual branded portfolio), $410
MACHINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6 twin-turbocharged and intercooler, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injection
Capacity: 183 in 3, 2997 cm 3
Power: 400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arm/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0 inch ventilated disc/13.8 inch ventilated disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S007 B-Silent ES7AJZ
F: 255/40R-19 96W
R: 275/35R -19 96W
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 100.4 inches
Length: 172.4 inches
Width: 72.6 inches
Height: 51.8 inches
Passenger Volume: 52 ft 3
Luggage Volume: 7 ft 3
Curb Weight: 3592 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.3 seconds
100 mph: 9.8 seconds
1/4-Mile: 12.7 seconds @ 115 mph
130 mph: 16.5 seconds
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd):
155 mph, 70–0 mph braking:
164 ft, 100–0 mph braking:
Roadholding 322 ft., Skidpad 300 ft.: 0.93 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/28 mpg
