The icon is back.
It has been more than a decade since the debut of the Nissan 370Z – a long time in sports car history – that its successor arrived. The 2023 Nissan Z coupe. Today’s debut of the highly anticipated sports car was in New York City. It follows which would have been the New York Auto Show. The 2023 Nissan Z coupe features a new twin-turbocharged V6 motor, upgraded interior and styling almost identical to the Z Proto concept that we saw less than one year ago. According to Nissan, it will cost around $40,000
At launch, the Nissan Z is available in two versions: Sport and Performance. The top-end model also has a Proto Spec option that takes inspiration from last years well-received concept. The Z Proto’s squared-off grille and pointed nose are still present on all models. Retro LED light fixtures can also be found on the rear. The bumper is topped with a black partition that houses the horizontal LED taillights. A gloss black diffuser covers the dual exhaust tips. A subtle rear spoiler is available on performance models.
The cabin combines modern technology with comfort and classic cues. The GT-R supercar’s bucket seats are modeled after them, and the Performance trim has standard black leather or leather. The center stack includes a cluster of analog gauges that are mounted on the dash and inspired by the 240Z. These include readouts for turbocharger boost, turbocharger turbocharger speed, and a voltagemeter. The Performance trim has a larger touchscreen display with Wi-Fi and navigation that is 9.0 inches wide. It also features a standard touchscreen display measuring 8.0 inches.
To tie the concept visually, the Proto Spec has a few distinctive elements on its exterior, such as yellow-colored brake calipers, bronze 19-inch RAYS tires, and a Proto Spec leather cabin with yellow accents. The Z Proto Spec is limited to 240 units in the US (we see what your doing there). It’s only available as an option on Nissan’s Performance trim.
The standard transmission is a six-speed manual. It pairs with a high performance clutch, baked in rev-matching, and even launch control on the Performance model. The optional nine-speed automatic transmission also offers rev-matching and launch control, along with a limited slip differential. Aluminum paddle shifters are also available on the Performance model, inspired by GT-R.
The new Z platform is basically a continuation of the current 370. However, Nissan has improved its structural rigidity and tweaked suspension to give it a stronger mechanical feel. Both trims have wider front tires. The 18-inch base wheel is fitted with Yokohama Advan Sport tires that measure in at 248/45 all over. The 19-inch Performance model wheel features Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, which are 255/40 front and 275/35 back. This increases cornering Gs up to 13 percent.
Nissan also added safety equipment to enhance the performance. The Z features standard automatic emergency brake with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alarm.
Although Nissan has not yet announced pricing and availability, we anticipate the new Z to be available for purchase starting at $40,000 We can’t wait to see the new sports car go on sale in 2022.