Nissan's new Z features an enticing combination of a twin-turbo V-6 engine, a six-speed manual, and a $40,000 base price.
When we first tested the 2003 Nissan 350Z, we heralded its unrivaled combination of price and performance. Bringing 287 horsepower for less than $27,000, the reborn Z was an instant hit, re-establishing Nissan as a maker of serious sports cars. Now, almost 20 years later, we’re feeling that same excitement for the next Z car, the 2023 Z. Factoring for inflation, its base price—about $40,000—is the same as that of the 2003 350Z. So is the basic layout, with two seats, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission. But now you get 400 horsepower, from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. That’s the kind of inflation we can get behind.
The Performance replaces the Sport’s 18-inch wheels with lightweight 19-inch forged Rays wheels wearing staggered Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, 255s up front and 275s on the rear. Besides the unique wheels and red-painted brake calipers, the Performance trim is visually distinguished by front and rear spoilers and dual exhaust (and perhaps aurally distinguished by its more boisterous muffler, though we’ve yet to hear it). The automatic’s launch control function is also restricted to Performance models.
Above Performance, and essentially serving as a launch edition, the Proto Spec is a Z Performance wearing the color scheme of the Z Proto concept car—yellow paint, black roof, bronze-colored wheels, and yellow brake calipers. The Wiz Khalifa–approved color scheme continues inside, with black seats and yellow stitching and accents. Manual cars also get a special shift knob. In a nod to the first Z car of them all, Nissan will only build 240 Proto Specs.
2023 Nissan Z
In another reference to the 240Z, the interior’s center stack features three analog gauges set in a pod angled toward the driver. One is for boost, one is a voltmeter, and the third is a sort of tachometer for the turbochargers. Displaying measured turbine speed, the turbo tach will let the driver know whether the turbos are just loafing at a steady 220,000 rpm or approaching their 240,000-rpm maximum. Other callouts to Zs past include the taillights (shades of the 1990s Z32 300ZX) and the basic long-hood, short-deck proportions.
Just as in the 1990s, the Supra will be the primary target when the Z goes on sale next spring.
2023 Nissan Z
But this Z isn’t a shameless retro rehash or a refresh disguised as a new model. What it looks like is a deft melding of the contemporary 370Z's affordability with the GT-R's ferocious turbocharged performance. At this point, the only thing we’re not crazy about is the overly minimalist name. We know that Nissan is trying to look forward, not back, but "300ZX Turbo" has an awfully nice ring to it.
-by Amaan Attar
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