The Excitement of the 2023 Nissan Z: A New Era for the Classic Sports Car
As I sit here, surrounded by nostalgia and anticipation, I am reminded of why I have been a die-hard fan of the Nissan Z for as long as I can remember. My journey with the Z began in college, when I had the privilege of owning a used 1985 300ZX. Even though it wasn't the turbo model, I fell deeply in love with the Z31's rugged charm and performance capabilities. Years later, I embarked on an epic cross-country adventure in my trusty S30 240Z, which has left an indelible mark on my heart. However, as time has passed, it's become painfully clear that the Nissan Z hasn't been getting the attention it deserves. The 370Z was left to languish for far too long, while other automakers continued to innovate and push the boundaries of performance and design.
But fear not, fellow Z enthusiasts! For now, we have the 2023 Nissan Z, and it's a game-changer. Although it rides on the same platform as its predecessors, this new iteration has undergone significant updates and modifications to cater to the demands of a modern sports car. I must admit that I've always thought it would be great to see the Z rebranded as a 400Z, but even without that option, this latest model is an absolute stunner.
As we delve into the looks of the 2023 Nissan Z, it's clear that Nissan has struck gold with its design. The nose of the car looks significantly better in person than it did in those initial photos that appeared online. Those first impressions were certainly not flattering, but a closer look reveals a host of improvements that have taken the Z to the next level. The headlights are sleek and stylish, while the stance is perfect – a testament to Nissan's commitment to performance and handling. And then, there are the tail lights: a nod to the iconic Z32 design that never goes out of style.
Step inside, and you'll find a modernized Z car that's been tailored to meet the demands of today's drivers. One of the standout features is the customizable 12.3-inch TFT gauge cluster, which is standard across all trims. However, those looking for an added touch can opt for heated leather seats and an 8-speaker Bose audio system – a welcome upgrade for any music lover.
But what truly sets the 2023 Nissan Z apart is its engine. Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged V6 from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, which cranks out an impressive 400 horsepower. Moreover, this potent motor delivers a staggering 350 lb-ft of torque, available from as low as 1,600 rpm and all the way up to 5,200 rpm. And if you're looking for a more traditional driving experience, you can pair it with either a 6-speed manual or Nissan's new 9-speed automatic transmission.
For those who prefer the manual transmission, there are some enticing upgrades on offer. A carbon fiber drive shaft is just one of the many additions that make this car a joy to drive. And if you're planning to take your Z out for a spin in style, the performance clutch from Exedy and rev matching on downshifts will ensure that you can push your car to its limits with confidence.
The starting price of the 2023 Nissan Z is incredibly reasonable at $40,000, making it an attractive option for those looking for a high-performance sports car without breaking the bank. However, it's worth noting that there aren't many options to customize, which might be a drawback for some enthusiasts. Nonetheless, the Z Sport trim serves as a great entry point for new buyers, offering a host of features that are both stylish and functional.
Just above the Z Sport trim lies the Proto-Spec – a limited edition model with its own unique identity. This exclusive variant boasts bronze-colored wheels, yellow stitching on black seats, and a special shift knob designed specifically for manual transmission enthusiasts. And to make this car even more special, Nissan has only planned to produce 240 units of the Proto-Spec, making it an ultra-rare collectible.
As I eagerly await my turn to get behind the wheel of the 2023 Nissan Z, I'm reminded that we're finally seeing a new era for this beloved sports car. With its potent engine, modernized design, and range of exciting options, this latest model is sure to put a smile on even the most jaded enthusiast's face. And who knows? Maybe we'll soon see a 400Z in the future – but for now, let's just bask in the glory of what Nissan has created with the 2023 Z.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis is an exciting moment for me i've been a z fan for a long time i had a used 1985 300 zx in college i loved that z31 even if it wasn't the turbo model years later i drove cross country in an s30 a gorgeous red 240z and i still think about that car to this day but time hasn't been kind to the z as it's languished for a bit too long nissan has left the 370z out in the field to toil away for far too long while other automakers moved ahead with more modern better machines until now this is the 2023 z and it is here to kick some serious butt yes i'm aware it rides on the same platform but it's been heavily updated and modified to suit the needs of this z car here and it is just called the z though i think 400 z could have been fun too now let's get into the looks though because it's a familiar yet stunner of a sports car the nose looks far better in person than it did in those first photos that appeared on the internet the headlights look great the stance is perfect and the z32 inspired tail lights are sort of chef's kiss with respect to the exterior design slide inside and meet a properly modernized z car all versions get the same customizable 12.3 inch tft gauge cluster but you can spec in heated leather seats and an 8 speaker bose audio system i particularly like this 240z inspired touch up here you've got a trio of gauges one is boost pressure one shows how fast the turbos are spinning and the other is a volt meter and yes i can feel them without even looking at them but the meat of it all lies under this long hood here as nissan has stuffed the twin turbocharged v6 engine from the infiniti q60 red sport into this engine bay that means we have a 3 liter cranking out 400 horsepower even better is that the 350 pound-feet of torque on offer is available from 1 600 rpm up to 5200 rpm and you can pair it with a 6-speed manual or nissan's new 9-speed automatic the auto gets you aluminum paddle shifters and launch control the manual nets you a carbon fiber drive shaft a performance clutch from exedy and rev matching on downshifts this thing is set up to party and it seems well priced to all things considered the z starts at 40 000 and there aren't a ton of options it's more about trims the z sport is the base car and comes wonderfully equipped step to the z performance and you get those leather and heated seats but you also get a stiffer suspension a limited slip diff bigger brakes meaning a four piston 14 inch front rotor setup versus a two piston 13.8 inch front rotor you also swap out the 18-inch wheels for a set of 19-inch forged rays with 255's up front and 275s out back and there's a trim above the performance version too it's called the proto-spec you know that yellow one with the black roof you've seen it's that one it's a limited first run of the car with bronze colored wheels yellow stitching on black seats a special shift knob for the stick shift cars and nissan is only going to build 240 of them so nissan is finally getting back into the swing of things we've got great entry-level models a really nice new pathfinder a rugged new frontier and finally a new nissan z and i absolutely can't wait to drive this thing and then whine and wonder when the gtr is getting its new version so youthis is an exciting moment for me i've been a z fan for a long time i had a used 1985 300 zx in college i loved that z31 even if it wasn't the turbo model years later i drove cross country in an s30 a gorgeous red 240z and i still think about that car to this day but time hasn't been kind to the z as it's languished for a bit too long nissan has left the 370z out in the field to toil away for far too long while other automakers moved ahead with more modern better machines until now this is the 2023 z and it is here to kick some serious butt yes i'm aware it rides on the same platform but it's been heavily updated and modified to suit the needs of this z car here and it is just called the z though i think 400 z could have been fun too now let's get into the looks though because it's a familiar yet stunner of a sports car the nose looks far better in person than it did in those first photos that appeared on the internet the headlights look great the stance is perfect and the z32 inspired tail lights are sort of chef's kiss with respect to the exterior design slide inside and meet a properly modernized z car all versions get the same customizable 12.3 inch tft gauge cluster but you can spec in heated leather seats and an 8 speaker bose audio system i particularly like this 240z inspired touch up here you've got a trio of gauges one is boost pressure one shows how fast the turbos are spinning and the other is a volt meter and yes i can feel them without even looking at them but the meat of it all lies under this long hood here as nissan has stuffed the twin turbocharged v6 engine from the infiniti q60 red sport into this engine bay that means we have a 3 liter cranking out 400 horsepower even better is that the 350 pound-feet of torque on offer is available from 1 600 rpm up to 5200 rpm and you can pair it with a 6-speed manual or nissan's new 9-speed automatic the auto gets you aluminum paddle shifters and launch control the manual nets you a carbon fiber drive shaft a performance clutch from exedy and rev matching on downshifts this thing is set up to party and it seems well priced to all things considered the z starts at 40 000 and there aren't a ton of options it's more about trims the z sport is the base car and comes wonderfully equipped step to the z performance and you get those leather and heated seats but you also get a stiffer suspension a limited slip diff bigger brakes meaning a four piston 14 inch front rotor setup versus a two piston 13.8 inch front rotor you also swap out the 18-inch wheels for a set of 19-inch forged rays with 255's up front and 275s out back and there's a trim above the performance version too it's called the proto-spec you know that yellow one with the black roof you've seen it's that one it's a limited first run of the car with bronze colored wheels yellow stitching on black seats a special shift knob for the stick shift cars and nissan is only going to build 240 of them so nissan is finally getting back into the swing of things we've got great entry-level models a really nice new pathfinder a rugged new frontier and finally a new nissan z and i absolutely can't wait to drive this thing and then whine and wonder when the gtr is getting its new version so you\n"
