Today, August 17th, one of the most anticipated cars of the year made its long-awaited world debut: meet the all-new 2023 Nissan Z. With its long hood and short deck, we're witnessing the rebirth of the iconic Z car.
The Z-Series started its life back in 1969, with the Fairlady Z in Japan and the Datsun 240Z in the U.S. It was a car developed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and the heritage of the Z car continues to live on through the 7th generation.
It retains the authenticity of the old-school sports car but with a modern twist. The exterior carries on the classic rear-wheel-drive sports car design, with its long hood and short deck that pays homage to the first-generation.
Incorporated in this retro charm are the LED lights, which feature two half-circles that stay true to the Fairlady 240ZG and blend seamlessly with the Z's DNA. The new 3D LED taillights and the rear combination lamps integrate modern technology into the aesthetics reminiscent of the Z32 300ZX.
Under the hood, the two-seater has the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that powers the Infiniti Q60 producing up to 400 hp. It now has a 68 hp increase and a 30% increase in torque, offering a quick and smooth response.
Step inside, and you'll find a vintage interior with a modern touch where the 12.3-inch racing-inspired meter display, leather-appointed sports seats, and an 8-speaker Bose audio system turn the Z into a memorable ride.
Catering to enthusiasts, the Z is available with either a six-speed manual transmission with EXEDY high-performance clutch or a new nine-speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters.
The automatic transmission has two driving modes: basic and sport. Standard mode is best for commuting and long highway drives, whereas Sport mode unleashes the Z's performance potential by providing faster acceleration control, a sports-mode steering profile, active sound enhancement, and a sports-mode vehicle dynamic control setting that goes perfectly with an action-packed ride.
The new model comes in three exterior colors and six two-tone exterior colors, including two new ones: Seiran Blue and Ikazuchi Yellow, both with a Super Black roof. The 2023 Z is available in Sport and Performance grade levels, as well as a limited-edition Proto Spec model. Nissan will only make 240 Proto Specs as a tribute to the model that started it all.
The Z is set to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of next year. Nissan hasn't revealed a price tag for the new vehicle yet, but we expect it to start around $40,000. This winter, the carmaker will reveal more details about the new Z for the Japanese market, known as the Fairlady Z.
Florina taught herself how to drive in a Daewoo Tico (a rebadged Suzuki Alto kei car) but her first "real car" was a VW Golf. When she’s not writing about cars, drones or aircraft, Florina likes to read anything related to space exploration and take pictures in the middle of nature. Full profile
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