This is a car that gathered itself a fan base the moment Nissan unveiled pictures of it for a first look. The Z is to Nissan what the Cayman is to Porsche, but while one is a far reach in terms of affordability, the other is attainable by anyone working a decent a 9-5 job. The Z is the closest you’ll get to the thrill of driving without having to pay a huge sum of money. As you will read on, you’ll understand that the Z is a bag of laughs on four wheels.
It is, in every sense of the word, a pure sports car that will connect you to the tarmac without compromising on the latest technologies that help you identify it as a sports car, not just a sporty car. Let’s take a look at what could possibly make the seventh-generation 2023 Nissan Z a future classic sports car icon.
2023 Nissan Z Looks Sharp And Modern
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We’d be pulling a fast one if we said the new Z reminds us of the original, because in truth, it doesn’t. The new car looks sleek and aerodynamic, but the long hood was designed with the original 240 Z in mind. Looking at it is enough to know that it is a rear-drive sports car. The stance from the rear, strangely enough, is better than that of the front. The silhouette is likable, but for someone who veers towards a Toyota GR86, that might not be the case. It is undoubtedly streamlined. Until the rear, that is – where it looks flat. The LED headlights feature two half-circle elements that have been inspired from the 240ZG that sold exclusively in Japan, in the 1970s.
2023 Nissan Z’s Distinct Side Profile
The side profile looks so good, you keep staring at it like it’s a split maxi dress on someone with long hair and a pretty face. The roof line flows smoothly from the nose to the squared-off rear, creating a unique overall profile. Also, because of its lower-set rear edge, the car looks unique. Unlike anything we’ve seen before it. The transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slug tail section is typical of all the Z cars. The handles are fitted flush with the door and the thin hatch design is quite cool. The tail lights incorporate the latest lighting tech, but it’s a throwback to the Z32 from the ’90s.
If you opt for the Z ‘Performance’ grade, the car gets a rear spoiler that ensures there’s positive pressure where the hatch and spoiler meet. Know-how from designing the Nissan GT-R went into the development of the Z’s front spoiler. The car is available in multiple color options, but Boulder Gray with a Super Black roof is our favorite.
2023 Nissan Z’s Cockpit Designed To Fit Like A Glove
When you’re making a driver’s car, the cockpit becomes an integral part of the formula. The center stack draws inspiration from Z models before it; There are three analog gauges as part of the instrument panel, plus there’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen audio display with climate control switches found near the shifter. All the important information reflects on the 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display, and it’s all been arranged to appear easily to the driver. It also features a 12.3-inch TFT meter display with three display modes, like Normal, Enhanced and Sport. The three pod gauges on the instrument panel: boost, turbo speed and volt stare the driver straight in the eye. Shift levers for both, manual and automatic versions are new, and the deep-dish steering wheel has all the controls the driver requires.
The Z Performance model we drove in July this year, came with leather-appointed seats, 4-way power driver’s seat, a 4-way power passenger seat, with both seats getting the heating function. It gets a host of features, but for that, we’ll let the brochure do the talking. On the Z Performance grade, the car comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen and an 8-speed Bose audio system. The interior can be had in either of the three colors: Blue, Black or Red. Opt for the Proto spec, and you’ll get yellow accents and stitching.
2023 Nissan Z Will Be A Future Classic
The Z is powered by the same VR30DDTT engine that’s found in the Infinity Q60 Red Sport. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine churns out 400hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the rear through either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. It can sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. Our road tester, Bassem Girgis spent some time driving the Z Performance. Floor the throttle, and $53,610 for the Z starts to make total sense.
You can also opt for the cheaper, entry-level grade that costs $39,990, which isn’t too bad. There is a bit of lag initially, but at higher RPMs, it’s a different animal. The acceleration is enough to push you back into your seat. The manual gearbox is a pleasure to run through. The steering is predictable; it makes you feel like a superhero, but in reality, it’s the car wearing the cape.
Source: Nissan