2023 Nissan Z | First Look
Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book
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 Published On Sep 16, 2021

For the latest Nissan Z pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/z/


While we all appreciate the Z’s trans-generational design inspiration let’s hit on the essentials. This 2023 model year Z will go on sale in the spring of 2022.

There’s no more number in the name, it’s not a 400Z it’s just a Z. And while exact pricing hasn’t been announced yet, the 7th generation Z will have a starting price around $40,000…or so we’ve heard.


So, those are the essential details but what you really want to know is buy one, will the new Z have enough power to impress your uncle at Thanksgiving dinner.

It certainly does. Tell old uncle Karl that your Z cranks out an even 400 horses. Also, send the cranberry sauce my direction.

The Z’s power comes from a 3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (400hp, 350 lb-ft) and early predictions are it’ll run from still to 60 miles per hour in the low 4 second range. That’s plenty quick for a good time.

Also, contributing to the Z’s good-time vibes is a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

As a guy who learned how to drive a manual transmission behind the wheel of his mom’s Datsun 280Z, I’m pleased to see Nissan offer a manual.


That manual includes Nissan’s SynchroRev Match feature for seamless downshifts, so come on kids, give the manual a chance. If you can’t get down with a 3-pedal car, there’s an optional 9-speed automatic transmission featuring standard launch control, aluminum paddle shifters, and 2 drive modes, standard and sport.


Ok, we must talk about the interior. Visually it feels very much reminiscent of the former 370Z, with the hooded gauge pods on the dash, circular door handle design, the round cup holder and inboard e-brake.


That said, the new Z’s interior has also been updated with a standard 12.3-inch 3-mode digital gauge cluster, a steering wheel that exudes classic charm, and a standard 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

I especially like that Nissan offers the interior in black, red, and blue color themes. Color is wonderful.


There’s actually a 4th interior theme with yellow accents offered on the Z Proto Spec but that’s a limited edition of which only 240 units will be sold in the US. So yellow.


One interesting aspect of the 2023 Nissan Z is what’s underneath its skin.

The new 7th generation Z rides on a modified 6th generation Z platform but before you complain about old underpinnings remember, sports cars sell in small numbers. It’s hard to make the financial case for a dedicated platform.

Personally, I’m glad Nissan found a way to bring us a new Z. And the platform has been updated with new suspension geometry, retuned dampers, and increased structural rigidity.

I plan to withhold judgement of the Z’s dynamic traits until I actually drive it.


As for features, a base Z Sport trim includes features like smart key access, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Personally, I’d spring for the Performance grade which adds leather heated power seats, 19-inch RAYS wheels, and larger brakes with red calipers.

But the item I really care about is the Performance Grade’s mechanical limited slip differential. Drifty drifty.


So, the latest iteration of Z has charming style, plenty of power, the potential to deliver dynamic thrills, and a manageable price tag…probably. To me, that feels like a winning package.

Does America have a massive appetite for performance coupes? I’m not sure. Either way, I’m thrilled that Nissan has rediscovered its ability to make humans like me feel an emotion. And that’s no small task.

00:00 2023 Nissan Z
0:10 Exterior
0:40 Engine
1:43 Interior

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