Developed by a passionate team of designers and engineers, the all-new Nissan Z represents an approachable sports car for the modern age - with an unmatched 50-plus year heritage and global fan base.
"Z is the pure expression of thrill. It is Nissan's passion wrapped up on four wheels," said Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The new Z retains its authenticity as a pure sports car to keep you connected to the road while bringing in the latest modern technologies to make sure the car can help keep you connected to your life."
The all-new, seventh-generation 2023 Nissan Z, which drops its numerical prefix in the U.S. for the first time, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in spring 2022.
The new Z: An exhilarating, dynamic performer
The original 240Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible - a car built for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts. That spirit and heritage continues today with the launch of the latest reincarnation of Z.
The 2023 Nissan Z's 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine adds a significant bump in power output over the previous generation 370Z. The engine is rated at 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque starting from 1,600 to 5,600 rpm. With an increase of 68 horsepower and a 30 percent increase in torque, the engine is designed to deliver a sharp, yet smooth response to the driver's input, along with an estimated 15 percent improvement in 0 to 60 mph acceleration.
"Simply put, our goal is to make this the best Z yet, period. With each generation, we raise the bar, pushing the limits of Z and continuing to tap into the human instinct for that next thrilling journey," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the new Z. "More than just powerful and agile, the 2023 Z is designed to be one with the driver for all kinds of on-road adventures."
To achieve the marked increase in horsepower and torque, and to deliver sharp response, small-diameter turbochargers were adopted, as well as a turbo speed sensor to ensure the capabilities of the turbos are fully utilized (max spooling speed). The twin turbos balance power output and response time, while the use of an electronic variable valve timing (e-VVT) intake valve system ensures optimum response, adjusting the intake valve timing on-the-fly to achieve excellent response and fuel efficiency in a variety of driving scenes.
One of the defining traits of Nissan Z has always been its bond between the car and the driver - a physical and visceral connection, nonmatter the road ahead. That human-machine bond dominates the new Z, especially in the presence of the standard, 6-speed manual transmission.
The 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission includes an EXEDY® high-performance clutch. As a physical touch point between driver and Z, the shifter glides to the next gear, almost instinctively, with minimal effort.
In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, Z Performance models equipped with a manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position. All automatic transmission-equipped models feature the launch control system. Manual transmission-equipped models also feature a carbon-fiber composite drive shaft, with SynchroRev Match® added to 6MT Performance models.
Z interior: modern tech with a vintage touch
Designed to fit the driver and passenger like a glove, the 2023 Z cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches. The center stack takes inspiration from other generations before it, with three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel, 8.0-inch touchscreen audio display in the center and climate control switches near the shifter.
The interior design team also sought advice from professional motorsports legends, such as Nissan Super GT500 driver Tsugio Matsuda, to give the Z an ideal sports car cabin for all driving scenes. This can be seen in the instrumentation, with all vital information found in the 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the 12 o'clock position.
The 12.3-inch TFT meter display is all-new with three display modes to suit driver preference. "Normal" mode offers a sporty feel with the center area for navigation, audio and vehicle information. "Enhanced" mode pushes the tachometer and speedometer to the edges of the display, giving more space in the center for a larger navigation map and information to be displayed. "Sport" mode prioritizes the tachometer in the center with shift-up light at the top for shift information in the driver's field of view. The Sport mode also allows for a boost gauge or G meter to be displayed.
The Z is more than a sports car you drive, it is an extension of the driver that moves and responds to the driver's intentions. Whether on an unexplored winding road or your daily commute, the Z brings a smile and awakens the senses.
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