The 2023 Nissan Z has been fully unveiled exactly a year after the Z Proto concept car was shown to the public. This time around, no number has been attached to the Z name, unlike past models such as the 370Z and 350Z that denoted its engine’s displacement.
The transition of the 2023 Nissan Z into a production car has been seamless. It is almost unchanged when compared to the pre-production prototype. The silhouette itself pays homage to the original model, while its other design cues are also inspired from past Z models such as the LED headlights that hark back to the 240ZG and LED taillights that mimic the design of the 300ZX. Surrounding the taillights is a gloss black panel that Nissans says sharpens the glow of the taillights. Completing its looks are the 19-inch wheels.
Just like the exterior, the interior is almost unchanged from the pre-production prototype. This means that it follows a retro design whilst having a number of modern touches. As standard, the 2023 Nissan Z comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, along with three analog gauges on top of the 9-inch Nissan Connect infotainment system. Three interior schemes are available: Graphite, Blue, and Red.
Nissan will also be selling a Z Proto Spec variant for the US market, and it will be limited to 240 units. This special edition model has the same aesthetics as the Z Proto pre-production prototype, including the yellow paint, along with the addition of yellow brakes, bronze wheels, and a yellow interior.
Nissan did say last year that the production Z will be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, and that is certainly the case for the production model. It produces 400 hp, which is more than the GR Supra, and 475 Nm of torque, which is 25 Nm less than its chief rival.
Unlike the GR Supra, however, the Z comes with a 6-speed manual that comes with an advanced launch control system, rev-matching, and even a carbon fiber driveshaft. The other transmission choice is a 9-speed automatic, also with launch control, but no carbon fiber driveshaft, so it’s easy to see what transmission we prefer at this point.
Regardless of transmission choice, both models have monotube shocks that are larger than the outgoing 370Z. The new shocks reduce dampening force by 20 percent, which should help keep the wheels planted even on uneven roads. In addition, the front suspension is of a double-wishbone setup, which is superior to what’s in the GR Supra. Along with the increased body rigidity, wider front tires, and new electric power steering, the 2023 Nissan Z is 13 percent faster in terms of cornering response. Lastly, the 2023 Nissan Z also comes with four-piston aluminum brake calipers at the front and two pistons at the rear.
Two drive modes are offered with the automatic transmission: Standard and Sport. Sport mode offers faster acceleration, faster steering, active sound enhancement via the speakers, and sports-mode vehicle dynamic control which is best experienced on winding roads. Z Performance variants on the other hand utilize a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential.
All the details that have been announced are for the US market 2023 Nissan Z, and it will go on sale in their market by spring 2022. The Nissan Z will also launch in Japan this winter as the Fairlady Z.
0 comments on “2023 Nissan Z Debuts As A 400-HP Rival To The Toyota GR Supra”