2023 Nissan Z Coupe: The Brand’s Iconic Sports Car Makes Its Return

 

Highlight: Both the automatic and manual transmission engines cost the same.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $52,085 (Base Sport Model: $42,085)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters; a vehicle immobilizer system; intelligent automatic LED  tail and headlights with high beam assist; a vehicle security system; vehicle dynamic control; a traction control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; a predictive forward collision warning system; a blind Spot warning system; a lane departure warning system; and a rear cross-traffic alert system; a rear-view monitor; and a hill start assist

Standard Equipment (Sport): 18-inch styled alloy wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; a 12.3-inch digital dashboard with fully digital gauges; an EXEDY high-performance clutch; flush mounted aero door handles; power outside mirrors with turn signals; katana blade roof finisher; UV-reducing solar glass; automatic temperature control; push button start; variable intermittent windshield wipers; a lockable glove compartment; an 8-way manual adjustable driver’s seat; cloth seat trim; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; a 8-inch color touch-screen display; steering wheel-mounted controls; a voice recognition system; and a leather-wrapped shift knob and parking brake lever

Standard Equipment (Performance) Test Model: 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels; a chin and rear spoiler; power heated outside mirrors with turn signals; a lockable dampened glove compartment; a 4-way power adjustable driver's seat with manual lifter, lumbar, and thigh support; heated seats; leather-appointed seats with synthetic suede door panel inserts; a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel; aluminum-trimmed pedals; a 9-inch color touch-screen display; and WI-FI hotspot compatibility

Options: premium floor mats; a trunk mat; a first aid kit; a cargo net; an illuminated black metallic kick plate; and interior accent lighting

Other Trim Levels:

Performance Automatic

Proto Spec Automatic

Proto Spec Manual

Sport Automatic

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker BOSE audio system with active sound cancellation and sound enhancement and AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM radio (SiriusXM - performance trim only)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard (wireless in performance trim only)

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V6 engine/400-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage:

18-city/24-hwy

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded

What’s New: After a brief absence, the iconic Nissan Z makes its return for the 2023 model year.

Why:

A modern interpretation of past Zs

Sporty design

Rear wheel drive

Pumps out 400-hp

Offers a 6-speed manual transmission

The manual and automatic transmissions cost the same

19-inch wheels available

An affordable base price

A variety of trims

Supportive seats

Great ride in terms of comfort

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Equipped with the latest safety driving aids

Designed for two

Makes one feel youthful

A standout design in a sea of other vehicles

But:

No sunroof

SiriusXM only available on performance trim

Apple/ Android compatibility should be standard on all trims

Not as engaging to drive as the Toyota GR Supra

Verdict: While the industry is making the shift toward electrification, Nissan has reminded us that they’re still in the business of manufacturing rear wheel drive performance cars. After a short absence, the two door Z makes its return for the 2023 model year. 

The two-seater is a direct competitor to Toyota’s GR Supra. The Z offers a lower price point and more horsepower, while the GR Supra offers a more engaging driving experience.

Nissan’s design and engineering team has reinterpreted the Z, making it modern in terms of the design theme, as well as outfitting the style coupe with the latest safety driving aids too, ranging from a predictive forward collision warning system to a rear cross-traffic alert system. Unlike the previous generation Z, this year’s model also seems to better insulated, since we didn’t experience the same level of road noise from the open cargo area.

So, for those looking to get their hands on a Z, one might want to be prepared to pay over sticker, since they’re probably in short supply. Enthusiasts realize this is the last of the gasoline burning engines.

Competition: BMW Z4; Chevrolet Camaro; Ford Mustang; and Toyota GR Supra