2023 Nissan Z: A Look At Nissan’s Newest Sports Car

The 2023 Nissan Z easily catches attention with its “Ikazuchi Yellow Pearl” trim coating and bronze Rays wheels. It may initially seem like an electric car until you look under the hood. 

The Z uses a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, despite the Japanese automaker’s ongoing transition to electric. Another noteworthy part of the Nissan Z is its form factor. 

People are likelier to buy trucks and SUVs, but the 2023 vehicle deserves attention as a fantastic sports car. The Nissan Z has two trim levels: Sport and Performance. 

The former starts at $39,990, and the Performance trim starts at $49,990. The latter offers a mechanical limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, and various interior upgrades. 

The Proto Spec for the Performance trim offers unique wheels, suede interior trim, and yellow contrast stitching. Unfortunately, they have sold out at the time of writing. Both share the same engine, transmission, and rear-wheel drive-only configuration. 

Parts from other models

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One issue you might notice with the 2023 Nissan Z is it has components from other models. It shares its chassis with the 370Z, but it updated a few of its parts. 

For example, the Z improved its predecessor’s running lights, rear design, and body panels. Also, it has upgrades under the hood, like rear suspension tuning, torsional rigidity, and monotube shocks.

These improvements allow the Nissan sports car to cover high-speed cruising and zigzag back roads. It handled corners with predictable power delivery, similar to a naturally aspirated engine. 

The Z can also perform like a gran tourer on highways, so make sure you do not break speed limits! Also, the Nissan Z’s interior may remind you of the 370Z. 

Its door handles, card, and plastic center console is reminiscent of the earlier model. You control the windows with the standard plastic switches, and the HVAC controls are physical dials.

The heated seat controls may remind you how the 2000s Nissan Altima looks and feels. Overall, these components may highlight the cost-cutting for the 2023 Nissan Z. 

It is also a common practice for many car manufacturers, especially considering current events. Supply chain disruptions and chip shortages hamper production for numerous industries.

Transmission options

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You may see these as nitpicks if you prioritize performance over form. Nowadays, car brands have been foregoing manual transmission for their latest models, except for a few like Nissan. 

You can purchase a 2023 Nissan Z with a stick shift. It allows a firm grip with its leather-wrapped knob and a snappy shift with its short throws. Moreover, you may include the rev-matching from the 370Z.

In other words, the Z’s computer can assist in smoothly transitioning to a lower gear. If you are a first-time stick driver, it could improve your experience.

Of course, you can buy a 2023 Nissan Z with a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. That is fine if you do not want a car with three pedals.

Digital gauge

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The Nissan Z offers a digital display, as you would expect from a modern automobile. It has three customizable views that change the available data:

The Normal setting has a tachometer on the left and a speedometer on the right. Also, it offers a customizable center for the current audio track, nav, or cruise control info.

Moreover, the Enhanced display further puts the tachometer and speedometer to the sides. It also widens the customizable center.

The Sport places the tachometer front and center, and the digital speed is slightly on the upper right. Moreover, the engine oil temperature and water gauges are on the right. 

You may customize the left side for boost pressure, G-force meter, and other features. Also, the shift lights come in from both sides. Additionally, the steering wheel has various control buttons. 

It has cruise control, media playback, and buttons that let you adjust the Nissan Z’s digital gauge. You may include the optional nine-inch touchscreen display and Bose 8 speaker system.

Unfortunately, the backup camera leaves a lot to be desired. It has low resolution, which may not offer much value for the hefty price tag. At least the 2023 Nissan Z has parking sensors at the front and back.

It also offers the expected safety and convenience features. As mentioned, the Z provides adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and departure warnings.

Conclusion

The 2023 Nissan Z is a dependable sports vehicle that borrows much of its form and features from its predecessors. It offers the performance you need to dash past highways.

Real gearheads may love its manual transmission option. On the other hand, the Nissan Z is also great if you need to chill on the road as a casual driver. 

Nowadays, you can find numerous automobile options as we go through post-pandemic recovery. However, you could wait next year for potentially better vehicles like Tesla’s Cybertruck.