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All-new Nissan Z: Racy coupe with upgrades all around

If a performance coupe with loads of heritage built in is your kind of ride, then the all-new Nissan Z could be a good option for you. The seventh-generation Z car boasts a more refined and updated interior, an exterior that mixes modern, angular design with throwback touches, and a bumped-up, 400-hp powerplant -- a 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine with an estimated 15% improvement in 0-to-60 acceleration.

The engine is rated at 400 hp at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque starting from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. It's an increase of 68 horsepower and a 30% increase in torque over the previous model.

The Nissan Z will be offered in Sport and Performance grades, each with a choice of a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission (standard, includes an EXEDY high-performance clutch) or new 9-speed automatic. In a first for a rear-wheel-drive Nissan, 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.

The two-seater has lost its traditional numerical designation in its name (for the engine displacement, such as the previous generation's 370Z), but it has gained some design details that harken back to previous Z-car versions -- all the way back to the 1970s. The rear of the vehicle, for example, is a definite cool nod to days gone by.

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.

The car is just slightly longer than the previous model. Enhanced body rigidity, an electronic power steering with rack assist and a strong mechanical feel, and wider front tires (on both Sport and Performance grades) help increase maximum cornering G up to 13%.

For the exterior, the new Z takes on a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car design, with a long hood, lower rear stance, and a silhouette that pays homage to the first-generation Z. The hood wears the most notable modern touch: angled facets. The LED headlights have two half-circles that take their inspiration from the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 1970s.

The link to the original Z is most noticeable when viewing the 2023 Z from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile, whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height, giving the Z its unique stance. The Z Performance grade features a rear spoiler that creates positive pressure where the rear hatch and spoiler meet. Door handles are a flush-mounted design, and the rear hatch design is ultra thin, yet with increased rigidity over the previous 370Z design. In the rear, the blister fenders smoothly direct flow air past the horizontal rear panel.

The new Z is available in three monotone exterior colors: Black Diamond Metallic, Gun Metallic, and Rosewood Metallic. The new Z is also offered with a two-tone exterior, including six colors combined with a Super Black roof.

All models include a range of standard driver assistance and safety technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.

Inside, the 2023 Z cabin blends modern technology with vintage Z-car touches. The center stack takes inspiration from other generations before it, with three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel, 8.0-in. touchscreen audio display in the center, and climate control switches near the shifter. All vital information is found in the 12.3-in. TFT customizable digital meter display. It has three modes: Normal, Enhanced, and Sport. There's also a new, deep-dish steering wheel that offers the driver quick access to controls via a vintage aesthetic.

The 2023 Z Sport grade offers black woven cloth seats with an 8-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual passenger seat. The Z Performance grade adds leather-appointed seating surfaces, 4-way power driver's seat with manual lifter, lumbar and thigh support, 4-way power passenger seat, and heated seats.

Three interior color environments are available: Black, Red, and Blue. The special Z Proto Spec edition features yellow accents throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature layered seat material to create depth and a gradation effect.

The Performance grade adds the 8-speaker Bose Audio System, 9.0-in. touchscreen with navigation, NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi hotspot, mechanical Limited Slip Differential, 19-in. RAYS super lightweight forged aluminum-alloy mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, heated side mirrors, aluminum sport pedals, dual exhaust with Performance grade muffler, and heated, leather-appointed power seats.

A special edition Z is also available, celebrating the Z Proto (prototype) introduced in 2020 called the Proto Spec. Limited to just 240 units, the Proto Spec model includes yellow-colored brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-colored 19-in. RAYS aluminum-alloy wheels, exclusive shift lever knob (6MT only), exclusive Proto Spec leather-appointed seats with yellow accents, exclusive Proto Spec suede + cloth door trim with yellow stitching, and special Proto Spec interior stitching.

The 2023 Z is available now. Pricing starts at $39,990.

Learn more at nissanusa.com/vehicles/sports-cars/nissan-z.html.

Source: Nissan

Published February 2023

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