The Nissan Z is back in an all-new generation after a brief hiatus. The 370Z is gone and the new sports car simply named Z is coming for the 2023 model year. It has a sleek design that draws inspiration from the Datsun and Nissan Z models of the past.
Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 400 horsepower to ensure driving thrills every time you start the engine. Enthusiasts will appreciate the standard 6-speed manual transmission, but a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional.
The new Nissan Z is available in two distinct trims. The base Sport trim is a simpler, no-nonsense sports car. The more expensive Performance model turns up the performance with upgraded brakes, exhaust, and suspension while adding premium features.
The 2023 Nissan Z in entry-level Sport trim has a starting price of $39,990. This is for the Z equipped with either the standard 6-speed manual or the available 9-speed automatic.
Upgrading to the Z Performance trim adds $10,000 to the bottom line, for a total of $49,990 with either gearbox.
Lastly, the limited edition Proto Spec package has its own unique cosmetic touches — including trim-exclusive “Ikazuchi Yellow Pearl” exterior paint and yellow-painted brake calipers — and carries a starting price of $52,990.
With the automatic transmission, the 2023 Nissan Z is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. With the 6-speed manual, EPA fuel economy drops to 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.
Let’s take a closer look at the two trims available for the Nissan Z and see which is right for you.
2023 Nissan Z Sport (starting price: $39,990)
The Nissan Z Sport is for the enthusiast looking for a deal on a sports car. It has an old-fashioned character, but modern performance and technology. The standard powertrain is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 powering the rear wheels through either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
On top of the exciting engine, standard features include double-wishbone front suspension, independent multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-exit exhaust with chrome tips, LED taillights, automatic LED headlights, automatic high beams, two black cloth seats, automatic climate control, and a digital gauge cluster.
The standard infotainment system in the Nissan Z is an 8-inch screen loaded with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Siri Eyes Free, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Standard safety and driver assistance tech features in the Z include intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
With its destination fee of $1,025 and price of $39,990, the Z Sport costs $41,015. Financing that amount for five years at 3 percent (with no money down) equates to a monthly payment of about $737.
See 2023 Nissan Z Sport models for sale
2023 Nissan Z Sport includes:
- 400-hp V6 — Under the hood of every Z lies a twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- 6-speed manual transmission — A 9-speed automatic is optional, but purists will prefer the analog driving experience that comes with the standard stick shift.
- Digital gauge cluster — A high-tech, fully-digital TFT meter display shows the driver the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and more.
2023 Nissan Z Performance (starting price: $49,990)
The 2023 Nissan Z Performance features bigger brakes with red calipers.
Upgrading to the Performance trim unlocks more features that elevate this sports car’s style, performance, and technology. It has the same power and torque rating as the base trim but adds a sport muffler, sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes with red calipers, and a limited-slip differential to facilitate more spirited driving and the occasional track day.
Styling upgrades with the Performance trim include 19-inch Rays wheels, a rear spoiler, and a front chin spoiler. On the inside, you’re treated to aluminum pedals, leather seats with synthetic suede inserts, and heated, power-adjustable seats.
As for convenience and tech features, you get a 9-inch infotainment system with navigation and Bose 8-speaker premium audio. Additionally, it has active noise cancellation, a wi-fi hotspot, and a universal garage door opener.
A Proto Spec package is available exclusively for the Performance trim. It’s an appearance package that makes the Z look more like the Nissan Z Proto concept car unveiled in 2020. It has yellow brake calipers, bronze-colored alloy wheels, exclusive Proto Spec leather seats with yellow accents, yellow interior stitching, and an exclusive shift knob when equipped with a manual transmission.
With its destination fee of $1,025 and price of $49,990, the 2023 Nissan Z Performance costs $51,015. Financing that amount for five years at 3 percent (with no money down) equates to a monthly payment of about $917.
See 2023 Nissan Z Performance models for sale
2023 Nissan Z Performance includes:
Performance upgrades — This trim brings a sport-tuned suspension, a sport muffler, bigger brakes, and a limited-slip differential to the Z.
9-inch infotainment system — This upgraded infotainment system adds a bigger screen, navigation, and a Bose premium audio system.
Proto Spec package — The available Proto Spec package adds tasteful yellow accents inside and out. It makes this car look more like the Nissan Z Proto concept.
