Though Nissan’s new 2023 Z sportscar won’t go on sale until 2022 and we have been provided a press release with details. Note that it’s simply called the Z, thus breaking from the tradition of previous models, that is 240Z, 260Z 370Z and so on
The seventh-generation 2023 Z is scheduled to go on sale in the USA in spring 2022. Spring in the US is of course Autumn in Australia, the date it’s coming to us is still to be announced.
For the United States market the Nissan Z will be offered in Sport and Performance grades. Presumably both will come here.
Power is from a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine with 400 horsepower, which is just under 300 kW, and is driven by the rear wheels.
Electronic variable valve timing intake valve system adjusts timing virtually instantly according to the needs of the roads and the driver’s wishes.
Excellent news is that the new Z is offered with a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. The Z Performance models with the manual have a launch assist system.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is also available. It can be used in two modes, standard and sport.
The sport mode not only provides faster acceleration, but also active sound enhancement and vehicle dynamic control settings.
All Nissan Z Performance grade models have a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential.
Braking is provided by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes on all models. Larger sport brakes with red-painted calipers are standard on Performance models.
The Z Sport has dark-painted 18-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance tyres. The Z Performance grades features 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminium-alloy mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 high performance tires.
The 2023 Z is available in three monotone exterior colours – Black Diamond Metallic, Gun Metallic and Rosewood Metallic. The new Z is also offered with a two-tone exterior, including six colours combined with a Super Black roof: Brilliant Silver, Boulder Gray, new Seiran Blue, new Ikazuchi Yellow, Passion Red TriCoat and Everest White Pearl TriCoat. Again, keep in mind that these are American spec cars – but it seems likely these will be offered in Australia.
Three interior colour 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 2023 Z Sport grade offers black woven cloth seats with an eight-way manual driver’s seat and four-way manual passenger seat.
The Z Performance adds leather-appointed seating surfaces, four-way powered driver’s seat, with manual lifter, lumbar and thigh support, a four-way powered passenger seat and heated seats.
Standard equipment, including Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Temperature Control and automatic-dimming rearview mirror.
It has two USB points (Type-A and Type-C), and front and rear sonar sensors. The audio system has six speakers. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth, SiriusXM(r) Radio, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant and Siri Eyes Free.
The Z Performance grade has a 9.0-inch touchscreen with navigation and NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi hotspot. Also included is an 8-speaker Bose(r) Audio system with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement.
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.
In addition to the features on the Z Sport grade, the Z Performance has an eight-speaker Bose audio system, 9.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi hotspot.
Mechanical features in the Performance are a limited slip differential, 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged alloy wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tyres, heated door mirrors, aluminium sport pedals, dual exhaust with Performance grade muffler and heated, leather-appointed power seats.
Note that these details are from an American press release and may differ for Australian cars. We are really looking forward do driving the new Nissan Z when it arrives Downunder and will bring you our thoughts afterwards.
