android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun

The verdict: The new 2023 Nissan Z’s updates transform the two-seater into a modern, fun-to-drive sports car that still honors the nameplate’s rich heritage.

Versus the competition: Starting at $41,015, the 2023 Z’s base price significantly undercuts the six-cylinder Toyota Supra’s, and it also feels like a more cohesive sports car from the driver’s seat.

The new Nissan Z shares its platform with the previous 370Z that was last offered for the 2020 model year, but its exterior styling, interior design and powertrain are all new. At Nissan’s invitation, we traveled to Las Vegas to get behind the wheel of the Z for the first time, spending a day experiencing its straight-line acceleration, road-course handling and street-driving manners (Cars.com pays for its own airfare and lodging when attending manufacturer-sponsored events).

What’s Old Is New

Familiar Z-car styling attributes include a long hood and short rear deck, but rather than take design cues from a single Z-car generation, the 2023 Z’s exterior blends styling elements from different eras.

The large rectangular grille and LED daytime running lights recall the first generation that arrived in the U.S. in 1969, but as you move to the rear, the design takes after a more recent time, with taillights reminiscent of those on the ‘90s-era 300ZX. You don’t often see this kind of design mashup in new cars, and it might be a bit jarring to some Z-car fans, but the overall look is sleek, sporty and more modern than retro.

android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
2023 Nissan Z | Cars.com photo by Jonathan Earley

Power to the People

Perhaps the most consequential change is under the car’s long hood. Gone is the 370Z’s naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 engine, replaced instead with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 from Infiniti’s line of Red Sport models. (Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand.) The new engine makes 400 horsepower and 350 pounds-feet of torque, which is 68 hp and 80 pounds-feet of torque more than the 370Z’s V-6 in a car that weighs roughly the same at around 3,500 pounds.

The new engine transforms the Z driving experience. The twin-turbo V-6 is smooth-revving and much more refined than the comparatively coarse 3.7-liter V-6, and the engine’s more accessible peak torque — it’s available from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm versus 5,200 rpm for the old V-6 — makes the car much more responsive at low and mid-range engine speeds. It also pulls harder when accelerating flat out.

The Z’s new available nine-speed automatic transmission is another reminder of how good performance automatics have become, and it’s also the most effective way to extract maximum performance from the car. The automatic-equipped Z can’t, however, match the level of connection between driver and car that models with the six-speed manual offer.

Under hard acceleration, the automatic rips off upshifts quicker than you can make with the car’s manual, and when hustling the Z around the road course, it was in optimal gears. The automatic also includes an easy-to-use launch control feature that, when activated, sends the Z hurtling forward from a stop as the rear tires scramble for grip. Driver-initiated upshifts with the shift paddles weren’t as fast as I like, but if you let the transmission do its thing and decide when to change gears, it performs well.

The automatic is the transmission to get if you’re looking for ultimate performance, but if you want the most engaging driving experience, the manual can’t be beat. The shifter has short throws and a pleasing mechanical feel, and the light clutch pedal won’t tire your left leg. Overall, it’s a very forgiving setup that makes for easy start-offs. Performance trim levels with the manual have a launch assist control system for smooth takeoffs and Nissan’s SynchroRev Match feature, which automatically aligns engine rpm when shifting.

On the Street and Track

The previous 370Z had hydraulically assisted steering that lent the steering wheel a heavier feel, but the new Z gets electrically assisted power steering. It steers with a light touch, and steering response is direct and precise. On-center feel and straight-line stability are good, too, which makes for relaxed cruising.

android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
2023 Nissan Z | Cars.com photo by Jonathan Earley

The front suspension uses a double-wishbone design, while the rear has a multilink setup. There are new monotube shocks, and the Performance trim cars we took on the street and track get larger 19-inch forged-alloy wheels and staggered tires instead of the base Sport trim’s 18-inch alloy wheels and square tire setup.

The Z is a firm-riding car that lets you know when the pavement is anything less than perfect, but the mostly smooth roads of southern Nevada prevented us from getting a clear picture of how that taut ride quality will translate to the pockmarked and potholed roads we regularly see near Cars.com’s Chicago headquarters. We’ll know more once we test one closer to home, but the firm tuning made for a fun-driving car that felt completely at home on the winding desert roads outside Las Vegas. Though the roads we traveled were pothole-free, they weren’t perfectly smooth, and the result was considerable road noise in the cabin at moderate speeds.

Nissan made some lead-follow laps available on a road course at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway complex, and it was just as entertaining in this setting. There’s noticeable but not excessive body roll when taking tight corners quickly, and the car stays on the line you set. The capability of the automatic-transmission Z is apparent here, too, as the car adds speed quickly. Other than upgraded brake pads, Nissan said the cars on the road course were stock.

An Overhauled Interior

The cabin gets an all-new design that incorporates more tech features. Sport trims come with an 8-inch dashboard touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, while the Performance variant has a larger 9-inch screen and adds navigation. Both trims have a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that replaces the previous car’s analog instruments. Some design elements have carried over, though, like the three-gauge pod atop the dashboard and the circular air vents in the doors.

android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
android, 2023 nissan z review: relatively affordable, lots of fun
2023 Nissan Z | Cars.com photo by Jonathan Earley

Despite the new design, the Z’s interior feels familiar, with the sightlines and driving position similar to the 370Z’s. I’m about 6 feet tall, and while there wasn’t a lot of extra space in the cabin, I didn’t feel cramped or claustrophobic, either. The steering wheel now telescopes in addition to tilting, making it easier to tailor the driving position to your liking, and I had enough headroom and legroom.

I particularly like the Z’s sport seats. The seats in the Sport trim have cloth upholstery and manual adjustments, while the Performance model gets leather trim, seat heaters, power adjustments and different side bolsters. Both the cloth and leather-trimmed seats have large suede-style inserts that firmly grip your backside and do a good job preventing you from sliding around in the seat — even on the track.

Storage areas include pockets in the doors and nooks behind the seats. The revised center console also now includes a second cupholder. Lifting the rear hatch reveals a decent-sized cargo area.

Safety and Driver-Assist Features

Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.

Should You Buy the Nissan Z?

With a starting price around $41,000 (all prices including destination), the 2023 Z delivers a lot of driving fun for the money, and the price is the same whether you get the six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic.

Stepping up to the Performance trim, however, brings a significant $10,000 price increase: This model costs $51,015. That’s still less than a six-cylinder Supra’s base price, but the extra $10,000 seems like a lot of money for the Performance model’s extra features. In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, the Performance trim gets larger brake rotors, beefier brake calipers, a mechanical limited-slip differential, front and rear spoilers, and a Bose premium stereo.

For some shoppers, the Z’s available manual transmission could have tipped the scales in its favor compared with the Supra, but Toyota’s high-performance sports car will also offer a manual beginning with 2023 models.

While both of these sports cars are powerful and have impressive performance-oriented automatic transmissions, I’d take the Z because it felt more composed overall in a track environment, the interior fits me better, and I prefer its styling. All in all, the Z is more enjoyable to drive, and with these cars, that’s what matters most.

Keyword: 2023 Nissan Z Review: Relatively Affordable, Lots of Fun

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Nissan’s next-gen LEAF EV is due out next year – Here’s what we know so far

A new all-electric Nissan LEAF is due out next year. The compact EV that started it all is getting a makeover to compete with new rivals. Here’s what we know about the next-gen Nissan LEAF so far. Nissan is gearing up for a major transition as it gears up ...

View more: Nissan’s next-gen LEAF EV is due out next year – Here’s what we know so far

Next-Gen Nissan Skyline To Morph Into All-Electric Sedan And SUV: Report

The two models might even make their way to the U.S., but it’s not what you expect.

View more: Next-Gen Nissan Skyline To Morph Into All-Electric Sedan And SUV: Report

Here's How The Ford Ranger Raptor's Fox Shocks Make It A Great Off-Roader

There are multiple drive modes, and each one tweaks the dampers for different purpose.

View more: Here's How The Ford Ranger Raptor's Fox Shocks Make It A Great Off-Roader

Crawford moves to DAMS, Hadjar and Marti join Campos

Isack Hadjar (FRA) Red Bull Junior Driver. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Thursday 21st September 2023. Suzuka, Japan. Jak Crawford will move to DAMS for the 2024 Formula 2 season while Red Bull juniors Isack Hadjar and Pepe Marti will compete for Campos. Crawford finished ...

View more: Crawford moves to DAMS, Hadjar and Marti join Campos

Ford Robbed Us Of The Old Four-Door Ranger Because It Wanted To Sell Explorers

Photo: Ford By definition, a big truck like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado struggles to be small. Even in its smallest, most trucky configuration — a two-door single cab — a full-size truck is relatively large and comes with a sizable bed for hauling cargo. But a small ...

View more: Ford Robbed Us Of The Old Four-Door Ranger Because It Wanted To Sell Explorers

Ford loses nearly 400 participants from its EV dealer program

After asking its dealers to join it “on an epic journey of sustainable expansion,” Ford revealed over two-thirds of its dealers joined almost a year ago. However, close to 400 dealers have dropped out of the program since then. Ford asked its dealership network to become a part of ...

View more: Ford loses nearly 400 participants from its EV dealer program

Nissan Skyline is finally going EV, to be reborn as an electric fastback and SUV

The iconic sports car is going all-electric. According to a new report, the Nissan Skyline will be reborn as a powerful electric fastback in addition to an SUV. Nissan Skyline to be reborn as electric SUV and fastback Nissan’s Skyline was born in 1969 after merging with the Prince ...

View more: Nissan Skyline is finally going EV, to be reborn as an electric fastback and SUV

Planned Three-Year Cruise Canceled At The Last Minute Because The Company Couldn't Afford To Buy A Ship

Image: GreenOak (Shutterstock) A cruise that was set to sail around the world for three years has been abruptly canceled at the last minute. The reason? The company behind the cruise couldn’t afford to buy a ship in time, as CNN reports. Life at Sea Cruises, a division of ...

View more: Planned Three-Year Cruise Canceled At The Last Minute Because The Company Couldn't Afford To Buy A Ship

Volkswagen Is Developing Affordable EVs, But Only For China

This 2024 Ford Mustang GT Only Survived 16 Miles Before Being Crashed

Let This Lancia Stratos Replica Be Your Affordable Key To Rally Greatness

At $27,500, Is This 2008 Ford F450 Super Duty A Super Big Deal?

Can you tow with a Ford Everest Wildtrak?

Nissan Announces Doubles-Down on Investments in the UK to Produce More EVs

1962 Ford Falcon | Old Car

Ford patents inflatable bumpers for its large SUVs & pickups

Ford Figo: Weird noise when the ignition is on worries me

Ford Taurus, Dodge Caravan Live Again In 1995 Detroit Auto Show Retro Video

Next-gen Ford Mustang – The competitors at R1.5 million

New Panamera E-Hybrid has a battery bigger than a Gen 1 Nissan Leaf

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel