Following a prolonged hiatus, the Nissan Z Series is nearing its return, and the pricing details are now known.
This summer, the first of the 2023 Z models roll out, launching a new generation with two trims: Z Coupe Sport ($39,990) and Z Coupe Performance ($49,990). Add $1,025 for the destination charge.
Nissan will also offer 240 copies of a special Proton Z edition ($52,990) that builds on the Z Coupe Performance. This limited-run model includes a special commemorative plaque and is dedicated to the color yellow.
As in a yellow exterior, yellow brake calipers with the Z logo, and yellow interior stitching across the door panels and seats. Very not-yellow bronze-colored 19-inch RAYS aluminum-alloy wheels and a unique shifter for manual models are other features of note.
Related – 2023 Nissan Z Review
Potent Power
Every 2023 Z comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and is rear-wheel-drive-only. If this motor seems familiar to you, it is. Indeed, this engine powers the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 and develops 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
That is a healthy increase over the 350 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque for the previous model. Keep in mind, though, that the 2023 models require premium-grade gasoline.
Power routes to the wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 9-speed automatic transmission. And, if you choose the Performance trim, the manual comes with rev-matching downshifting. Choose the automatic and Nissan adds launch control.
In an unusual move, Nissan does not charge for swapping out the manual for the automatic. In fact, the only factory-installed upgrades involve paint choices for the Sport and Performance models.
Specifically, choosing the Passion Red TriCoat two-tone paint design will cost you $1,695. Or pay $1,295 for the other premium two-tone color choices. Choose a not-premium two-tone paint look and your cost is $895.
That is it. Expect the aftermarket industry to burn with parts upgrade choices, including Nissan’s in-house NISMO unit.
Nissan Z Sport
The basic Z Sport model comes with ventilated front and rear disc brakes, a digital instrument cluster, and manually controlled front seats. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Other features include push-button start, full power accessories, and climate control. Two USB ports, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio are included.
On the safety front, Nissan supplies forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning.
Nissan Z Performance
You’ll have to pony up an additional $10,000 to enjoy many of the sought-after features of the new Z. We believe this trim will outsell the Sport as customers decide the adjustments are worth the investment.
Building on the Z Sport, the Z Performance offers a 9-inch color display with navigation and an 8-speaker Bose audio package. It also includes connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, leather-trimmed and heated seats, and heated side mirrors.
Putting the “performance” in this trim is a mechanical limited-slip differential. Also, 19-inch RAYS super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels are wrapped within Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires.
Other features of note include sport brakes, aluminum sport pedals, and a dual exhaust system with a performance-grade muffler.
Trolling the Competition
It is not hard to see that the Nissan Z is priced to take on the competition. Its base cost rivals a V8-powered Mustang, but that isn’t its target model. The Toyota GR Supra is.
The Supra with its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine costs approximately $45,000. Choose the inline-six and there is a $10,000 price differential. Importantly, the Z and range-topping GR Supra have near-equivalent power. Also, you better believe that certain executives in Toyota City are experiencing heartburn right about now.
Welcome Back, Z
Certainly, two years is a long time between models. You can blame the pandemic for some of that delay. In any case, we believe that pent-up demand will drive sales. Let’s hope dealer mark-up isn’t outrageous.
See Also – Introducing the All-New, 2023 Nissan Z!
Images courtesy Nissan USA.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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