2023 Nissan Z Review
MSRP: $39,990
3.0 Twin Turbo V6
400 HP / 350 TQ
0-60: 4.3 Seconds
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
Welp folks…here it is. The long awaited and hotly anticipated 2023 Nissan (400)Z!!!
Does expectation meet reality?
Yes and no.
Here is the deal…don’t approach the Z as a Supra killer….because it isn’t. The way both vehicles approach the sports car equation is completely different and yet they both work well in their own respects. Yes the similarities are numerous. Both are and/or have:
Two Seater Coupes
Rear Wheel Drive
with a limited slip diff
Available Manual (w00t)
Turbocharged
Under $50k
But the most important similarity:
They are both not bespoke
The Supra, as we all know (and if you’re a douche: love to complain about), is essentially a warmed over version of the BMW Z4. This new Z differs, in the respect that it’s pretty much a warmed over version of the old 370z, which was essentially a warmed over version of the 350z….which came out in 2002. So both are operating off a slight optical illusion but that’s not to take anything away from them…they are both still spectacular in their own regards.
“Yes, it’s based on the old 370z but in a world where EV crossovers are going to be dominant life form…I don’t care. Neither should you”
But let’s just focus on the Z. Yes, it’s based on the old 370z but in a world where EV crossovers are going to be dominant life form…i don’t care. Neither should you. We all should celebrate the fact that there is a new sports car period! Especially a new Z, whose name itself carries a similar legacy to such stalwarts such as the M3, 911 and the lot.
The Z’s design evokes memories of all the great Z cars of the past. From the 240z all the way to the 370z and every model in between. The interior (thankfully) is not retro-tastic though but rather futuristic with digital gauges galore, a large infotainment screen and funky upholstery color combinations. It looks excellent.
What is also excellent is the ride quality. OMG, that ride quality. It’s downright comfortable! On surface streets it is fantastic but on the highway…this sucker turns into a fantastic GT car! Just devouring mile after mile in supple and yet taut control. I want to hug the people who tuned the suspension. I want to hug them nice and tight…and not let go.
All of that is not to say the Z is a wallowy beast in the bends but it does tackle the corners differently than the competition. The Z takes a breath or two to settle and then attacks. Which is a far cry from the Supra whose suspension tuning is just on full attack all the time. As long as you drive within it’s limits…the Z responds in a confidence inspiring and non bone jarring manner.
So you’re thinking great! This new Z pretty good huh?
Well almost…there are one or two issues.
The engine is a 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 making 400 hp and 350 torque. Those specs seem great right? Unfortunately it never really feels as fast as it should. Attribute to it’s weight or it’s lumpy power delivery but the Z competently acceralates instead of wildly thrashing it’s way to the horizon. Speaking of the engine…it’s sound well it isn’t as ear screeching as the old 370z but neither is it sonorous. It’s just kinda there and not anything to get excited about.
But by FAR the most troubling and annoying part of the 2023 Nissan Z is the transmission. It is almost impossible to shift the Z smoothly. It’s 6 speed manual is pretty much the same transmission that was offered in the 370z and if you have driven a 370z…then you know the pain.
If you haven’t, then let me explain:
“Reverse barely engages, second gear is so easy to bounce off of you might as well just skip it and go straight to third…BUT third gear is like a Atlantis…it’s a mythical place that people dream of but can’t really find. ”
If you are thinking that driving either ‘hard’ or ‘easy’ would make things better but it doesn’t. Drive it too hard and it just magnifies all the issues…drive it too gently and you are bucking all over the place. You have straddle a fine line between outright aggression and zen like peace.
So would I get the automatic version over the manual then? No…you’re crazy.
So what do I think of the 2023 Nissan Z?
Even with it’s annoying traits…you still have gorgeous low slung sports car that is admired from miles away. So what more can you ask for?
Yousef Alvi
