Nissan had great ambitions with the debut of its all-new, seventh-generation Z sports car. The prototype premiered in August 2021 to hundreds of vintage Z-car aficionados at Pikes Peak International Raceway, but post-pandemic production issues have stymied the large-scale, real-world roll-out. The Nissan Z is one very accomplished and affordable two-seater coupe—and 2023 might be the year you finally see more of the new, twin-turbocharged, 400-horsepower head-turner, which starts at around $40,000.
Both the Z’s standard Sport model and its $50,000 Performance edition are blazingly fast and highly accomplished automobiles, offering an attractively modernized take on the classic lines of ’70s models such as the 240Z and 280Z. They push a considerably larger amount of power into the old-school rear-wheel-drive setup, and they also offer one of the few six-speed manual transmissions on the market, plus bigger tires on 19-inch wheels and stiffer suspension than the outgoing 370Z. While the Z’s power is a little easier to rein in than the similar new-generation Toyota Supra, it will absolutely fly when prompted.
An all-digital instrument screen, a larger steering wheel borrowed from the GT-R supercar, and a comfortably sporty seating arrangement make it a pleasant summertime cruiser. And, fingers crossed, a high-output NISMO model is on its way.
The Stats
400/350 horsepower/torque from 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine
4.5 seconds from 0-60
1.8 million Nissan Zs sold since 1969 debut
