The 2023 Nissan Z Is Here With A Standard Stick Shift

The Nissan Z may not be the brand's halo car like the GT-R, but it remains widely a popular sports car even after more than 50 years on the market. The reason is probably the new innovations it brought in every generation, and how every new model looked iconic and different. The 2023 Z doesn't change that, but Nissan decided to look to the past for inspiration this time around. In addition, they decided not to name it 400Z after all, and changed it to simply 'Z'.

You can clearly see that in the new Z's dynamic design, with a striking profile inspired by the original 240Z. Nissan says this classic rear-wheel drive look improves the vehicle's aerodynamics, and features a longer hood along with a lower ground clearance. The classic Z badge on the B-pillar, wide lower grille, and rounded headlights in front are also reminiscent of the oldest Z. The LED "combination" taillights are just as familiar, and are inspired by the 300ZX from the 90's. As for more modern design elements, Nissan offers two-tone colors alongside the monotone offerings to match the trendy paint jobs of the remaining lineup. This includes Boulder Gray, Brilliant Silver, Ikazuchi Yellow, Seiran Blue, Everest White Pearl Tricoat, and Passion Red Tricoat. All of which come with a Super Black roof. If you don't want your Z to stand out too much, Nissan also offers Black Diamond Metallic, Rosewood Metallic, and Gun Metallic with a matching roof. The side mirrors with LED turning signal integration are standard in body color.

The new Z's sharp styling also ties into the performance, and not just the aerodynamics. The hood, doors, and rear hatch are all made of lightweight aluminum, and a rear spoiler is available alongside the side sill spoilers and front splitter. These features help boost the power of the front-mounted 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which creates 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 to 5,600 rpm. The Nissan Z also comes with an Electronic Variable Valve Timing system, which has been offered for a few years now. Arguably the best-selling feature of the new Nissan Z, though, is the new standard (!) 6-speed manual transmission, which had the audience cheering at the sports car's reveal. An exclusive EXEDY clutch inspired by motorsports is standard, and a SynchroRev Match downshift upgrade is optional for the manual gearbox. Also optional is the electronic 9-speed automatic for anyone who despises rowing their own gears. The automatic gearbox comes equipped with Downshift Rev Matching, launch control, and even even its own manual shift mode. Nissan additionally outfitted the Z with aluminum paddle shifters, which are also offered in GT-R design guise, and dual exhausts with an available "sport grade" muffler.

Despite sharing parts with its 370Z predecessor, Nissan still managed to upgrade the handling and ride quality with an updated double-wishbone front suspension to improve stability, paired with a multi-link rear suspension, which helps the vehicle handle tougher road surfaces while keeping the ride smooth. Monotube shock absorbers offer better damping to further improve the ride quality, and a two-point front strut tower brace with front and rear stabilizer bars help prevent body roll on tight corners. For those who will be taking their Z to the track more often than others, a sport-tuned suspension system is optional. A clutch-type limited-slip differential is yet another option to allow the driver to drive forward without activating all 400 horses. Electric power steering with a speed-sensitive feature is standard on the 2023 Z.

As for braking, the available Nissan Sport braking system includes 14.0-inch front rotors, with 13.8-inch rear rotors, and aluminum brake calipers with four pistons in front and two in the rear. A red finish is included for the calipers in this package. The standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system includes power-assisted vented disc brakes in the front and rear, brake assist, and electronic brake force administering. The standard wheels measure 18 inches and feature aluminum-alloy rims with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high-performance tires. The optional RAYS 19-inch units include lightweight forged-alloy rims fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires.

The 2023 Z is one of the best examples of perfectly combining old and new. The Z still seats two, and Nissan boasts that the cockpit is designed to fit occupants "like a glove." The driver's seat is 8-way manually adjustable, and the passenger seat is 4-way manually adjustable. The Z Performance model adds heated seats. The 3-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather, while the standard-spec seats and upholstery are made of cloth. On the dashboard, three analog dials are mounted above the center stack, tilted towards the driver. The 240Z-inspired triple-pod cluster matches the rest of the cabin nicely, and gives a vintage impression. The three dials measure the turbocharger boost, turbocharger turbine speed, and voltmeter. The climate control is accessible through physical dials, and includes an automatic temperature control function. Just above those dials is where the modern touches start to become visible, with an 8-inch touchscreen that includes audio, BlueTooth connectivity with audio streaming capability, hands-free texting, a RearView monitor, voice recognition, and parking sensors for the front and rear. You can also upgrade to a larger 9.0-inch unit, which adds standard Navigation. Available tech features include a digital gauge cluster, NissanConnect with a WiFi hotspot, a HomeLink Universal Transceiver, a SiriusXM subscription, and SiriusXM services powered by NissanConnect. Elsewhere in the cabin, you can choose to have aluminum-trimmed pedals, active noise cancellation, sound enhancement, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system over the standard 6-speaker system. You can also use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring in your Z, via two 12-volt power outlets or two USB ports (a Type A and Type C). Besides the Z's push-button start, you can turn the vehicle on through the Nissan Intelligent Key, also known as remote start.

Tons of tech safety features are included as well, such as adaptive cruise control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision warning, a blind spot monitor, rear cros traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking equipped with pedestrian detection, side-impact supplemental airbags on the seats, curtain side-impact supplemental airbags mounted on the roof.

The 2023 Nissan Z is set for a spring 2022 release date, and although pricing hasn't been announced yet, sources say a bargain $40,000 base price is possible. The cheapest model will be called Z Sport with all of the aforementioned standard features, and the more pricey Z Performance model will add improved suspension and braking among other features. For those who loved the Nissan Z Proto concept car, there is a special edition called Proto Spec, which is only available on the Z Performance trim level. It includes a unique shift lever knob, yellow brake calipers, 19-inch RAYS aluminum-alloy rims in bronze, bespoke leather seating and door trim in suede and cloth with yellow stitching. The Proto-spec will be the only available options package offered when the redesigned sports car lands next year.

Images: Nissan