Nissan Z Proto

Nissan Z – Overview

The 2023 Nissan Z continues to be a strict two-seat coupe with a long bonnet and a short tail. At launch, the engine will continue a long lineage of Nissan Z and Fairlady models using six cylinders configuration. 

However, this new twin-turbo V6 engine is packed with technology and power. In the USA, Nissan Z competes with the Toyota GR Supra, Audi TT, BMW Z4 and 2 Series Coupe and of course, the local delights from the Big Three- Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro. 

Nissan Z Proto – Exterior

The 2023 Nissan Z was first shown as the Nissan Z Proto concept car in 2020. Concept to production went ahead with minimal changes as Nissan tends to practice (such as the Ariya EV and Qashqai). The 2023 Nissan Z is a perfect mixture of past Z cars (or as Chief Designer at Nissan, Alfonso Albaisa called it, memories) and the future of Nissan. Some people might say it is merely an evolution of the 370Z but clearly, there is more to that.

Up front, the split circular LED headlamps are a modern interpretation of the 1970’s Nissan Fairlady Z or Datsun 240ZG with the headlamp covers and flowing fenders. Look closely and you will notice the stamping on the bonnet which also appeared on the first generation Z car.

Viewed from the side, the Nissan Z shows its signatory and distinctive design element with the front fender height slightly above the rear edge. The roofline is also given a Katana like element for visual drama. The rear meanwhile takes a cue from the Z32 Nissan 300ZX, where rectangular lighting was in fashion. For the modern 2023 Nissan Z, the LED signature forms the rectangle (or oblong bar) behind a darkened panel.

Thanks to the huge response to the styling elements of the Nissan Z Proto, Nissan is offering a limited-edition called the Nissan Z Proto Spec that includes bright yellow brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch forged rims from Rays and exclusive black interior with yellow accents and stitching. The square grille will be finished in black, and Performance grade will add a front spoiler as well as a boot lid spoiler. 

Nissan Z Proto – Interior

Dashboard

The instrument cluster in the 2023 Nissan Z is now fully digital, while the infotainment display is a simple touchscreen unit located just below the air vents, rather than on top. This is to make way for three important gauges that are again one of the design signatures of the Nissan Z range.

The pods display the turbo boost, the turbocharger turbine speed and voltmeter, all angled towards the driver for maximum visibility at a glance.

Instrument cluster

Nissan’s successful racing driver was also consulted to design the shift-up indicator as well as the 7,000 rpm redline at the 12-o’clock position for accurate information with just a glance.

Space and practicality

There are also useful bins behind the seats, easily fitting a backpack. There is no partition between the cabin and the rear luggage area, which is intruded by a lateral brace bar for the chassis. The boot lid opens up together with the rear windshield to approximately 235 litres of space, but all the suspension and exhaust hardware located under the floor makes the boot have quite a shallow depth.  

Nissan Z Proto – Features

Safety features

Comfort features

The limited-edition 2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec meanwhile adds yellow accents on black leather seats, yellow stitching on the dashboard and suede-cloth combination door trim and Proto Spec interior badging.

Infotainment

Nissan Z Proto – Powertrain

Engine

Transmission

Auto-blipping, a novelty when the Nissan 370Z was launched continues to be offered together with a limited-slip rear differential. Launch control is also provided with the manual transmission. The 9-speed automatic meanwhile has paddle shifters for selection of the gears, downshift rev-matching plus an oil warmer and air-cooled cooler.

Chassis

The V6 engine is placed as far behind the front axle as much as possible, providing more weight within the wheelbase and for a healthy 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. Aluminium panels are also used for the bonnet, doors and rear boot lid.

Larger sports brakes with 355 mm brake discs, 4-piston caliper in red and sport-tuned suspension are fitted in the Performance variant of the 2023 Nissan Z. The limited edition 2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec has its brake calipers painted in yellow and stamped with the Z logo.

As for the wheels, 18-inch are standard items with 245/45R18 tyres at all four corners. The 2023 Nissan Z Performance variant meanwhile receive staggered sizing, with 255/40R19 in front and 275/35R19 high-performance tyres at the rear.

Drivetrain

Nissan Z Proto – Driving Performance

Engine performance

While not timed yet, expect the 0 to 100 km/h time to be under five seconds. The 2023 Nissan Z also feels incredibly responsive thanks to the quick response turbochargers and compact plumbing of the pressurized air. 

Unlike other automakers that pump in the fake engine noise that is clearly fake and borderline unpleasant, Nissan seems to have the upper hand in pumping engine acoustics into the cabin. The soundtrack of the V6 engine sounds pleasant and natural, reminiscent of the older Skyline 350GT or Infiniti G35 coupe.

Transmission performance

Thanks to the heavy revisions to the transmission shift linkages and fitment of a better Exedy high-performance clutch, the feel of rowing the shift lever is much better in the 2023 Nissan Z. 

Nissan has also fitted Launch Control the manual transmission, enabling the perfect engine rpm and traction control for the most effective and quickest blast from a standstill.

As for the 9-speed automatic, the ratios are well spaced from second to the seventh gear, and the final two are exclusively for use on highway cruising.

Steering and handling

Nissan Z Proto – Ride Comfort

Overall NVH is tolerable for a sports car but we feel the Toyota GR Supra is a lot more refined, which has Comfort mode electronic adaptive damper system. The sporty front seats are sculptured in a way that maintains the natural body posture with additional bolsters and support padding.

Nissan Z Proto – Fuel Economy

Nissan Z Proto – Conclusion

But, the charm of the sports car is its styling, its seating position and the legacy it continues to carry forward. All emotional attributes that simply make a sports car special. There are also no derivatives lower-end models like Nissan Z Eco or Urban, unlike the myriad number of Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 2-series variants…you get the idea. There is no need to guess a sports car when you see one.