2023 Nissan Z Review

Oolander. Godilla. The Lost City of. All movie titles immeasurably helped with the addition of the letter Z, but this character's importance isn't limited to the realm of films. Nissan's newest interpretation of its two-seat sports car is thankfully keeping the letter, but it does lose the numerical designation that typically accompanies it. No 400Z nomenclature here — the seventh-generation coupe is simply known as the 2023 Nissan Z.

The new Z is the latest, and perhaps last, gasoline-powered generation of the company's well-known two-seat sports car. It follows the last-generation 370Z after a three-year hiatus. This new Z isn't entirely new — it shares its underlying body structure with its predecessor — but Nissan has revised just about everything. There's a more powerful engine, improved handling and braking feel and capability, an updated cabin, and new technology features.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that develops 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque — a healthy increase from the 370Z's maximum of 350 hp and 276 lb-ft. Purists will rejoice at the rear-wheel-drive layout and the return of a six-speed manual transmission. Manual-equipped Performance models come with a rev-matching feature so you'll always hit the right mark when downshifting. It also comes with launch control if you opt for the upper Performance trim. Launch control comes on all Zs equipped with the available nine-speed automatic.

The new Z gets a thorough refreshening on the inside, though some old elements remain. The new dash features a large touchscreen that runs more modern software. There's also a slick new digital instrument panel that does a good job of relaying critical information at a quick glance. Below the central display are three climate control dials similar to those in the 370Z. It's an old-school design, but the dials are refreshingly easier to use than some newer and more complicated on-screen climate controls.

We're happy the Z exists, and the prospect of getting a 400-hp sports car for a reasonable price is certainly appealing. But in some aspects we don't think Nissan did enough to revitalize the Z compared to the latest versions of the BMW 2 Series coupe, Ford Mustang and Toyota Supra. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to see where the new 2023 Nissan Z shines and where it lands short.