The 2023 Nissan Z Arrives In Canada In Early 2022 With 400 Horsepower And A Manual Transmission

400 is the headline-grabbing figure when it comes to the new 2023 Nissan Z. But we have another important number to share.

1969.

52 years ago, in October 1969, the 1970 Datsun 240Z was unveiled in New York City at the Pierre Hotel. Leaning on the history of that 240Z (and the upgraded 260Z and 280Z), the the second-generation 280ZX, third-generation 300ZX, the ahead-of-its-time fourth-generation 300ZX of 1990-1996, the re-birthed 350Z of 2002, and the most recent sixth-generation 370Z of 2009-2020, the 2023 Nissan Z is the seventh car in an iconic line of Japanese sports cars. 

And it's drop-dead gorgeous. This new coupe isn't merely a modernized carbon copy of any prior Z. Rather, it's inspired by everything that came before. That's most obvious in two elements: the roofline shape that's been consistent for 52 years, and the rear view's dramatic vertical drop. 

PERFORMANCE

Design is an essential part of the new Nissan Z's equation, but performance doesn't play second fiddle. In fact, the 2023 Nissan Z's performance pallete is broader than ever. Here are the highlights:

• • Now under the hood is a 3.0-liter V6. That's smaller than before, but wait one second... there are two turbos. 
• • Horsepower jumps by 68 to an even 400.
• • Torque surges by 30 percent to 350 lb-ft, and it's available way down low at 1,600 rpm and plateaus all the way to 5,600 rpm. 
• • Acceleration from 0-100kmh should be reduced by roughly 15 percent.
• • The #SaveTheManuals campaign is well and truly alive at Nissan. A 6-speed manual shifter with an EXEDY high-performance clutch is standard. (A 9-speed automatic is optional.)
• • The 6-speed will be available with a launch assist control system in the Z Performance model. All automatic-equipped cars will feature launch control.
• • SynchroRev Match will once again be fitted to all manual Z Performance models.
• • Z suspension is improved across the board. Because the body is more rigid, Nissan knew the Z could benefit from wider tires to support increased cornering G forces by 13 percent.
• • There are larger diameter shocks to support better ride quality on rough roads. Combine that with revised geometry on the double-wishbone front suspension and straight line stability is greatly improved.

COLOUR

Paint options on the new Z include a lot of new looks. There's the option of Black Diamond Metallic and Gun Metallic as monotone shades, but Nissan is also offering five Z colour options that are paired with a Super Black roof:

• • Boulder Grey
• • Seiran Blue
• • Ikazuchi Yellow
• • Passion Red TriCoat
• • Everest White Pearl TriCoat

CABIN

Inside, the 2023 Nissan Z's high-tech environment includes a centre-mounted 8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display in front of the driver. The deep-dish steering wheel is perfectly modern yet distinctly vintage at the same time. The seats, meanwhile, are inspired by the GT-R, so there's more suede and an overall better hold.

Every 2023 Z will incliude automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, and forward collision warning. Standard equipment also includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, intelligent cruise control, proximity access with pushbutton start, front and rear sonar.

SPORT vs. PERFORMANCE

In addition a limited launch edition called the Proto Spec, the 2023 Nissan Z's Canadian product lineup includes two models: Sport and Performance. The Z Performance includes 8-speaker Bose audio, NissanConnect services with WiFi hotspotting capability, a limited slip differential, and 19-inch RAYS alloys wearing Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber, sport brakes, aluminum pedals, dual exhaust, and heated and powered leather seats. 

No matter which Z you choose, it's certain that Canadians will be taking delivery of a sports car that puts the driver first. In a world where some so-called sports cars seem barely to need their driver at all, the 2023 Nissan Z is, well, it's analog. Going, turning, stopping, shifting. Accelerating, cornering, braking, clutching. 

Since 1969.