The 2023 Nissan Z is sportscar forbidden fruit

First previewed back in 2020, the production Z deviates very little from the distinctive style the Z Proto initially showed off. Minor changes include a revised grille and a more road-ready ride height and stance. Predictably, the Z packs a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with around 400PS (294kW) going exclusively to the rear wheels. On the way there, power goes either via a nine-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. 

The engine is said to deliver crisp response and competitive fuel efficiency thanks to its electronically-controlled valve timing and small-diameter turbos. The 0-62mph sprint should take comfortably under five seconds. This new Z is more rigid and therefore has increased cornering performance compared with the outgoing 370, too, with cornering G forces up by 13 per cent. This, in spite of the basic structure being carried over. Though not a wholesale redesign, the double-wishbone front and multilink rear end suspension setups have been comprehensively worked over, while new monotube shocks provide the damping. 

Two spec levels are available. ‘Sport’ is the base specification, while Performance adds a few goodies. These include bigger Rays 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes, a mechanical limited-slip diff, a dusting of mild aero addenda and launch control. The standard ‘Sport’ spec car can be identified with its smoother looks and smaller 18-inch wheels.

Two spec levels are available. ‘Sport’ is the base specification, while Performance adds a few goodies. These include bigger Rays 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes, a mechanical limited-slip diff, a dusting of mild aero addenda and launch control. The standard ‘Sport’ spec car can be identified with its smoother looks and smaller 18-inch wheels. 

It’s quite the knockout to look at, isn’t it? Yes, we’re familiar thanks to the Z Proto but it’s worth celebrating how those distinctive retro-futuristic looks survived to production. This is a car with attitude, very conscious of its lineage while also looking firmly ahead.

The cabin is relatively unchanged from the concept too. Go for the auto box and you get shift paddles from the GT-R. The instrument cluster is now all-digital, spanning 12.3 inches, while standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto reside in the central infotainment display. Cognisant of heritage, the classic three analogue dials sit above, to set it apart from rival wholly-digitised cabins.

The real question we have then, is why not? Why isn’t it coming here? Well, emissions regulations make it a hard no but we also suspect Nissan aren’t overly impressed with the perceived market for these sorts of cars. The 370Z, long as it lived, was never a big seller. Nor was the Toyota GT 86, even though that is getting a successor in the GR 86 in the UK. Happily, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing one over from Japan. The new Z could be the next hottest Japanese import. 

As for cost? For us, there’s no telling. Prices aren’t available yet and you’d have to plop import costs on top of that. We expect once landed and registered in the UK, the Z will wind up setting you back more than the equivalent Toyota Supra, even if the Z’s initial purchase price significantly undercuts its fiercest rival.

So, which modern Japanese sportscar is for you? The new Z, or the Supra?