400-HP 2023 Nissan Z Puts the Toyota Supra on Notice (2024)

  • The new Z—it has no numbers in its name this time—will cost about the same as the 2003 350Z (adjusted for inflation, of course) and rides on the same wheelbase as the 2020 370Z.
  • But it's upped horsepower to 400 hp from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6.
  • Its main target is the Toyota Supra, and it goes on sale next spring.

When we first tested the 2003 Nissan 350Z, we heralded its unrivaled combination of price and performance. Bringing 287 horsepower for less than $27,000, the reborn Z was an instant hit, re-establishing Nissan as a maker of serious sports cars. Now, almost 20 years later, we’re feeling that same excitement for the next Z car, the 2023 Z. Factoring for inflation, its base price—about $40,000—is that same as that of the 2003 350Z. So is the basic layout, with two seats, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission. But now you get 400 horsepower, from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. That’s the kind of inflation we can get behind.

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Built on a much-modified version of the current FM platform and riding on the same 100.4-inch wheelbase as the outgoing 370Z, the new Z—yeah, it’s just "Z" now—uses the VR30DDTT V-6 from the Infiniti Red Sport 400 models. Making 400 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque from 1600 to 5200 rpm, the sweet 3.0-liter features direct injection and variable valve timing, running up to 14.7 psi of boost. Manual models get a carbon-fiber driveshaft, an EXEDY performance clutch, and automated rev matching on downshifts, while Zs with the nine-speed automatic have aluminum paddle shifters and available launch control.

When we tested the Z’s four-seat Infiniti cousin, the Q60 Red Sport 400, it ran from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and that car had a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Z, a full foot shorter than the Q60 and presumably hundreds of pounds lighter, should hound the Toyota Supra 3.0 (zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds) in even its base Sport trim.

Keeping the decisions simple, there are really no stand-alone options among the three trims. The Z Sport is your entry-level model, but it’s not a stripped-out husk built strictly to tout that $40,000 price point. The Z Sport gets the same powertrain as the other Zs, along with a customizable 12.3-inch TFT instrument display, cloth seats with synthetic suede inserts, and a full cadre of safety nannies and driver-assistance gear that any self-respecting Z driver won’t actually need.

Z Performance models add some interior upgrades, like heated leather seats and an eight-speaker Bose stereo system, two more than the Sport’s audio setup, but most of the package contains actual performance gear: stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, and beefier brakes. Up front, four-piston calipers grip 14.0-inch rotors, while the 13.8-inch rear rotors are squeezed by two-piston calipers.

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The Performance replaces the Sport’s 18-inch wheels with lightweight 19-inch forged Rays wheels wearing staggered Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, 255s up front and 275s on the rear. Besides the unique wheels and red-painted brake calipers, the Performance trim is visually distinguished by front and rear spoilers and dual exhaust (and perhaps aurally distinguished by its more boisterous muffler, though we’ve yet to hear it). The automatic’s launch control function is also restricted to Performance models.

Above Performance, and essentially serving as a launch edition, the Proto Spec is a Z Performance wearing the color scheme of the Z Proto concept car—yellow paint, black roof, bronze-colored wheels, and yellow brake calipers. The Wiz Khalifa–approved color scheme continues inside, with black seats and yellow stitching and accents. Manual cars also get a special shift knob. In a nod to the first Z car of them all, Nissan will only build 240 Proto Specs.

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In another reference to the 240Z, the interior’s center stack features three analog gauges set in a pod angled toward the driver. One is for boost, one is a voltmeter, and the third is a sort of tachometer for the turbochargers. Displaying measured turbine speed, the turbo tach will let the driver know whether the turbos are just loafing at a steady 220,000 rpm or approaching their 240,000-rpm maximum. Other callouts to Zs past include the taillights (shades of the 1990s Z32 300ZX) and the basic long-hood, short-deck proportions.

Just as in the 1990s, the Supra will be the primary target when the Z goes on sale next spring.

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But this Z isn’t a shameless retro rehash or a refresh disguised as a new model. What it looks like is a deft melding of the contemporary 370Z's affordability with the GT-R's ferocious turbocharged performance. At this point, the only thing we’re not crazy about is the overly minimalist name. We know that Nissan is trying to look forward, not back, but "300ZX Turbo" has an awfully nice ring to it.

400-HP 2023 Nissan Z Puts the Toyota Supra on Notice (5)

Ezra Dyer

Senior Editor

Ezra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He's now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive.

400-HP 2023 Nissan Z Puts the Toyota Supra on Notice (2024)

FAQs

Is the new Z faster than the Supra? ›

The manual Supra is the quickest around our figure eight, however; it lapped the course in 23.7 seconds averaging 0.82 g, while the 177-pound-heavier manual Z lapped it in 25.3 seconds at 0.74 g—three-tenths of a second slower than the last auto-equipped Z we tested.

How much horsepower does the 2023 Nissan 300z have? ›

The 2023 Z is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic.

How much horsepower does the best Supra have? ›

For maximum thrills, an available 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder produces 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, making the Supra the quickest Toyota-branded production vehicle to date.

How much horsepower does the 400Z have? ›

3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo engine with 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Unique paddle shifters.

Who is faster than Supra? ›

The Chiron, with its incredible performance, is simply too powerful and fast for a Supra to beat. While it's possible to increase the Supra's horsepower, it still wouldn't be enough to match the Chiron's speed.

What's faster a Supra or Hellcat? ›

Supra is the fastest by a small margin.

How much HP can the 2023 Nissan Z handle? ›

400 horsepower pushing you back into a deeply contoured sport seat. A tap of the Performance Brakes, a quick turn of the wheel and you dive to the apex of the turn.

Is the Nissan Z reliable? ›

We expect the 2024 Z to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars.

What is the fastest 300ZX in the world? ›

JUN was the fastest of the three, at 228.3 mph. At the wheel of the JUN 300ZX was Susumu Koyama, JUN's resident tuning genius. Nicknamed “God Hand” for his uncanny mechanical abilities, Koyama's work was at the heart of JUN's most powerful creations. To some fans, he was also known as Professor Engine.

Why is the Supra engine so strong? ›

The 2JZ-GTE also benefits from a well-designed three-layer steel head gasket that can withstand high boost pressure without blowing. Then, there's the forged steel crankshaft, which is particularly strong. And finally, Papadakis notes the girdle at the bottom of the engine, which helps add rigidity to the block.

Which Supra has 3000 HP? ›

The Toyota 2JZ straight-six is synonymous with big power and drag racing. Four-digit output ratings aren't uncommon among Supra racers, but it isn't everyday that we see one of these motors pushing more than 3000 horsepower.

What is the most powerful Nissan Z? ›

With 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, the Z NISMO is the most powerful of the current Z cars. There'll be no manual for NISMO, but a retuned nine-speed automatic transmission and a Track mode for faster shifts.

How much HP will the 400Z NISMO have? ›

Targeted enhancements to twin-turbo engine

Z NISMO takes the twin-turbo engine's power outputs up to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, increases of 20 hp and 34 lb-ft compared to other Z grades.

How much is the 400Z NISMO? ›

The Big Question
2024 Nissan Z NISMO Specifications
BASE PRICE$60,000 (est)
LAYOUTFront-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE3.0L/420-hp/384-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION9-speed auto
7 more rows
Aug 1, 2023

Is Supra faster than 370z? ›

Supra is the fastest by a huge margin.

Is the new Z fast? ›

From the factory, the 2023 Z is capable of pushing 155 mph, according to Nissan. That's not exactly a groundbreaking number, especially considering the 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque coming from the car's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine.

Is GTR faster than Supra? ›

Verdict. Skyline GT-R is the fastest by considerable margin.

Which is more powerful Supra or GTR? ›

The Nissan GTR is undeniably powerful, but it falls short of the excellent fuel economy of the GR Supra. The 2021 GTR only earns an EPA-estimated 16 city/22 highway MPG. Even the available engine of the GR Supra is able to top the Nissan GTR; it earns an EPA-estimated 22 city/30 highway MPG.

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