2023 Nissan Z: Old-school styling, modern tech, power

“The 370Z built upon the earlier 350Z’s architecture, and the new Z repeats the pattern, but it doesn’t feel the same. The shell has been strengthened, and Nissan claims a 10.8 percent increase in torsional stiffness with only a 40-pound weight gain. Overall, the Z is about 150 pounds heavier and 5 inches longer than its predecessor model for model.

Fatter front tires boast a 20 percent larger contact patch, the suspension geometry is changed considerably, and the monotube shock absorbers are new. So is the power steering system, which banishes the 370Z’s over-assisted feel in favor of much more direct feedback and better weighting. The Z’s brakes, retuned to feel more like the GT-R’s, feel strong and direct, without much fade even on the track.

The steering is precise, but even the lightest Z weighs a half-ton more than a Miata, 600 pounds more than a BRZ and 400 more than a base Cayman. It’s also a little more front-heavy, too. The Nissan is lots of fun to thrash but definitely not as lithe as these others.

On the other hand, there’s a lot more power, though competition gets stiffer at the Performance’s price point. For maximum value, a 450-horsepower V-8 Mustang costs less than the Z Sport and is faster and as capable on the track. That said, the Z’s playful personality offers plenty of fun per dollar and a taste of the “analog experience” many enthusiasts clamor for.

The Z has loads of grip. Its handling limits are high, but it trends a little toward understeer and will let you know when you’re pushing too hard. As [Z chief product planner Hiroshi] Tamura suggested, it has good rhythm, nice moves and doesn’t leave you hanging. Unless you want it to break away. In that case, turn off traction control and you can pretend to be Keiichi Tsuchiya. (Don’t do this at your local Cars and Coffee meetup).”

— Alex Kwanten, Forbes