The base Z coupe lacks the Performance model’s track-focused parts, but it’s about $12,000 less than a base six-cylinder Supra.
- The 2023 Nissan Z has a $41,015 starting price—about $12,000 less than a base, six-cylinder Toyota Supra.
- The Performance model starts at $51,015, but that extra $10k adds better brakes, bigger wheels with stickier tires, and more.
- The Proto Spec is limited to 240 copies and comes fully loaded with exclusive yellow accents for $54,015.
When the new Nissan Z finally makes its triumphant return to the streets, it’ll do so with a starting price that undercuts its arch rival, the Toyota Supra, by nearly $12,000. That’s because the 2023 Z’s base model opens at $41,015 with either the six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission. Yes, the 2023 Supra is also getting a three-pedal setup, but models with the turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six are still expected to cost at least $53K.
Even in its base form, the new Z isn’t a stripped-down model destined for rental fleets, although we’d be happy to see it offered at the Hertz counter. Instead, the standard coupe comes nicely equipped with a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats with microsuede inserts, and myriad driver-assistance features. Oh, yeah, and did we mention it has a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6? Nissan Stans will surely be quick to point out that that’s 18 horses more than the Supra. Of course, Toyota slappies can clap back with their car’s torque advantage (368 pound-feet versus 350).
The Z’s price rises by $10,000 if you opt for the Performance model, which has the same powertrain but adds a handful of track-focused hardware. Starting at $51,015, the Z Performance gets upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, and bigger wheels with stickier tires. Whereas the base model rolls on 18-inch rims, the Performance version has 19-inch forged rollers wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber with staggered widths of 255 front and 275 rear. The sizable surcharge also includes a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system with more speakers, and a leather and faux suede interior with heated seats.
For the collectors, Nissan is offering the 2023 Z in a Proto Spec. The company will only sell 240 copies at launch, with each priced at $54,015. Along with all the goodies found on the Performance model, the Proto Spec can be visually identified by its unique bronze-colored rims, yellow paint, and copious amount of yellow accents—a look similar to the Z Proto that was revealed prior to the production car’s launch. The yellow trim extends to the brake calipers and the contrast stitching inside on the leather-appointed seats.
Initially slated to hit showrooms this spring, Nissan delayed the Z’s arrival date in the United States to this summer. The company said the setback was due to “unforeseen supply chain issues.” Whatever the case, we’re eager to get our sweaty hands on one to go head-to-head with that other recently resurrected two-door, rear-drive coupe. You know the one.