2023 Nissan 400Z
2023 Nissan 400Z – Nissan has kept it a secret with details about the 400Z, but now we know that the updated sports car will come with a twin-turbo V-6—likely borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 coupe—and a six-speed manual transmission.
Fortunately, the Z will receive technology updates with new touchscreen infotainment, a digital gauge display, and possibly several new driver assistance features.
2023 Nissan 400Z
While the last generation, 370Z, competes with more affordable sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota 86 in terms of price and performance, this next-generation car is expected to rise slightly to the market but the Supra in its crosshairs.
The upcoming Nissan 400Z has the potential to help return the Japanese manufacturer to its former glory. If the horsepower and torque figures from the Project Cars 3 game are accurate, they could easily outperform the Toyota Supra.
We know that the 400Z will land with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, the same unit as the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400.
On that model, the powertrain is good for 400 hp and 350 lb-ft (474 Nm) but the technical specifications released for the car in Project Cars 3 claim that it has 444 hp.
The game does not list torque figures but adds a car weight of 3,251.8 lbs (1,475 kg), meaning it is lighter than the Toyota Supra and lighter than the Nissan 370Z.
What’s New for 2023?
Nissan’s iconic Z car will be all-new for 2023. Previewed by the Z Proto concept car, the new 400Z draws design inspiration from the past Z cars.
Still, it gives us a glimpse into the future with the latest technology and much-needed interior modernization. We expect the 2023 400Z to debut next year as a hardtop coupe, but a convertible version could follow later.
The Nissan Z Proto is available in Project Car 3 through a DLC Power Pack that adds the 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex 2002 Nissan Silvia (S15) Spec R Aero and the 2020 Nissan 370Z. Power Pack DLC costs $9.99.
Nissan first showed off the Z Proto with a six-speed manual transmission, and the production car is also expected to be equipped with a shift stick, although automatic may be offered as an option. The drive will be delivered via the rear wheel via a limited-slip differential.
2023 Nissan 400Z Engine
Like its brother, the Nissan GT-R, the 400Z is expected to be powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6. However, instead of the 565 hp 3.8-liter engine under the GT-R hood, the 400Z will likely get a 3.0-liter 300 hp engine from the Infiniti Q60.
It is also possible that the high-performance NISMO variant could get a 400-hp version of the machine that is currently exclusive to the Q60 Red Sport 400.
While all-wheel drive is available at Infiniti, we hope Nissan will continue to use the particular rear-wheel purpose for the 400Z. Nissan has promised a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, but we expect a seven-speed automatic transmission to be offered as an option.
Nissan 400Z Fuel Economy
The EPA has not released any estimates for fuel savings for the new Z, but if the Q60 lights up, we can expect a highway fuel economy rating as high as 28 mpg or more, with the city’s rating falling just south the 20- mpg line.
We will find out more closely to the date of car sales, and we look forward to testing the 400Z fuel savings on our 200-mile test route.
2023 Nissan 400Z Interior
Although new for 2023, Nissan has not changed the layout of the Z cabin. However, what is changing is everything. As seen in the Z Proto concept vehicle’s image, the new Z will receive a modernized place with updated materials—a welcome upgrade from the current 370Z’s ancient interior.
To justify the expected price increase, we expect Nissan to use genuine leather upholstery, adjustable seat power, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Cargo space remains a mystery, but we don’t expect the 400Z to turn into a Costco-managed champion; we put three carry-on suitcases in the 370Z luggage, which should be quite many buyers of such vehicles.
Perhaps one of the Z categories that have the most room to upgrade is in its infotainment. Unfortunately, the current is one of the few new cars on the road that does not have a touch screen infotainment system as standard, which Nissan will undoubtedly handle with the unique 400Z.
We expect an 8.0-inch (or larger) touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect’s latest user interface.
The Z Proto concept vehicle even features a fully digital measuring screen. Navigation will no doubt be an option, and Bose will likely engineer premium audio.
Safety Features
Neither the NHTSA nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested 400Z accidents. Moreover, they most likely won’t do so because no one regularly tries sports cars.
The 400Z will probably feature Nissan’s latest driver assistance feature, but high-tech party equipment is expected to remain optional. Key security features are most likely to include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Lane departure alerts available with lane maintenance assistance.
- Adaptive cruise control is available.
2023 Nissan 400Z Price
We expect price increases above the current 370Z to somewhere in the mid-$40,000 range for the starting price.
We expect the 400Z to increase the stakes with more luxurious features, improved performance, and a more desirable style, all of which will all also help it climb from the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ gaming fields to compete with the likes of the Supra, BMW Z4, and Audi TT.
