Nissan Z (Z35): The Modern Return

The Nissan Z — officially launched for the 2023 model year as simply "Nissan Z" (no numerical prefix) — is Nissan's first all-new Z-car chassis in over a decade. Built on an evolved FM platform with a modernized twin-turbo V6, the Z represents Nissan's answer to the question: what does a modern Z-car look like when the entire sports car market has shifted toward electrification, driver-assist technology, and aggressive turbo engines? The answer, surprisingly, is a retro-inspired, analog-focused, 400-horsepower sports car with a manual transmission and no hybrid. It's a throwback that respects the Z-car heritage.

The VR30DDTT Engine

The new Z uses the VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6:

• Displacement: 3.0L (2,997cc)
• Output: 400 hp at 6,400 rpm, 350 lb-ft at 1,600-5,600 rpm
• Layout: Twin-turbo V6, direct injection
• Redline: 7,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic

The VR30DDTT is shared with the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. In the Z, Nissan tuned it for more aggressive throttle response and better mid-range torque. The engine produces its peak torque from 1,600 rpm — a broad, flat curve that makes the Z tractable in traffic and violent on the highway.

The Design Philosophy

Nissan's design team, led by Alfonso Albaisa, chose to pay direct visual homage to the original 240Z. The new Z's proportions — long hood, short rear deck, upright greenhouse — echo the 1969 240Z. The side profile, in particular, features a prominent "hook" over the rear wheels that's nearly identical to the original. The interior uses retro-styled round gauges and a simple center console.

This was a deliberate choice. Nissan's sports car division understood that the new Z needed to connect emotionally with Z-car heritage, not compete with European supercars on pure specs.

The Chassis

The new Z uses a heavily revised version of the Z34's FM platform:

• Rigidity: Significantly improved over Z34
• Weight: 1,660 kg — heavier than the 370Z due to modern crash structures and emissions equipment
• Weight distribution: 55/45 front/rear — reasonable but not as ideal as the 350Z's 53/47
• Suspension: Double wishbone front, multi-link rear
• Brakes: 4-piston Akebono calipers standard, Brembos on Performance trim

The Z retained the 6-speed manual as a primary option — unusual for a modern sports car at this power level.

Production Variants

• Sport: Base trim. 400 hp, 18-inch wheels, basic Bilstein suspension.
• Performance: Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, revised suspension, launch control, heated seats.
• Nismo (2024 debut): Enhanced power delivery, stiffer suspension, Nismo-specific aerodynamics, dedicated exhaust, 9-speed automatic only.

The Nissan Z launched in mid-2022 in the US and has been selling steadily, though not at the volume of its Toyota Supra or BMW Z4 competitors.

Motorsport

The new Z is active in GT4 racing through the Nissan Z GT4 program, with private teams campaigning it in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series and European Blancpain GT4.

Formula Drift and drift-focused teams have begun adopting the new Z as a chassis, though it faces competition from the BMW M2 and Toyota GR Corolla in that space.

Today's Market

The Nissan Z is still in production. MSRP:

• Sport: $42,900
• Performance: $53,000
• Nismo: $65,000+

Used examples are still appearing on the market, typically at near-MSRP or with small discounts.

Legacy

The Nissan Z's role in 2024 is clear: it's the most faithful, analog sports car in the modern Nissan lineup. It's heavier than the 350Z and 370Z, less refined than the Supra A90, and less dramatic than a Porsche 718. But it's the only modern Z-car, and for Z-car loyalists, that matters more than any benchmark comparison.

The new Z also proved that Nissan still has the institutional knowledge and commitment to build a proper sports car — something that wasn't certain after years of CUV focus. The VR30DDTT engine is world-class. The 6-speed manual is available. And the styling respects Z-car heritage without being a nostalgic parody.

It's not a replacement for the 240Z, 300ZX, or 350Z. It's the next chapter. And for a Nissan Z enthusiast in 2024, it's the only chapter currently being written.