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There are three distinct flavors of Z-car to choose from in the United States.
Ever since the debut of the 2023 Nissan Z, potential customers have patiently waited for more specific details from the automaker. That wait is officially over, as Nissan has just released the U.S.-spec configurator for the new sports coupe, which allows customers to get an idea just how much money they’ll have to spend to take home one of these machines. Here’s what you need to know about the configurator breakdown.
The 2023 Z will be offered in three different trim levels in the United States: Sport, Performance, and Proto Spec. All three trim levels can be specced with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic free of charge. Regardless of which trim you opt for, all Z models are also powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, which is borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport. In Z spec, the engine is good for 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s a great amount of power for the money, as the Nissan Z Sport starts at just $41,015 including destination charges. For comparison, the Supra 2.0-liter starts at $44,635 with destination included.
The Z Sport is a relatively basic sports car, with the trim barred from adding some of the exciting options available on higher trimmed models. A set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and LED headlights are about as far as exterior appointments go. Three no-cost paint options are available, while six two-tone options range from $895-$1695. Other exterior accessories include a front and rear spoiler, which add $170 and $630, respectively. You can also spec racing stripes for $595, but they’d look a bit more appropriate on a Ford Mustang. Outside of the standard floor mats or first-aid kit accessories, there isn’t a ton to be added to the interior of the Z Sport.
While the 12.3-inch digital dash helps tie all the trims together, the Z sport can only be spec'd with a cloth graphite interior. You can add the dual camera drive recorder for $630 however, which allows you to playback those awesome lap times you’ve posted.
The Z Performance offers largely the same options as the Z Sport, but does come with a few additional niceties for the $51,015 base price. That starts with a 1.5-way mechanical limited-slip differential out back, 19-inch Rays forged alloy wheels and Akebono 4-piston front calipers with proper 14-inch rotors. The aforementioned front and rear spoilers are standard equipment for Z Performance models and are necessary for posting quick lap times. The Z Performance offers the same color palette and paint pricing as the Z Sport, but it comes with improved interior choices. Customers will receive a nicer leather and synthetic suede interior, which can be optioned in graphite, red and blue color schemes. There’s also a Bose 8-speaker audio system to play your favorite tunes on the commute to the track. The Performance also gets a larger 9-inch infotainment screen. Outside of those tweaks, the Z Sport and Performance models offer identical accessory options, most of which are unnecessary for sporty driving. For example, you can spec splash guards that cost $335, or a clear protection wrap for the hood for $170. If you really want to add more to the MSRP, you can even spec ground projection lighting and illuminated sills for another $395 and $500, respectively.
The range-topping Nissan Z Proto Spec is limited to just 240 units, a nice nod to the original Z-car from which this model draws its inspiration. Based on the Z Performance, this limited-production model is really more of an appearance package than anything else. The Proto Spec gets a unique bronze hue on its set of the Rays wheels, which sit in front of a pair of exclusive yellow calipers. The Ikazuchi Yellow exterior paint is also a nod to the early prototype models that we saw. The exclusivity will come at a price however, the Z Proto Spec starts at $56,875 including destination. Whether or not you’d even be able to get your hands on one is a different story.
The 2023 Nissan Z configurator helps to highlight the fact that this new sports car appears to carry some wide appeal. The pricing breakdown is much friendlier than we see coming out of Toyota, and might prove enticing enough to get customers out of the similarly priced American offerings. Even with all of the unnecessary options installed, the most expensive 2023 Nissan Z clocks in at $60,037. Most customers won't install such a mash of random accessories, which means the real-world MSRPs should slot below that. Of course, that's just until Nissan dealerships get their say about it.