Mike

Just noticed a Car & Driver article popped up today. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37304208/2023-nissan-z-revealed/ Nissan's new Z features an enticing combination of a twin-turbo V-6 engine, a six-speed manual, and a $40,000 base price. BY EZRA DYER AUG 18, 2021 JOHN ROECAR AND DRIVER The new Z—it has no numbers in its name this time—will cost about the same as the 2003 350Z (adjusted for inflation, of course) and rides on the same wheelbase as the 2020 370Z. But it's upped horsepower to 400 hp from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. Its main target is the Toyota Supra, and it goes on sale next spring. When we first tested the 2003 Nissan 350Z, we heralded its unrivaled combination of price and performance. Bringing 287 horsepower for less than $27,000, the reborn Z was an instant hit, re-establishing Nissan as a maker of serious sports cars. Now, almost 20 years later, we’re feeling that same excitement for the next Z car, the 2023 Z. Factoring for inflation, its base price—about $40,000—is that same as that of the 2003 350Z. So is the basic layout, with two seats, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission. But now you get 400 horsepower, from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. That’s the kind of inflation we can get behind. JOHN ROECAR AND DRIVER Built on a much-modified version of the current FM platform and riding on the same 100.4-inch wheelbase as the outgoing 370Z, the new Z—yeah, it’s just "Z" now—uses the VR30DDTT V-6 from the Infiniti Red Sport 400 models. Making 400 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque from 1600 to 5200 rpm, the sweet 3.0-liter features direct injection and variable valve timing, running up to 14.7 psi of boost. Manual models get a carbon-fiber driveshaft, an EXEDY performance clutch, and automated rev matching on downshifts, while Zs with the nine-speed automatic have aluminum paddle shifters and available launch control. When we tested the Z’s four-seat Infiniti cousin, the Q60 Red Sport 400, it ran from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and that car had a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Z, a full foot shorter than the Q60 and presumably hundreds of pounds lighter, should hound the Toyota Supra 3.0 (zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds) in even its base Sport trim. HERITAGE A Visual History of the Nissan Z Keeping the decisions simple, there are really no stand-alone options among the three trims. The Z Sport is your entry-level model, but it’s not a stripped-out husk built strictly to tout that $40,000 price point. The Z Sport gets the same powertrain as the other Zs, along with a customizable 12.3-inch TFT instrument display, cloth seats with synthetic suede inserts, and a full cadre of safety nannies and driver-assistance gear that any self-respecting Z driver won’t actually need. Z Performance models add some interior upgrades, like heated leather seats and an eight-speaker Bose stereo system, two more than the Sport’s audio setup, but most of the package contains actual performance gear: stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, and beefier brakes. Up front, four-piston calipers grip 14.0-inch rotors, while the 13.8-inch rear rotors are squeezed by two-piston sliding calipers. JOHN ROECAR AND DRIVER The Performance replaces the Sport’s 18-inch wheels with lightweight 19-inch forged Rays wheels wearing staggered Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, 255s up front and 275s on the rear. Besides the unique wheels and red-painted brake calipers, the Performance trim is visually distinguished by front and rear spoilers and dual exhaust (and perhaps aurally distinguished by its more boisterous muffler, though we’ve yet to hear it). The automatic’s launch control function is also restricted to Performance models. Above Performance, and essentially serving as a launch edition, the Proto Spec is a Z Performance wearing the color scheme of the Z Proto concept car—yellow paint, black roof, bronze-colored wheels, and yellow brake calipers. The Wiz Khalifa–approved color scheme continues inside, with black seats and yellow stitching and accents. Manual cars also get a special shift knob. In a nod to the first Z car of them all, Nissan will only build 240 Proto Specs. JOHN ROECAR AND DRIVER In another reference to the 240Z, the interior’s center stack features three analog gauges set in a pod angled toward the driver. One is for boost, one is a voltmeter, and the third is a sort of tachometer for the turbochargers. Displaying measured turbine speed, the turbo tach will let the driver know whether the turbos are just loafing at a steady 220,000 rpm or approaching their 240,000-rpm maximum. Other callouts to Zs past include the taillights (shades of the 1990s Z32 300ZX) and the basic long-hood, short-deck proportions. Just as in the 1990s, the Supra will be the primary target when the Z goes on sale next spring. JOHN ROECAR AND DRIVER But this Z isn’t a shameless retro rehash or a refresh disguised as a new model. What it looks like is a deft melding of the contemporary 370Z's affordability with the GT-R's ferocious turbocharged performance. At this point, the only thing we’re not crazy about is the overly minimalist name. We know that Nissan is trying to look forward, not back, but "300ZX Turbo" has an awfully nice ring to it.

Yeah, but not as nostalgic ...

Nabbed the quick snippet about the engine.. V6 twin-turbo, 400hp, 350 lb-ft torque

Not sure I like the RPM gauge off to the right in the triple cluster... Edit: oh wait, maybe that's just the boost gauge... oh and, a turbo RPM gauge... nice analog clock is missing .. 😞

looks like spring 2022, missed the screenshot but it will have a 400HP engine

Can we get someone to upload photos after the event? Those of us who couldn't make it would love to watch from afar... 😉 Mike

Yeah looks to me like something from India.. maybe a blessing for the car? Who knows

I run an Optima red top battery and use their matching charger. It's nice because I installed a quick release directly to the battery and this unit is a small footprint with a tough casing. https://www.optimabatteries.com/products/chargers/digital-400

Typically there's a yellow wire for ignition and a red wire for the power. Did these possibly get swapped? m

I'm sorry @conedodger, my thoughts go out to his/her family..

Ok, I said I wouldn't get into the serious discussions around this topic because I am not a medical professional and I don't know how this virus or vaccine even works. But I do have something to say based on the perception of what's going on in this thread. First, you seem to be putting most of the population into classifications of vaccinated vs unvaccinated. While I get this is simple because of your media and internet research, I don't think it is fair to bash or ridicule those who have not vaccinated. I truly believe this has serious social repercussions and has the potential to tear humanity apart. This is just not something I want to be a part of, nor do I want that here in the club. Second, we must also try to understand that some people simply cannot take the vaccine. Are we going to throw exceptions to these people? I mean, do they need to come to a car website and read about how much of a bad human they are just because they don't fit into the statistics we've all read on the CDC's website? Do you think that's fair? Lastly, I don't understand why everyone is so opinionated about this topic. Health is a personal decision, much like your sex life. I don't know anyone asking if you like anal sex... and I don't really want to know.

I get all my news from social media and the National Enquirer. Are you guys bullying me? I may have to report you to management. 😛

This pic is pure sex... love that shot..

They were vaccinated... ouch

Well I'm not getting into the vax vs no-vax discussion, but I am pretty concerned about the idea of government sending volunteers door-knocking. This has the potential to end badly and dividing the country even further.

Just a bit of humor in a pretty serious thread.. 😉 And to be clear, you have misquoted me. I requested that we stop the bashing. This is a forum that is open to all conversations, no matter which side you take on the subject.

Keep me posted on your experience with these guys. I'd love to list them in our links area but I won't if they don't follow up. m

Here in WA, I'm starting to notice that stores are taking down their "mask required" signs and people are allowed inside without a mask. It looks like employees are still wearing masks but this is a good sign things are starting to return to normal.