Nissan Z Performance (RZ34)

Nissan Z Performance (RZ34)

The 2023 Nissan Z, internally designated RZ34, represents the long-awaited seventh generation of a nameplate that stretches back to the legendary 240Z of 1969. After years of rumors, false starts, and the aging 370Z soldiering on far past its expected lifespan, Nissan finally unveiled a Z car that acknowledged its heritage while embracing modern performance. The result is a machine that wears its history on its sleeve — literally — with styling cues drawn from every generation of Z car, from the original S30's long hood and short deck to the 300ZX Z32's distinctive rear taillights.

Under that retro-modern skin sits the VR30DDTT engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 but tuned specifically for the Z. It produces 400 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 350 lb-ft of torque available from just 1,600 RPM, giving the Z a remarkably broad and usable powerband that earlier turbocharged Z cars never possessed. The twin Garrett turbochargers spool quickly, virtually eliminating the traditional turbo lag that plagued earlier forced-induction Nissans.

The transmission choices are central to the Z's character. The Performance grade comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission featuring carbon-fiber composite synchros sourced from the GT-R program and an advanced rev-matching system that Nissan calls SynchroRev Match. For those who prefer it, a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters is also available, but enthusiasts have overwhelmingly gravitated toward the manual. Nissan reportedly allocated a higher percentage of manual transmissions than originally planned due to demand.

The chassis is based on an evolved version of the FM (Front Midship) platform shared with the 370Z, but extensively reworked. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension are tuned for a balance between daily comfort and spirited driving. The Performance grade adds larger Akebono front brake calipers, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and 19-inch RAYS forged wheels — a significant step up from the base Sport grade's equipment.

Inside, the Z strikes a balance between modern technology and driver focus. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges, while three auxiliary gauges mounted atop the dashboard — showing turbo boost, turbo speed, and voltage — echo the triple-gauge pod from the 300ZX. An 8-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Z's pricing strategy was deliberately aggressive. At just under $40,000 for the base Sport model and around $53,000 for the Performance, the Z significantly undercut its primary rivals, the Toyota GR Supra and the Porsche Cayman. This value proposition, combined with the emotional pull of the Z badge and the availability of a proper manual transmission, created demand that far outstripped supply at launch, with significant dealer markups becoming common.

Critics praised the Z's engine character, manual transmission feel, and accessible handling balance, while noting that the interior quality and technology lagged slightly behind European competitors. The ride-handling compromise leans toward comfort, making the Z a viable daily driver rather than a stripped-out track weapon. In this way, it follows the philosophy of the original 240Z: a sports car that anyone can live with every day.

For Nissan, the Z represents more than a performance car — it is a statement that the company still cares about driving enthusiasts. In an era of crossovers and electrification, the continuation of a front-engine, rear-drive, manual-transmission sports car is itself an act of defiance against market trends.