One letter, and lots of fun.

That’s a simple way to describe the enthusiast-focused Z line from Nissan.

This sporty, old-school, rear-wheel drive coupe with 2 doors, 2 seats and a whole lot of power under the hood, is one that continues to impress.

After a redesign in 2023, the 2024 lineup adds the more powerful NISMO trim level, which I was recently able to experience.

And it’s definitely a memorable experience, with the Z NISMO offering a fun and fast, racetrack-ready vehicle for driving enthusiasts, highlighted by aerodynamic upgrades and booming power.

Its sports car competition is plentiful — from classics like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Corvette, to the newer Toyota GR Supra and more upscale offerings from BMW and Porsche — but the Z brings an attractive design and powerful performance that can handle the competition, and costs much less.

“Wow. That’s a Nissan?”

This was a common expression I heard all week when people would walk by and stare at the 2023 Nissan Z I was test-driving.

The long-awaited vehicle — the 7th generation of the Z model aimed at driving enthusiasts — has finally arrived this summer, offering a more affordable option to fans of speed and power who don’t want to spend luxury dollars for a rear-wheel-drive coupe offering a pure thrill ride. With few true competitors — most notably the Toyota GR Supra — the latest Z has a great shot at drawing a significant fan base among devoted enthusiasts. 

In an era where most big launches are electric vehicles, the arrival of the new Z is a big deal.

The 2023 Nissan Z is the 7th generation of the Z legacy, which stretches back all the way to 1969. I was able to test a prototype of this highly anticipated sports car, and I’m back with a full report on the vehicle — which aims to continue the Z’s historic styling and sporty nature while adding in some modern tech features.