Although the appearance of the 7th-gen Z, which was launched in the US overnight, came as no surprise, Nissan threw down the gauntlet to the Toyota Supra by equipping its sportscar with a 298-kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 in combination with, inter alia, a 6-speed manual ‘box!

Eleven months ago, Nissan released the Proto Z concept, which previewed the production version of the next iteration of the Japanese sportscar, which many publications believed would be called the 400Z (because of its expected rated output of 400 bhp).

Well, although the design of the Proto Z has indeed been largely carried over for the “2023 Z”, the model has dropped its numerical prefix (at least in the US) and we expect the newcomer to go on sale locally around the middle of next year; we base that prediction on the fact that the Z will debut in the States in the 2nd quarter of 2022.

As expected, the 7th-gen Z has adopted the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 motor of its Infiniti Q60 coupe cousin. The powerplant utilises a pair of small-diameter turbochargers and electronic variable valve timing to produce peak outputs of 298 kW at 6 400 rpm and 475 Nm from 1 600 to 5 600 rpm.

Compared with its long-serving naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6-engined predecessor, the new Z produces 53 kW more power and 112 Nm more torque; Nissan claims that the sportscar’s 0-60 mph (0-96 kph) times have improved by 15%, which we calculate to be a claimed 4.6 sec for the 6-speed manual and 4.9 sec for the 9-speed automatic version respectively (remember, these are estimates only).

In what is said to be a first for a rear-wheel-drive Nissan, new Z derivatives equipped with the close-ratio manual ‘box feature a carbon-fibre composite driveshaft, an Exedy high-performance clutch, as well as a launch-assist control system (with additional rev-matching on Performance variants). In the opinion of many enthusiasts, this configuration gives Nissan an edge over the automatic-only Toyota Supra…

Automatic transmission-equipped derivatives also feature the launch-control system, in combination with aluminium paddle shifters. They feature 2 drive modes (Standard and Sport); while the former is the default and therefore needs no explanation, the latter is claimed to offer faster acceleration control, a sportier steering algorithm and -vehicle dynamic control settings, plus active sound enhancement to append the V6’s decidedly rorty exhaust note. All Performance variants (be they automatic or manual) come equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Although the newcomer is based on its predecessor’s, um, shall-we-say “tried and tested” underpinnings, Nissan has enhanced the coupe’s body rigidity, equipped the electronic power steering system with rack assist and imbued it with “a strong mechanical feel”, it says, and fitted wider front tyres.

Both front and rear dampers use a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter than the outgoing 370Z, while the front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, as well asa 2-point front strut tower brace. The rear independent multi-link aluminium suspension has also been reconfigured.

Nissan has fitted the new Z with ventilated disc brakes all round, while larger sport brakes (with red-painted calipers) feature on Performance variants. Z Sport derivatives ride on dark18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels shod with Yokohama ADVAN Sporttyres, while Z Performance derivatives feature19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminium-alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza S007tyres.

Lastly, Z Performance derivatives featurea rear spoiler (as shown above), whichis claimed to createpositive pressure where the rear hatch and spoiler meet.Nissan saysthe stylish adornment mitigates lift at the rear of the car. The front spoiler, meanwhile,takes advantage of knowledge gained through Nissan GT-R development to utilise negative pressure zones, the firm claims.

Whereas the new “2023 Z” will be offered with a trio of single colours: Black Diamond Metallic, Gun Metallic and Rosewood Metallic, there will also be half a dozen dual-tone exterior combinations (in combination with a Super Black roof): Brilliant Silver, Boulder Grey, new Seiran Blue, new Ikazuchi Yellow, Passion Red Tri-Coat and Everest White Pearl Tri-Coat.

As for the interior, the new Z’s cabin incorporates several nods to its predecessors, such as the eminently engaging driving position, aluminium pedals, the trio of analogue pod gauges on the dashboard (boost, turbo speed, voltmeter), a retro-looking multifunction steering wheel and sports seats trimmed in either black cloth (with an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat) or leather (with electric adjustment for both seats – including a manual lifter, lumbar and thigh support for the driver and a heating function).

The Nissan’s instrument panel, however, is now fully digital – no more analogue dials. The layout of the 12.3-inch display can be customised by toggling between Normal, Enhanced and Sport modes. In Sport, the rev counter (with the redline at the 12 o’clock position) moves to the centre with a shift-up light at the top; a boost gauge or G meter can also be displayed.

The standard infotainment setup is an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and a Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. Derivatives in the US market feature keyless entry and push-button start, adaptive cruise control, auto aircon, a self-dipping rear-view mirror, two 12V power points, two USB points (Type-A and Type-C), reverse-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.

High-spec derivatives are equipped with an 9.0-inch touchscreen with built-in integral satnav and NissanConnect Services with a wi-fi hotspot. Also included is an 8-speaker Bose Audio system with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement.

Three interior colour schemes are available – Black, Red and Blue. The special Z Proto Spec edition features yellow accents throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature layered seat material to create depth and a gradation effect.

The list of standard driver assistance and safety technologies, includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.

We’ll confirm the expected date of arrival of the new Z in Mzansi as soon as possible.

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