The Nissan Z is the modern revival of Nissan’s long-running Z sports car tradition, introduced as an all-new 2023 model. It continues the company’s rear-wheel-drive performance-coupe formula while drawing heavily on the design language and enthusiast appeal that defined earlier Z cars. Nissan positioned the model as a direct successor to the 370Z era, but with a fresh body, updated chassis tuning, and contemporary cabin technology aimed at making the car feel both classic and current.
Although the nameplate is new in its current form, the Z story reaches back more than five decades. Nissan has repeatedly referenced the original 1969 Z as the inspiration for the latest car’s proportions, twin-bubble roofline, and driver-focused cockpit. The current model also reflects Nissan’s effort to keep a traditional sports car in its lineup at a time when many brands have moved away from affordable coupes. That makes the Z especially significant among enthusiasts: it is not just a nostalgia project, but a continuing statement of Nissan’s identity.
In Nissan’s heritage narrative, the Z line has long stood for accessible, everyday sports-car character with a strong motorsport and tuner following. The current Z carries that reputation forward with a name that is simple, direct, and globally recognizable. As a result, the model serves as both a modern performance car and a clear continuation of one of Japan’s most celebrated automotive nameplates.