Nissan recently launched a new Z sports car. Yes that’s right just ‘Z’ no numerics need apply. While the new Z is heavily based on the previous generation 370Z that originally launched for model year 2009, there’s some important changes, namely the 400-hp twin turbo V6 plucked from the Q50/Q60 Red Sport.  But in some ways more importantly, the exterior is all new and the interior is heavily revised. While exterior goes for modern take on a retro styling that evokes Z’s of the past, the interior is fresh and new looking.

The ‘base’ 2023 Nissan Z Sport is pretty good looking itself

The new Z comes in 3 variants at launch: Sport, Performance and Proto Spec. Starting at $41,015, $51,015 and $54,015. The Proto Spec little more than the Performance model with exclusive styling, colors and the uniqueness resulting from it being limited to 240-units. So what really is it that differentiates the Sport and Performance to the tune of $10k?

Interior changes make the right transformations to bring the Z up to modern times in all its digital guage and Apple CarPlay glory
Most importantly the base Z comes in a 6-speed manual just as it should

Mechanically the Performance adds a limited-slip differential, 19” Rays forged wheels, Akebono brakes and some niceties like Bose audio, 9” infotainment screen and heated leather seats. But it’s $51k price point put it only about $2600 below a Supra 3.0.  The Z Sport on the other hand, despite being powered by the same 400-hp mill as every other Z, undercuts even the less powerful Supra 2.0 by about $3600. Put another way, by the time you get to the Z Performance’s price point, stepping up to a Supra 3.0 (especially now that it comes in manual) starts to look worthwhile.

They’re not 19″ forged Rays, but they’re pretty great looking wheels just as they are
Not just 18’s but nice and wide 245/45 R18 W’s

While $51k is still impressive for a 400-hp sports car, $41k is far more impressive.  And unique; with the Camaro and Challenger both being sunset, only the Mustang GT comes close to that kind of manual transmission performance in that price range. Granted the loss of a limited-slip differential is perplexing as even a sub $30k Civic Si or BRZ-GR86 comes standard with one, but if you can get past that, it’s just about the least expensive 400-hp sports car one can get.  And even without the larger wheels, it still looks sharp but stylistically, you’ll want to add that $630 optional rear spoiler.