The 2023 Nissan Z just broke cover a couple of days back in New York, and we are happy to report that the production-spec car looks near identical to the Z Proto that was shown nearly a year back in September 2021.

Mr. Hiroshi Tamura, Head of product planning at Nissan, had earlier said that, at the time of the Z Proto's introduction, it was about 95-percent of the final model. Perhaps this was done to gauge public reaction and make subtle adjustments before giving us the final version of the Z. But what exactly has changed between the concept and the production car? Let's find out.

Exterior

The looks by far, are essentially identical to the Z Proto, with the same sharp and tight proportions resembling a Japanese sword and well-balanced homages to earlier Z models. It is literally playing the spot-the-differences game, that is how similar the production model is to the Z Proto.

So here’s what Nissan has changed on the final model. They include details like the grille. You can also notice the radar sensor on the grille because the production-spec model comes with a bunch of safety features like radar cruise and forward emergency braking.

The production Z also does away with the carbon fiber front splitter and carbon sills, probably owing to higher maintenance costs because as we know carbon fiber is incredibly expensive, and Nissan decided to skip this feature. The Proto remember, has been displayed countless times at several auto shows over the past year and had pillar-mounted door handles. The production-spec car meanwhile, gets traditional door handles.

The Fair Lady Z badge that the concept car had, has now been replaced with a badge that simply, reads Z.

In addition to the three monotone body colors, there are six two-tone colors available (when coupled with the Super Black roof), including the new Siran Blue and Ikazuchi Yellow. The limited-edition (240 units only) "Proto Spec" is comparable to the Z Proto and features yellow brake calipers and bronze-colored aluminum wheels.

Interior

If you struggled to find the differences on the exterior, spotting them in the cabin is a bigger challenge. The interior of the new Z is more or less identical to the Z Proto. The interior is available in three different colors: graphite, red, and blue. It now includes an all-new 12.3-inch all-digital display across the horizontal instrument cluster (three display modes) and three analog gauges in the center.

According to MotorTrend, the climate control dials on the production car are more backlit and they also feature a slightly different vent design. The rear window, which has the "Since 1969" badge, is an easter egg and a nice touch.

Conclusion

In the end, I think Nissan has done a rather fantastic job by staying true to the concept Z, that they showed us a year ago. Because, how many times have you been blown away by a concept car that you saw at a Motor Show, only to be disappointed by the production model? Nissan hasn't done that here, and the new Z not only stays true to the Z Proto concept but has also borrowed elements from past Zs.

2023 Nissan Z Specifications

Engine 

3.0-liter, Twin-Turbo V-6

Horsepower

400 horses @ 6,400 rpm

Torque

350 pound-feet @ 1,600 - 5,600 rpm

Tranmission

Six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic

Drive Layout

Rear-wheel-drive

Price

$40,000 (estimated)