Recently, to the delight of automotive enthusiasts across the region, Nissan revealed the all-new 2023 Nissan Z for the first time in the Middle East. In the presence of VIPs, partners, media, and employees, the much-anticipated seventh generation of the iconic sports car made a roaring entrance at an exclusive event in Dubai, piloted by Nissan’s Brand Ambassador and Nissan Z Product Specialist, Hiroshi Tamura.
Serving as a testament to the brand’s passion and dedication towards driving excitement, the Nissan Z has been the first word in Japanese performance since 1969. Steeped in sports car history, since its global introduction over 50 years ago, the Nissan Z has built a reputation for power, performance, and utility at a competitive price.
A legendary icon, the all-new Nissan Z is its most thrilling iteration yet, with 400 horsepower and tactile inputs from legendary racing drivers to deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience. Adding to the excitement is a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with an EXEDY high-performance clutch and carbon-fiber composite drive shaft, or an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission.
Hosted by Thierry Sabbagh, President, Nissan Saudi Arabia, INFINITI Middle East and Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, the event also served as the world’s first Nissan Z pop-up museum. Audiences were taken on a journey through time as they discovered the Z sports car’s evolution over decades, set against a backdrop of a lively Japanese city street complete with street-style artists and unique decorative embellishments.
Speaking at the exclusive event, Thierry Sabbagh, said: “The Nissan Z is an icon, one that is loved by the people of the Middle East and an integral part of our exciting line-up across the region. It is a pleasure to welcome the all-new Nissan Z in the presence of our longstanding partners. Embodying our brand promise of ‘Innovation that Excites’, each generation of this iconic model has seen the brand raise the bar and attract a larger following of enthusiasts, in search of thrilling driving experiences. The Nissan Z serves as a tangible testament towards our dedication to making our cars safer, more connected, and more fun to drive, built on three key pillars of heritage, design, and thrill.”
Mr. Nassim Mourani, General Manager – Automotive Group, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., Qatar, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our customers to the all-new Nissan Z, a 2022 Good Design Award winner, which took home this incredible accolade for its outstanding design and performance. Set to ignite Qatar’s drivers’ passion for sports cars, the Nissan Z looks incredible and feels incredible to drive – offering speed, stability, and safety in one super sleek update. It’s an exciting vehicle that’s joy to drive.”
An automotive veteran with decades of experience as part of the global Nissan Z product team, Hiroshi Tamura, was the lead on the product development of the seventh generation Z. At the Regional Premiere of the Nissan Z, the company’s Brand Ambassador, said: “The Nissan Z has been a core part of our brand DNA for over 50 years. This all-new seventh generation model is the result of a hardworking team who took pride and wanted to share the thrill of this iconic sports car with past and future generations of driving enthusiasts. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, the all-new Nissan Z encompasses the essence and excitement of models before it while strengthening the human-machine bond that has dominated and set the Nissan Z apart for over half a century.”
A Distinctive Silhouette
The all-new 2023 Nissan Z boasts a fresh, sleek exterior design with an appearance that communicates respect to its lineage. Available in a choice of nine exterior colors, including six two-tone colors, the new Z takes on a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car design, with a long hood, lower rear stance, and a silhouette that pays homage to the first-generation Fairlady 240Z.
Inspired by the shape and color of a katana blade (samurai sword), the silver roof accent highlights the lower body section and emphasizes the sweeping silhouette of the all-new model. In the rear, combination lamps incorporate modern technology with new 3D signature LED taillights, reminiscent in design of the famed 300ZX.
A Driver-Focused Cabin
The cabin of the all-new 2023 Nissan Z, which is available in two color options, including a sporty dual-tone color scheme, seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage touches. The center stack takes inspiration from generations before it, with the placement of three analog pod gauges on the instrument panel and climate control switches near the shifter. A 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display with three individual modes helps drivers grasp important information at a glance and includes the redline shift point at the 12 o’clock position, taking strong inspiration from modern racecars.
Equipped for driving excitement, the R32 GT-R inspired steering wheel and design of the seats in the all-new 2023 Nissan Z utilize know-how from the GT-R’s development. An expanded use of suede on the seatback suppresses initial lateral shake for more comfortable drives, as well as reducing body movement when driving spiritedly.
Thrilling Driving Experiences
One of the defining traits of the Nissan Z has always been a bond forged between the vehicle and the driver – a physical and visceral connection. That human-machine bond dominates the new Z, which is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine that produces 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm of torque starting from 1,600 to 5,600 rpm.
In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, all-new Z models equipped with the 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that helps prioritize acceleration and allow for the optimal amount of wheelspin. The 9-speed automatic transmission offers direct and quick acceleration, with a wide gear ratio for an engaging driving experience. Adding to the thrill are aluminum paddle shifters and two drive modes – Standard and Sport – to cater to driver preferences.
Innovative Technologies to Keep You Connected
The all-new 2023 Nissan Z offers a range of driver assistance and safety technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
In addition to the wide range of safety and convenience features, the all-new Z also comes equipped with an 8-speaker Bose® Audio System and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with audio streaming capabilities.
With a rich lineage spanning over 50 years, the legacy and thrill of the Nissan Z is celebrated across the Middle East. Admired for its capabilities, the legendary sports car set a Guinness World Record for the longest twin-vehicle drift in the UAE, winning the respect of enthusiasts across the region.
The all-new 2023 Nissan Z is now available for order at Nissan’s partner network across the Middle East, including, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. in Qatar, at its showrooms on Salwa Road, Al Sadd, Bin Omran, and Al Khor.