2023 Nissan Z Makes A Scene In Downtown L.A. - Photos

Rhapsody in blue.

The all-new 2023 Nissan Z made splashdown last month, ushering in a fresh seventh generation for the Japanese sports car icon. Now, we're getting up close and personal with the following exclusive photo set.

Spotted in downtown Los Angeles at a pop-up car meet hosted by Auto Conduct and Larry Chen, the 2023 Nissan Z was joined by a variety of older Z models and various Japanese sports cars. As expected, Nissan was well-represented, with Skylines and Silvias aplenty. However, despite all the gorgeous metal on display, we couldn't keep our eyes off the new Z.

The 2023 Nissan Z takes its cues from the Nissan Z Proto concept unveiled in 2020, closely mirroring the lines, fascia, stance, and even the interior that debuted in last year's design study.

The front end incorporates oval headlights placed high in the corners of the fascia, with C-shaped inner lighting signatures bracketing the primary lighting elements. The central intake is a simple rectangular shape with a grille insert covering the upper portion. The Nissan badge is located front and center.

Moving over to the side, the familiar Nissan Z profile starts to take shape, with an extended hood line and gently sloping roofline, the latter of which emphasizes the rear end of the coupe as a complement to the pumped-up rear fenders. Under the new body panels and blue paint, the 2023 Nissan Z is built on a modified version of the FM platform that underpins the previous generation.

Up top, there's a black roof treatment, giving the 2023 Nissan Z a two-tone appearance, with a long silver character line dividing the blue and the black. Don't forget the Z badge placed above the rear fenders.

In the corners, we spot large, split-spoke wheels finished in black, as well as large brake calipers finished in red.

The rear end of the 2023 Nissan Z is adorned with a subtle trunk lid spoiler, giving the tail an extra dash of sportiness. A black applique stretches across the rear end, enhancing the car's visual width, while the tail lights incorporate the same stretched-oval shape as the grille insert up front. The Z badge is located to the right of the centrally placed Nissan badge, while lower in the rear fascia, a black lower bumper treatment houses twin silver exhaust pipes.

As for the greasy bits under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Z is powered by the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 VR30DDTT, rated at 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Output is routed rearwards through either a six-speed manual, or nine-speed automatic.

Inside, the cabin space features the usual two-seater arrangement, as well as a 12.3-inch display. Bucket seats hold passenger and driver firmly in place, while a trio of gauges are mounted high on the dash to keep tabs on vitals. Pilots get to grips with a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel.