The limited-edition Nissan Z Proto – a flagship launch offering – has sold out in Australia before first arrivals hit showrooms, the company said today.
The company said earlier this month that it would bring several hundred of the Z Protos to market, headlining the launch of the ‘regular’ 2023 Nissan Z mid-year.
This special edition Z Proto adds unique bits such as Ikazuchi Yellow paint with a black roof, matching yellow brake calipers, 19-inch bronze forged alloy wheels, and interior trim tweaks.
At $80,700 plus on-road costs, the Z Proto commanded $7400 more than the regular Nissan Z ($73,300 before on-road costs with either the more popular six-speed manual, or nine-speed automatic).
“The Z is the ultimate expression of Nissan’s sports car credentials and we expected demand to be strong for this incredibly special vehicle,” says Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson.
“I’m excited to confirm that all Australian production of Z Proto spec is now sold-out.”
2023 Nissan Z backround
More than 1000 Australians had put their hard-earned money down at a dealer for their new Nissan Z (Proto or otherwise) as of May 11 – before first shipments go on sale here, and before pricing went public.
The circa 1000 money-down reservations came from a pool of 3000-odd people who lodged “expressions of interest”. The amount deposited varied depending on the dealer, Nissan said.
“… Hope is not lost for those wanting to secure their own example of the Z coupe. Customers are encouraged to join the queue for the all-new Nissan Z coupe via nissan.com.au,” Nissan added today in a prepared statement.
We’ve reached out to Nissan for the latest specific order and wait figures, so stay tuned.
The new Nissan Z’s $73,300 (excluding dealer delivery and State taxes) price point compares to pricing of between $61,990 (manual) and $64,490 (auto) for the MY21 Nissan 370Z Nismo.
In terms of competitors, the top-selling Ford Mustang Fastback GT V8 sells for between $65,290 and $68,290 depending on transmission; a BMW 230i sells for $70,900; and of course there’s the Toyota Supra, which currently starts at $87,303 and will soon get a manual option.
Nissan has yet to specify its plans around supplying its national dealers with Z stock, and whether it’ll attempt to limit dealer markups, or speculators buying then on-selling at a profit.
Numerous manufacturers have had to contend with providing the market with high-demand niche products lately: examples coming to mind span from the Suzuki Jimny, to the similarly popular (relative to supply) Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR Yaris, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The Nissan Z sits on a revised version of the 370Z’s rear-wheel drive bones and uses the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with variable valve timing and quick-spooling small-diameter turbochargers, putting out 298kW of power and 475Nm of torque.
Power-to-weight is improved by 13 per cent over the 370Z and the acceleration time from zero to 100km/h has been reduced by a claimed 15 per cent.
The enthusiast’s gearbox is a six-speed close-ratio manual with an Exedy high-performance clutch and carbon-fibre composite drive shaft. It has an automated rev-matching function. The auto is a new nine-speed unit paired with aluminium paddle shifters.
All Nissan Zs have a mechanical limited-slip differential and launch control as standard equipment.
Standard features on the single permanent launch variant will include leather-accented seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with three distinct display modes.
It’ll also come standard with Active Noise Cancellation to filter out tyre drone and wind noise, and Active Sound Enhancement to amplify the engine soundtrack inside the cabin.
For more Nissan Z content check out some of our features linked below.
MORE: 2023 Nissan Z priced at $73,300
MORE: Nissan Z price imminent, 1000 Aussies place deposit
MORE: 2022 Nissan Z: ‘Extreme’ Aussie demand, mostly for the manual
MORE: 2022 is the year of reborn Japanese sports cars
MORE: 2023 Nissan Z designer debrief
MORE: 2023 Nissan Z confirmed for Australia
MORE: Nissan Z won’t set the sales charts alight… and that’s alright
MORE: 2023 Nissan Z design is a love letter to existing owners and fans
MORE: Nissan Z styling will influence other models from 2023 onwards
