2023 Nissan Z: Automatic Transmission Adds a New Dimension

In essence, the foundation of the 2023 Nissan Z is rooted in a platform that has seen decades of use. While the Infiniti engine resides beneath the hood, boasting identical output as the Red Sport trims, one might jump to the conclusion that Nissan merely pieced together an amalgamation of existing components within a fresh exterior and called it a day. However, this assumption couldn’t be farther from reality. The reality is surprising: substantial changes have taken place beneath the surface, rendering the Nissan Z a profoundly novel creation that promises an unparalleled driving experience, surpassing the capabilities of any preceding Z car.

Beneath the Hood

As previously noted, concealed beneath the Z’s hood is an Infiniti engine. In comparison, the 350Z’s 3.7-liter V-6 delivered 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Hence, this Infiniti powerplant, boasting a robust 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, stands as a substantial advancement in its own right. While the power figures align with those of the Q60 Red Sport 400, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Q60 is not a genuine sports car, and therefore, it isn’t bound by the same principles as a vehicle like the Nissan Z. Consequently, Nissan had to engineer a method to enhance this engine, and it all boiled down to throttle response. In essence, the turbochargers necessitate continuous readiness, primed to spring into action the instant the driver reengages the throttle.

Much like the Z benefits from the propulsion of an Infiniti engine, it also embraces an adapted Nissan Titan automatic transmission. Now, a pertinent question arises: Does a sports car truly find synergy with a nine-speed automatic truck transmission? Nissan has undertaken captivating modifications to render this nine-speed automatic apt for sports car performance. Interestingly, upon dissecting the internal components of the Z’s automatic transmission and comparing them to those of a Titan automatic, one would find a nearly identical composition.

Nevertheless, the divergence arises in the transmission case, where the Z’s transmission hardware resides within an entirely new and lightweight magnesium casing. This innovative casing shaves off a total of 44 pounds, effectively offsetting the additional weight introduced by the turbochargers. Moreover, the transmission itself boasts remarkable resilience and is amenable to versatile applications. In totality, through software tweaks and recalibrated shift algorithms, Nissan managed to transmute what is essentially the Titan’s transmission into a gear-shifting marvel fit for a performance-oriented sports car.

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Photo Source/Copyright: Nissan