The new 2023 Nissan Z is turning heads as the long-awaited next generation of Nissan's legendary sports car.With its retro-inspired styling and twin-turbo V6 performance, the Z is now rolling out across markets worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. Saudi drivers and car enthusiasts have highly anticipated the Z's launch.
The Nissan Z has always enjoyed a cult following in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. This passion originated with the earlier generations of the Z, such as the Datsun 240Z and 280Z, which were popular imports to the region in the 1970s and 1980s. With its smooth straight-six engines and affordable price, the Z was an accessible sports coupe for the region before the rise of European luxury brands.
Even though the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, older examples of the Nissan Z maintained a loyal fanbase in Saudi Arabia. Local enthusiasts continued to restore, modify, and show off the Z at car gatherings. So the pending arrival of the all-new, seventh-generation Z has had these loyal fans on the edge of their seats.
In January 2023, Nissan officially confirmed the Z would be offered for sale in Saudi Arabia and nearby Gulf markets. It will be imported from Japan initially but may eventually be assembled in Nissan's Saudi manufacturing facility. Pricing is expected to start around 160,000 SR ($42,500) for the base Sport trim, rising to 185,000 SR ($49,000) for the top Performance trim.
While not cheap, Saudi standards consider these prices reasonable for a sports car with 400 horsepower on tap from its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Regional demand for the new Z is forecasted to be strong, especially given its unique design that harkens back to the glamor of the original 240Z.
In another positive for Saudi buyers, the Z will be offered a manual transmission option in addition to the 9-speed automatic. Very few sports cars today come with a manual, but it has been a popular request among Saudi driving enthusiasts.
The arrival of the Nissan Z on Saudi roads will provide these eager drivers with the classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive experience that only a dedicated sports car can offer. With its intimate cockpit and responsive handling, the Z is a thrill to drive on twisting Saudi mountain routes or down coastal highways.
For many Saudis, owning the new Z will fulfill aspirations and dreams held since the days of seeing the earlier generations cruising around Jeddah or Riyadh. The 2023 Z will allow a new generation of Saudi car enthusiasts to enjoy this automotive icon, continuing its rich legacy in the country for decades.