2023 Nissan Z Customized Proto Elevates the Retro Vibe

• Nissan showed a 2023 Fairlady Z Customized Proto at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
• In Japan, the Z uses the Fairlady name, but it’s no different from the 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 car that’ll be sold here in the spring.
• When the Z does arrive, it’ll start at around $40,000 and have an available six-speed manual.

Nissan is showcasing the 2023 Fairlady Z at the Tokyo Auto Salon (yes, the Japan-market Z has a much better name than ours), and alongside it is this bright-orange customized prototype. It’s the same new turbocharged coupe that’ll be sold in the States, but this show car takes the new Z’s retro looks to the next level, not to mention the “Fairlady” badges all over it.

NISSAN

Nissan will offer 240 examples of the new Z in a Proto spec that’s finished in yellow with a black roof, bronze-colored wheels, and yellow brake calipers, just like the Z Proto concept car. Japan will also receive 240 of these special-edition cars, and this orange Customized Proto is parked next to one of them. But it has a split grille, black eight-spoke wheels, and a black graphics package with black stripes. The fender flares and carbon fiber splitter and side skirts also show what owners can do with accessories. Nissan says that the car was made to honor the Z’s heritage and to “gauge customer and fan interest for potential future accessory offerings”.