A Great Conversation with Dan Passe on 2023 Nissan Z [Specs, Release, Pricing]

[takemorepills]

Right now you should probably put it up on blocks....

I'm fortunate. Changed my job at beginning of year, very close to work now, only visit a gas station once every 3 weeks.

I'm actually hoping to buy a new truck if the prices tank on them. We need a truck. I use the truck for truck stuff. I usually drive a regular car otherwise.

 

[LeatherWings]

I've mentioned it before, but it seems as though Nissan is deliberately delaying the new Z so to that Airya can be first. When I spoke with my local Nissan dealership, the sales manager offered that theory up also, his thoughts were that Nissan hasn't communicated much, but Airya ordering opened up a while ago, and at one time Nissan did communicate that Z would be last.

And I'll say it again, if that's true, it's a dick move by corporate Nissan to stick to their "A-Z" guns. It is so incredibly difficult to build BEV in this era, getting components and supplies for BEV is far worse than building an ICE vehicle. If that's what Nissan is doing, it means that the Z is held up while the Airya struggles with production, merely to have A before Z.

If I remember correctly, it was either Dan himself or somebody at Nissan who said in an interview that they really had to fight to have the new Z made. That should tell you right there where corporate's priorities are. I suppose I don't blame them, as two-seater sport coupes are a dying breed...

But if you're comin' on.... COME ON

 

[ceric]

If I remember correctly, it was either Dan himself or somebody at Nissan who said in an interview that they really had to fight to have the new Z made. That should tell you right there where corporate's priorities are. I suppose I don't blame them, as two-seater sport coupes are a dying breed...

Same for Corvette C8. Engineers wanted to make a mid-engine Corvette for a long time (since '70s?).
Finally, it happened in 2020.

 

[Dotson]

completely off topic from everything that's been discussed but do you like your 2022 Pathfinder. They are a freaking nightmare to get and when I get some money saved up that's what I wanna get for my wife. I love it and it fits what we need. Sense you have had it what do you think of the Pathfinder?

The Pathfinder has been great and I have no major complaints in the almost 1 year of ownership. I can be picky about my vehicle's likes and dislikes so I don't say that lightly. And.. I really appreciate that it takes regular unleaded fuel.

 

[Dotson]

If you guys are getting them June, and Aus has now had confirmation for end of June, July then the time for tinkering is over …they would be in production.
Junes only three months away and transport will take a few weeks
they know exactly what they have, and that my friend is the concern

We don't know that they've started mass production or not. Is there any evidence of this? Which means final tweaks and adjustments can still be made. I can agree, major change is unlikely at this late stage, but they can also still be working on tuning and finalizing the engine response/output. Or anything else that just needs a software update.

 

[takemorepills]

We don't know that they've started mass production or not. Is there any evidence of this? Which means final tweaks and adjustments can still be made. I can agree, major change is unlikely at this late stage, but they can also still be working on tuning and finalizing the engine response/output. Or anything else that just needs a software update.

They can't be fiddling with the anything that they've already applied for certification. Even changing the gearing would be off the table, as it would affect any standing or pending EPA approvals.
Only thing they can mess with this late in the process would be content and color.

 

[Dotson]

They can't be fiddling with the anything that they've already applied for certification. Even changing the gearing would be off the table, as it would affect any standing or pending EPA approvals.
Only thing they can mess with this late in the process would be content and color.

Sorta my point, maybe they delayed rollout by adjusting and finalizing the vehicle right up to the last minute, now they're waiting for all the approvals/paperwork to go through.

 

[Tud]

As my post states I can't imagine Nissan would not make a Nismo version for the Z. However the focus is just simply on getting the car to market for now. 2024 is the estimate I would make for a Nismo

I agree, Lets get the regular Z before we worry about NISMO

 

[bybepl]

Sorta my point, maybe they delayed rollout by adjusting and finalizing the vehicle right up to the last minute, now they're waiting for all the approvals/paperwork to go through.

What are you referring to regarding a delayed rollout? Has a delay been announced?

 

[Donalex]

What are you referring to regarding a delayed rollout? Has a delay been announced?

Speculation does no good for anyone.

 

[Dotson]

What are you referring to regarding a delayed rollout? Has a delay been announced?

Maybe delayed was too strong a word. I was only responding about the lack of information from Nissan regarding performance, price, etc.

 

[Drseckzytime]

This is an old chassis, a engine that's been around, same old probably under braked Akibonos, and Nissan level interior. That center console looks ultra cheap and hard plastic. $44-45k Performance 6-spd.

I hope they addressed the issues from the Infiniti's. That's all they need is bad press from a half-fast attempt in the Z.

June is late. April/May much better.

Dealerships high-fiving each other with how they are going to go in dry on enthusiasts with ADM because they are super intelligent not even giving the consumers most likely to sing your praises or demise, that tout the brand and your business, a reach around. The only thing they enjoy more is ripping off a single mom with a 580 credit score.

Each passing week at this point makes me think about a new 86 with a bunch of tires, brake pads, suspension, and supercharger for track use. Or a M240i for a nice place to be in interior that will blow the doors off of a Z or Supra. Maybe a Supercharged Mustang GT. Or a used Cayman/Elise/Exige... Lots of options.

It's honestly getting very frustrating.

 

[Salito]

Hello everyone, this is gonna be a long thread so please bear with me.

I had a great talk with Dan Passe yesterday and though he couldn't answer 80% of what I asked, it was a productive conversation. So I would like to start off by saying if you ever get the opportunity to go to any of the big Z car conventions please go. I missed Dan when I was at Zcon last year and just talking with him on the phone I have to say he is a genuine, honest, and great guy. He has a passion for the brand and for the Z that I resonated with greatly. Now with that being said there are also a multitude of working parts within Nissan and Dan had no issue letting me know the things he did not know or couldn't answer.

So for starters the timeline. He could not say exact dates as they have not been determined yet. However, the launch date is still intended to be at the latest June. Dan said regarding the timeline that said a launch in August, he and Nissan would be very disappointed if that ended up being the case. So as of NOW there don't appear to be any delays with the launch.

The nightmare of pre-orders is unfortunately true. There will be no launch pre-orders for the US market. Now with that being said Dan did express his desire to push for a pre-order system for the US as so many people have wanted it. Though it seems for whatever reason it will not be happening.
Regarding pricing of the Z Dan said that even he has not been informed about what the exact pricing will be. Now Dan did say that the estimates I have made (45-47k for a manual and 1-2k extra for auto variants) in the performance trim should be close to what will be asked based on previous trends within Nissan. Sport manual ~40k, Sport automatic ~42k, Performance manual ~45-47k, and Performance auto ~47-49k.

When it comes to the Nismo there is no information to give. The Nismo and a convertible Z are both things that aren't even remotely in the works right now. Not to say the Nismo is not coming but currently the focus is on getting the Z to market.

Now Dan would not confirm this but he would not deny it either. So the last few bits of information we have been wanting like weight, MPG, 0-60, and other specs will be coming out. I tossed the estimate of about 2 months before release and that seemed like a good time frame. So I am hoping for an April or May release on all information.

Lastly when it comes to other dealers hitting these cars for crazy markups there is nothing that can really be done. Legally the manufacturer with the US department of Transportation sets the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) and from there the dealer decides what they will sell it for. There have been articles written about Ford and GM trying to "crack down" on these dealers but legally they can't do this without the dealer falling short on their contract agreements with the manufacturer.

Dan also asked that I let all of you know that he knows everyone's concerns. He is on several forums, facebook groups, car groups, working with Z car clubs, performance shops and more. Like myself, Dan gets to read all of the questions, comments and concerns we all have and in his words "I hold nothing back, I do not get any delight in making people wait for information. The moment I am allowed to speak publicly on topics I get it to you all immediately." (this is not a direct quote but close enough lol).

So to summarize:

1. Should see specs in April/May, with a release date in June
2. Pricing isn't set yet but estimates should fall Sport manual ~40k, Sport automatic ~42k, Performance manual ~45-47k, and Performance auto ~47-49k
3. There are a multitude of legal acrobatics that prevent a manufacturer from dictating what any dealership charges for a vehicle in the US.

 

[Salito]

Hello everyone, this is gonna be a long thread so please bear with me.

I had a great talk with Dan Passe yesterday and though he couldn't answer 80% of what I asked, it was a productive conversation. So I would like to start off by saying if you ever get the opportunity to go to any of the big Z car conventions please go. I missed Dan when I was at Zcon last year and just talking with him on the phone I have to say he is a genuine, honest, and great guy. He has a passion for the brand and for the Z that I resonated with greatly. Now with that being said there are also a multitude of working parts within Nissan and Dan had no issue letting me know the things he did not know or couldn't answer.

So for starters the timeline. He could not say exact dates as they have not been determined yet. However, the launch date is still intended to be at the latest June. Dan said regarding the timeline that said a launch in August, he and Nissan would be very disappointed if that ended up being the case. So as of NOW there don't appear to be any delays with the launch.

The nightmare of pre-orders is unfortunately true. There will be no launch pre-orders for the US market. Now with that being said Dan did express his desire to push for a pre-order system for the US as so many people have wanted it. Though it seems for whatever reason it will not be happening.
Regarding pricing of the Z Dan said that even he has not been informed about what the exact pricing will be. Now Dan did say that the estimates I have made (45-47k for a manual and 1-2k extra for auto variants) in the performance trim should be close to what will be asked based on previous trends within Nissan. Sport manual ~40k, Sport automatic ~42k, Performance manual ~45-47k, and Performance auto ~47-49k.

When it comes to the Nismo there is no information to give. The Nismo and a convertible Z are both things that aren't even remotely in the works right now. Not to say the Nismo is not coming but currently the focus is on getting the Z to market.

Now Dan would not confirm this but he would not deny it either. So the last few bits of information we have been wanting like weight, MPG, 0-60, and other specs will be coming out. I tossed the estimate of about 2 months before release and that seemed like a good time frame. So I am hoping for an April or May release on all information.

Lastly when it comes to other dealers hitting these cars for crazy markups there is nothing that can really be done. Legally the manufacturer with the US department of Transportation sets the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) and from there the dealer decides what they will sell it for. There have been articles written about Ford and GM trying to "crack down" on these dealers but legally they can't do this without the dealer falling short on their contract agreements with the manufacturer.

Dan also asked that I let all of you know that he knows everyone's concerns. He is on several forums, facebook groups, car groups, working with Z car clubs, performance shops and more. Like myself, Dan gets to read all of the questions, comments and concerns we all have and in his words "I hold nothing back, I do not get any delight in making people wait for information. The moment I am allowed to speak publicly on topics I get it to you all immediately." (this is not a direct quote but close enough lol).

So to summarize:

1. Should see specs in April/May, with a release date in June
2. Pricing isn't set yet but estimates should fall Sport manual ~40k, Sport automatic ~42k, Performance manual ~45-47k, and Performance auto ~47-49k
3. There are a multitude of legal acrobatics that prevent a manufacturer from dictating what any dealership charges for a vehicle in the US.

47k to 49k means 60k to 63k Canadian, bad news, I was hoping the Z would be less expensive than the BMW M240 which is faster and has a nicer interior, it’s also only 10k less expensive than the base Corvette C8 which is in another league and about the same price as the new electric BMW 4 e drive 40 which is technologically superior and with the tax credits will be at least 7k less expensive ; regretfully that price will be a dealbreaker for me.
I will wait for official pricing in Canada, but if these prices are true I will very likely continue to be a Bimmer customer and cancel my preorder ?

 

[ZDreamer]

Hello everyone, this is gonna be a long thread so please bear with me.

I had a great talk with Dan Passe yesterday and though he couldn't answer 80% of what I asked, it was a productive conversation. So I would like to start off by saying if you ever get the opportunity to go to any of the big Z car conventions please go. I missed Dan when I was at Zcon last year and just talking with him on the phone I have to say he is a genuine, honest, and great guy. He has a passion for the brand and for the Z that I resonated with greatly. Now with that being said there are also a multitude of working parts within Nissan and Dan had no issue letting me know the things he did not know or couldn't answer.

So for starters the timeline. He could not say exact dates as they have not been determined yet. However, the launch date is still intended to be at the latest June. Dan said regarding the timeline that said a launch in August, he and Nissan would be very disappointed if that ended up being the case. So as of NOW there don't appear to be any delays with the launch.

The nightmare of pre-orders is unfortunately true. There will be no launch pre-orders for the US market. Now with that being said Dan did express his desire to push for a pre-order system for the US as so many people have wanted it. Though it seems for whatever reason it will not be happening.
Regarding pricing of the Z Dan said that even he has not been informed about what the exact pricing will be. Now Dan did say that the estimates I have made (45-47k for a manual and 1-2k extra for auto variants) in the performance trim should be close to what will be asked based on previous trends within Nissan. Sport manual ~40k, Sport automatic ~42k, Performance manual ~45-47k, and Performance auto ~47-49k.

When it comes to the Nismo there is no information to give. The Nismo and a convertible Z are both things that aren't even remotely in the works right now. Not to say the Nismo is not coming but currently the focus is on getting the Z to market.

Now Dan would not confirm this but he would not deny it either. So the last few bits of information we have been wanting like weight, MPG, 0-60, and other specs will be coming out. I tossed the estimate of about 2 months before release and that seemed like a good time frame. So I am hoping for an April or May release on all information.

Lastly when it comes to other dealers hitting these cars for crazy markups there is nothing that can really be done. Legally the manufacturer with the US department of Transportation sets the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) and from there the dealer decides what they will sell it for. There have been articles written about Ford and GM trying to "crack down" on these dealers but legally they can't do this without the dealer falling short on their contract agreements with the manufacturer.

Dan also asked that I let all of you know that he knows everyone's concerns. He is on several forums, facebook groups, car groups, working with Z car clubs, performance shops and more. Like myself, Dan gets to read all of the questions, comments and concerns we all have and in his words "I hold nothing back, I do not get any delight in making people wait for information. The moment I am allowed to speak publicly on topics I get it to you all immediately." (this is not a direct quote but close enough lol).

So to summarize:

1. Should see specs in April/May, with a release date in June
2. Pricing isn't set yet but estimates should fall Sport manual ~40k, Sport automatic ~42k, Performance manual ~45-47k, and Performance auto ~47-49k
3. There are a multitude of legal acrobatics that prevent a manufacturer from dictating what any dealership charges for a vehicle in the US.

"Great talk" for your own enjoyment but decent at best for us ... lol