2023 Nissan Z & 2022 Rivian R1T

I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us as we test the new gen Nissan Z down to the last letter...

Followed by a "Your Drive" deep dive into a one-of-a-kind jeep... We'll go "Over the Edge" with a racing series for Carrara owners only... Then, it's back to the street as we plug into Rivian's R1T EV-pickup...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

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Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: Most people would agree that the original Nissan 240Z was the car that legitimized Japanese sports cars here in America.

But much has changed over the last 50 years, a small sporty coupe is certainly not as popular as they once were, and the Z went from leading that pack to barely remembered.

So, it's Time to see what kind of an impact an all-new Z car will have in the modern performance car landscape.

♪ ♪ If you're old enough to remember the original Datsun 240Z, congrats, you've lived a full and hopefully rewarding car enthusiast life; as did the last generation Nissan 370Z.

It saw a full 12 years before quietly slipping away in 2020.

The new 2023 Nissan Z does away with the numbers in the name; fitting, as this car is about much more than just numbers.

The family lineage of this 7th generation Z is obvious, without any further review required; as there's less of a design theme and more of a greatest hits collection of previous Zs.

There's the long nose of the original, eye-like headlights of the 240ZG, and taillights reminiscent of the '90s 300ZX; plus, a subtle hood bulge and black roof; though sorry, no T-tops.

Same exact wheelbase as before, but there's a new chrome roof spear, and either 18 or 19 inch wheels.

Available in Sport and Performance specs, it's the Performance that gets the 19 inch wheels along with a mechanical limited slip differential, more aggressive suspension tune, sport muffler, front chin spoiler and rear spoiler.

But, the Z launches with this special Proto Spec edition, limited to just 240 units.

It sports unique 19 inch wheels, yellow brake calipers, upgraded leather seating, yellow trim, and even a distinctive shift knob.

The really good news is you don't have to pay any extra to get max power.

All Zs come with a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6.

It's not the first turbo-charged Z, but it is the first Z to come exclusively with boost; rated at 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

And yes, it's the same VR30DDTT engine, you can get in Red Sport Infiniti's.

That's a substantial jump over last gen's standard 332 horsepower; and with those turbos, torque delivery is noticeably more intense.

The interior is far more modern than retro, with a center multimedia screen that is either an 8.0 or 9.0 incher, while the gauge display is more than 12 inches.

Though, we were glad to see they still incorporate a trio of analog dials on top of the dash, because who doesn't like to monitor turbo speed?

In the console, is either a short-throw shifter for the 6-speed manual; or an electronic gear selector for the 9-speed automatic transmission.

We manually shifted our Z to the quarter-mile test grounds of Mason Dixon Dragway.

Even with the manual, there is launch assist to help you make a quick getaway; and putting it to use, got us to 60 in 4.5 seconds, eight/tenths quicker than the last NISMO tune 370Z we tested.

The clutch is firm and the shifter is solid and works well, provided you don't try and force it too aggressively.

The engine sounds precise and sewing machine-like more than raw powerful, but is feels hella torquey throughout the 12.9 second quarter-mile, which we finished at 108 miles per hour.

All of that torque makes for easy burnouts, but it also powered some quick trips through our handling course.

It understeers early at turn-in, but power is smooth for providing the subtle inputs you need for maintaining a good pace.

Compared to the Supra it feels softer but also less twitchy.

The stability systems let you have quite a bit of fun before stepping in.

Underneath is the same basic double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension setup from last gen, but tweaked of course, with revised geometry and upgraded monotube shocks.

Brakes were outstanding.

Even with a slight bouncing motion, the 3,500 pounds Z delivered consistent stops from 60 of just 104 feet.

All of this comes with greater comfort than before in both seating and ride quality for the drive home.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the manual transmission are 18-City, 24-Highway, and 20-Combined.

We averaged a good 22.3 miles per gallon of Premium.

That's only slightly below average for the Energy Impact Score; 14.9 barrels of annual petroleum consumption, with CO2 emissions of 7.2 tons.

Starting Price is only $41,015 for Z Sport; Performance is 10-grand more; undercutting the Toyota Supra by a significant margin.

Limited Proto Specs are still available for $55,310.

While, it doesn't break any new ground, Nissan has done a fantastic job with the 2023 Z.

They've captured the spirit of the original, while delivering a more than notable dose of modern performance, at a still realistic price.

Even if the popularity of true 2-seat sports cars has given way to high-output SUVs and track-worthy compacts, it's great to see brands like Nissan keep the faith.

And, anyone with a little petrol still in their veins prays that they can do that for another 50 years.

♪ ♪ Performance car makers love to tout how similar their road cars are to their race cars.

But what you may not know is some brands will straight up sell you their race cars.

Well, this week our "Over the Edge" guy Greg Carloss gives a behind the scenes look at customer racing with the Porsche Carrera Cup.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The Porsche 911 GT3 is essentially a race car for the street, of course, safety and emission standards prevent Porsche from selling this GT3 Cup car for road use.

But they will sell it to those who are willing to race it.

When Porsche was developing the 992 generation of the 911 GT3, their Motorsport team was right there offering suggestions.

The result is a street car with a racecar's personality and a racecar with a street car's approachability.

That made it the perfect vehicle to bring the Porsche Carrera Cup to North America.

RACE BROADCAST: WeatherTech Laguna Seca we are green!

TROY BUNDY: So, Carrera Cup is one-make series that's been running globally now around the world for 30 years.

Super Cup is celebrating their 30th year and that's where it started.

It's now moved across to about 20 countries.

So basically, you buy the race car, it's not a license but it's essentially a license to get access to that program and then Porsche MotorSport North America comes along with our support program and then you get technical support, parts support, marketing...

So, it's literally arrived and drive.

Come here and enjoy your racing experience as best you can because we take care of everything else for you.

GREG: The Carrera Cup North America visits iconic places like Watkins Glen, Road America and of course, the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca.

2022 marks the series' first visit to California's Monterey County and the field of more than 30 cars is split into three classes: The Pro class is made up of drivers 35 and younger, while, the Pro-Am and Am classes are geared toward the gentleman drivers who don't make a career of racing.

As all three classes fight for position on these historic hills, it's easy to spot the Pros and the Ams just by driving style; something grizzled veteran, Leh Keen has developed for two decades.

RACE BROADCAST: Great opportunity to maneuver as you'd expect from the highly experienced 311RS driver in the bright red number 12, Leh Keen.

LEH KEEN: I used to race professionally...pretty heavy.

I retired in 2016, but then my buddy Ryan Gates started 311 RS MotorSport and asked me to drive The Pro class, you know, the top ten guys in the pro class are really, really good, fast guys.

So, that core group there, those guys can go race anywhere pretty much and be competitive.

So, it's a really competitive race series all across the three classes.

ANDY KILCOYNE: We've got three drivers competing in the Pro class, two guys in the Pro-am class.

And then, we've got a handful of drivers that are running in Am that are not necessarily full season entries, but you know they're gentlemen so they're busy businessmen that aren't able to commit, you know, to a full schedule.

GREG: In a one-make series like the Carrera Cup, all the cars are exactly the same.

So, at the end of the day, it comes down to the best driver with the best setup.

TROY: So basically, all they can do is change, you know, ride heights, tire pressures, a little bit of suspension, a little bit of aero, but that's essentially it.

It's all down to the driver, what they can get out of the car.

ANDY: There's not a lot of adjustability, so it comes down to not making mistakes and you know, that's great for teaching drivers of all levels, and crew how to be successful at this level will really allow you to be successful at higher levels.

GREG: Twenty-four-year-old Parker Thompson is one of the drivers hoping his success in the Carrera Cup takes him to the next level.

PARKER THOMPSON: What I'm hoping to get out of this is a relationship with Porsche.

So obviously, hopefully, after a couple race wins I'm on their radar... My hand is up, I'm calling Germany and I'm saying, "Hey, you guys need a Canadian on your team?

He's fast.

He's well-spoken and he's putting in a job application every year."

RACE BROADCAST: It's a perfect double for Parker Thompson and JDX racing!

GREG: Parker went on to win both races that weekend and was eventually crowned Pro class champion when the 2022 season wrapped up in October.

So, next time he calls Germany, they might just pick up.

JOHN: The automotive aftermarket is a bustling business, paying off with the satisfaction of making our rides truly unique.

On this week "Your Drive" Dan Maffett takes a deep dive into the vintage-inspired jeep concept now customized for duty.

♪ ♪ DAN MAFFETT: Easter Jeep Safari in Moab draws thousands of enthusiasts to its slick rock trails, and every year, Jeep unveils several concept vehicles just like this one behind us that we're lucky enough to have in the studio.

You may be wondering to yourself, what is a concept car?

A concept car is a statement by the brand to signify where they're going.

They take the best technology and the best designers they have at their disposal and design a perfect vehicle.

Now, every project that comes through our shop has to have a theme.

We sit with the customer, we draw out every idea they have, and we pick a concise theme from beginning to end, so that way when we're done, we have a very complete project that works together.

Now, the theme of this project is unmistakable: It's designed after the original and the iconic Willys Jeep.

You can see it has these steely wheels, the half doors, the winch up front and even the ragtop on the top.

Now, if you're going to customize your project at your home, you're going to need products to do so.

Most manufacturers produce their own in-house products.

Jeep has the JPP line.

They have everything form modular doors and roofs like that, all the way down to winch accessories, suspension, interior kits.

They even have reinforced hinges for the tailgate where your spare tire sits, so if you go up a bigger tire, you don't have to worry about your door sagging.

With that bigger tire, you're going to need a third brake light relocator bracket just like this.

Now, with any modification, you do to your project, you're going to want to take the time to plan it out, so you have a concise idea from beginning to end.

Last thing you want to do is finish your project, look at it, and be scatter-brained and be all over the place.

Now remember, no matter what you do, you want to pick the products for your intended use.

So, if you're going to rock crawl, or just look cool driving to work, you want to pick the products that best benefit that drive.

Any questions or comments, hit us up, right here, at MotorWeek.

JOHN: The automotive world never rests, and Lauren Morrison is here with the latest MotorNews!

LAUREN MORRISON: Cadillac's electric lineup is getting an all-new flagship.

The 2024 Cadillac CELESTIQ is an ultra-luxury electric sedan, commanding an MSRP "north of $300,000."

While, each one will be handcrafted and tailored to the customer's desires, it will use GM's Ultium EV platform.

Production starts in December 2023.

And GM's Ultium platform is also lending a helping hand to Honda.

Serving as the foundation for the 2024 Honda Prologue, the brand's first all-electric SUV.

Designed by Honda's Los Angeles team, the Prologue will feature a modern shape: smooth lines and few obstructions.

Expect this model to roll out in 2024.

In internal combustion news, BMW unveils the latest M2 sports coupe.

2023 marks the second-generation of the M2, packing a 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight-six with 460 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.

All sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.

The new M2 will thrash onto the scene next April.

And Audi's R8 sports coupe just may be entering its twilight year.

The 2023 Audi R8 GT RWD is a limited edition model, with just 333 units worldwide.

It could be the last gasp for the internal combustion R8.

If so, it's going out as the most powerful rear-wheel-drive car ever made by Audi, producing 602 horsepower.

Now for even more daily news updates and complete road tests click on the search tab on the MotorWeek website, also, follow us on Facebook, twitter and find us on YouTube to stay up to date on all the latest.

And that does it for this week's MotorNews!

♪ ♪ GREG: We're only 4-months into our year-long test of this 2022 Kia Carnival, and it still looks great; accomplishing Kia's mission, as people seem to have a hard time believing it's a minivan... until they see those wide sliding doors open to reveal lounge like seating, dual entertainment screens, and cavernous space.

This second row is the place to be here in this Carnival.

I mean, these are literally called VIP lounge seats and they're aptly named they move every way which you could possibly want...except outside the vehicle.

So, you can't go full on max cargo like you can in some other minivans, but hey, that's the price you gotta pay if you want to live the Kia VIP lifestyle.

Just returning from a recent fall getaway that included lots of curvy roads and spectacular autumn scenery has put our tally at 7,200 miles; with fuel economy at 23.6 miles per gallon.

It was a real joy to drive, and even not drive occasionally, as Kia's Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist keep you in your lane and at the proper speed, but does require you to stay engaged in the process.

Stay tuned for more updates on our fleet, on the next MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test Update!

JOHN: Not only are we seeing more and more all-electric vehicles arriving into the market, but more than a few are coming from companies that are new to the automotive scene.

And while, so far, some have proven to be mostly smoke and mirrors.

There are start-ups like Rivian that are actually delivering the goods.

Case in point, their R1T pickup!

♪ ♪ This 2022 Rivian R1T all-electric pickup arrived ahead of the game, when both Ford and GM were still engineering their own fully electrified pickups.

And, likely years ahead of a production Tesla Cybertruck, if that ever even happens.

At first glance, the R1T's interior may appear a little plain, but it's quite well executed; fit and finish being the bane of many startup automotive companies, doesn't seem to be a problem here.

There is a non-serious-struck-like vibe; say like a Honda Ridgeline, which will be embraced by some, a turn-off to others.

Now, we're not fans of having to do just about everything through a touchscreen, but at least the Rivian's is very responsive and things are relatively easy to find.

While a lot of EVs are dual-motors, and GMC's Hummer even has three, Rivian is available now with one for each wheel for true 4-wheel-drive; which not only powers legit off-road chops, but torque-vectoring handling prowess too.

Not to mention delivering an immense amount of power to the pavement.

415 horsepower for the front axle, 420 at the rear for a total output of 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque.

The Quad-Motor's battery pack delivers 314 miles of range, but a soon to be available Max pack should push it to over 400.

All R1T's are 4-door crew cabs with a 4.5 foot bed; and standard air suspension has 6.0 inches of adjustment to prioritize handling, or pump it up as much as 14.9 inches of ground clearance when you select one of the many off-road specific drive modes.

Plus, it will self-level while hauling or towing up to 11,000 pounds.

There are active dampers too, to help minimize body roll in corners; certainly not your average pickup truck tech.

Our Adventure Edition tester had all kinds of useful features like onboard air compressor, power toneau cover, cargo rails that can be mounted above the bed or on the roof, a flashlight, and even a removable Bluetooth speaker.

Like, Ford's Lightning, there is a front trunk, or "frunk."

Under a power opening hood is room for 11.1 cubic feet of cargo.

Like Ridgeline, there is some under bed storage too.

But Rivian's best trick is the 11.7 cubic foot pass thru cargo tunnel in front of the bed.

Impressive.

Outside, the R1T is more midsize than full-size, but with a very wide stance.

Body panels are smooth, and its rounded face with unique lighting, has it looking like nothing else on the road.

The minimal lower body cladding and standard tow hooks are the only things that really scream rugged.

At our test track, regardless of drive mode, the R1T pounced off the line and sprinted to 60 in just 3.2 seconds.

Now, every launch was not exactly the same.

There was a tendency to pull to whichever side was getting the best grip, requiring a little bit of effort to keep it straight.

Not much sound was coming from the motors, we heard mostly wind and road noise as speed built rapidly until we hit about 110, when power then started dying off.

We finished the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 111 miles per hour.

With a motor for each wheel, there was definitely a unique feel through our handling course, with both oversteer and understeer readily available.

The chassis itself was solid and well-planted, but there was a fair amount of body roll, and a little bounciness to the suspension.

Braking runs were very consistent with no fade and short 110 foot stops from 60 the norm.

There was quite a bit of forward pitch, but it stopped straight and true.

Plenty of safety features, including cameras and sensors that deliver a real-time depiction of the traffic, road hazards, and even people around the vehicle, right in gauge display.

The R1T has a fair efficiency rating of 48 kilowatt hours per 100 miles.

If you've been following the Rivian, you know, that pricing has been a bit of a roller coaster.

But as of now, things start at $73,000.

That's for the announced dual-motor AWD standard range truck.

Our test Quad-Motor Large battery pack AWD goes for $87,000.

We've long expected a fully-electric pickup truck to arrive, though we didn't envision one this good coming from a new company.

And while, we truly do love this pickup, it's the stablemate R1S SUV that will likely have a much bigger impact.

But, with the 2022 R1T, Rivian is not only off to a good start, they're already well on their way toward success.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time...

When we silently hit the trails in the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.

Then, trade our hiking boots for work boots in Chevrolet's updated Silverado.

On "Your Drive," it's the full story of tire sidewalls.

Plus, how to keep your car and its parts out of the hands of thieves.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek , television's original automotive magazine, visit To order a DVD of this program, call... MotorWeek has been brought to you by... For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

♪ ♪ This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(car engine revving) ♪ ♪ You're watching PBS.