The New 2023 Nissan Ariya and Nissan Z Uncovered at Nissan Studio in Toronto

Canadian pricing for the Nissan Ariya electric crossover and Nissan Z sports car have yet to be unveiled, but those wishing to reserve either of these models will be able to do so now with a $1,000 refundable deposit. $.

The Car Guide recently visited the Nissan Studio in Yorkdale near Toronto to examine a right-hand drive pre-production model of the Ariya straight out of the Japanese market as well as a new 2023 Nissan Z.

Nissan Ariya: Taking Over For the Leaf

The Nissan Ariya, which is the second electric vehicle from the Nissan brand after the Leaf, will be available in several versions and engine configurations. It will be possible to order a base, 214-horsepower model with front-wheel all the way up to an all-wheel-drive model that can develop up to 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Between these two models is a wide range of configurations available, depending on tastes and budgets.

Two batteries are on the menu, a 63 kWh unit and a 87 kWh one. The latter allows for 482 kilometres of range in the Nissan Ariya in front-wheel drive configuration and 426 kilometres with all-wheel drive.

Photo: Nissan

We also noted that the Ariya is equipped with technologies that can be found throughout the brand's catalogue, such as the standard ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link technology,  wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and the various safety technologies related to Nissan's 360 safety shield. Nissan's Zero Gravity seats are bolted to an almost fully-flat floor, which frees up a lot of space.

Photo: Louis-Philippe Dubé

The Nissan Z: A Proper Tribute

The New Nissan Z has been the talk of the town over the past few months. It aims to revive the spirit of the affordable sports car within Nissan, and it's almost ready to hit the road. The new Z's physique pays a befitting homage to older generations that beared the Z emblem, on the one hand with styling cues strategically positioned to nod to models like the 240Z and 300ZX, and on the other with proper nuts and bolts under the hood.

Armed with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that develops 400 horsepower, the new Z lets enthusiasts channel the power to the rear wheels through a good old six-speed manual transmission with standard EXEDY clutch.

Photo: Louis-Philippe Dubé

Those who'd rather delegate gear changes can do so by choosing the optional nine-speed automatic transmission. The sporty Z is available in Sport and Performance versions as well as in a limited Proto Spec version – the latter can be reserved exclusively at Nissan dealerships.

Photo: Louis-Philippe Dubé

Pricing and availability details for these two new models are expected to follow in the coming months.

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