VIDEO & GALLERY: 2023 Nissan Z hits Tasmania's 99 Bends

This wasn't going to run in the Opinions section, but... I have a stream of consciousness to unload.

It's no secret I'm a Z guy, despite never having owned one.

Look. I tried last year to get my hands on a clean manual S30 two-seater (the 2+2 leaves me a bit cold), having finally found access to a sum o' cash that I hoped would get me there. But, alas... unless you're after a big project, prices have now climbed well past the stratosphere to take up a position around Earth inaccessible to most mortals.

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Later generations have been tempting in their own way, but, whether it's the 2+2 rooflines of the local S130 and Z31 (Nissan why oh why did you rob Australia of the two-seaters?), my general disinterest in the Z32's styling, the bulky body and plasticky interior of the Z33, or the oh-so-close Z34... I've simply never taken the plunge.

(Indeed, I ended up with a 1986 944 Turbo, and I regularly regale friends and acquaintances with the now tired tale that I "bought a Porsche because I couldn't afford a Datsun".)

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So here we are at the new Z.

Yes, it uses much of the Z34's architecture, but I've yet to hear a compelling argument to convince me that's a bad thing, or that it diminishes the car's value. Frankly, at this point, we need to take a big toke on the reality pipe and be glad we have a 'new Z' at all.

Consider the positives: Turbo power has returned with big numbers (298kW, 475Nm), there's a manual available from launch, the body structure is more rigid than before, suspension is improved, the interior is stylish (with a few carry-over pieces, sure), and it's loaded with modern tech.

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Likewise, the exterior styling, while a subjective point, is right on the money for me. The best parts of the Z32 at the rear – itself a subtle '90s tribute to the S30's tail lights – combine neatly with an unfussy profile and a front-end look that is both aggressive in its intent and a charming salute to the S30.

Points against? Well, we haven't driven it yet – the Australian media launch is next week, watch for Andy Enright's take – but it's true that reviews out of the US are mixed.

Some have criticised the tyre selection, others have observed that it's too damn quiet, and most agree its dynamics packaging sees it lean just a little further into grand tourer than focused sports car. That's been true of previous generations, too. No surprises there.

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Here's the thing: even if our own testing delivers a similar verdict, I couldn't care less. If it isn't ready out of the box to lay waste to rivals on the track, that can be resolved.

At a price, sure, but it's already something like $20,000 cheaper than the BMW-powered Supra – so pick your poison and get on with it. (We love all cars here, and the the GR86 and BRZ twins deserve consideration, too.)

The 100-edition Z Proto has already sold out, so I guess there's a bit of interest.

Will I get one? On that point, I'm still in negotiations with the minister for finance...

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Now, on with the show!

This week, Nissan has handed down a beautiful video and gallery of the new Z ripping through Tasmania's famous 99 Bends – a stunning, challenging Targa Tasmania section that climbs out of Queenstown, up Mount Owen and into Gormanston.

The footage and images were shot by regular Wheels contributor Thomas Wielecki, and you probably won't see anything else on that level until our own guns Ellen Dewar and Alastair Brook get a hold of it.

Enjoy the video below, along with our own clip of Alex Inwood exploring the Z's design and features, and click any photo in this story for our huge gallery of Wielecki's work with the Z.