There is plenty of excitement surrounding the upcoming new generation of the 2023 Nissan Z. Early reports claim the improved vehicle is a great new sports car addition to the product lineup.

Historically, many performance models are known for prioritizing performance while skimping on technology features. So, does the upcoming 2023 Nissan Z include Android Auto, or did Nissan choose to remain retro with its infotainment options?

What is Android Auto?

The connectivity feature lets drivers connect their smartphone interface to the vehicle’s infotainment display. All compatible Android apps show up on the screen, granting unlimited access to navigation systems, entertainment options, hands-free calling, and even texting (as long as you aren’t driving).

The smartphone integration was designed to implement safe driving, helping drivers stay focused on the road and not a screen. Most vehicles from model years 2015 and newer offer Android Auto, providing a wireless connection or USB port for access.

Kelley Blue Book explains that Android Auto “mirrors the phone’s screen on the car’s central touchscreen so that you can activate apps with a simple tap. It also uses the car’s audio system to play sounds from the phone and microphones built into the vehicle to control the phone with voice commands.”

While Apple CarPlay offers many of the same features, Android Auto has it beat hands down when using Google Maps with a friendlier interface that allows you to zoom in on locations and access satellite images. Apple CarPlay relies on Apple Maps for these features.

It is important to note that according to Screen Rant, “Google has shut down the Android Auto for Phone Screens app, ensuring people can only use Android Auto on their in-car infotainment system and not on their phones.”

The upcoming 2023 Nissan Z offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

In a recent press release, Nissan Motor Corp. announced that the all-new, seventh-generation 2023 Nissan Z will feature a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with three display modes (Normal, Enhanced, and Sport) to “suit driver preference.”

An 8-inch display audio touchscreen includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The six-speaker system offers a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a hands-free text messaging assistant, streaming audio features, SiriusXM radio, and Siri Eyes Free.

A 9-inch color touchscreen is standard in the Z Performance trim, which includes embedded navigation features, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Nissan Connect services. An upgraded Bose 8-speaker audio system offers active sound enhancement and active noise cancellation features.

For drivers that prefer their phone interfaces, the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are must-have features and a welcome addition to the new 2023 Nissan Z. According to the Nissan website, both configurations are available via a wireless connection.

To access Google on Android Auto, all you have to do is say “Hey Google” for voice-activated assistance. Or, in compatible vehicles, you can press the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate it.

Other infotainment features that are standard in the 2023 Nissan Z

The infotainment system also includes two USB ports (USB-A and C) to keep phones charging the entire length of your trip. Two 12-volt ports are also available in the interior cabin.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is a welcome addition to the new Nissan Z with customizable features for the driver’s convenience. The fully digital display complements the analog turbine speeds, voltmeter, and turbo boost gauges that sit atop the dash, paying homage to previous Z models that came before the newest addition to the Nissan lineup.

Forbes claims, “The Z finally gets a proper infotainment system for 2023,” explaining that “in the old 370Z, even a basic system was reserved for the top models.”