2024 Nissan Z NISMO
06/30/2024
Shahed Hussain
Introduced as a 2023 model, Nissan has expanded the Z lineup to include four models: Z Sport ($42,970), Z Performance ($52,970), Z NISMO ($65,750), and the new Z Heritage Edition ($59,135). The top of the range Z NISMO is for track day enthusiasts who want a sports car capable of daily commuting and road trips. For the considerable premium over the Z Performance, the Z NISMO gets a revised suspension, larger brakes, Recaro seats, leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, different front fascia, larger spoiler and other upgrades.
Nissan engineers extracted another 20-hp and 34 lb.-ft. from the twin-turbo 3.0L V-6, now rated for 420-hp @ 6,400 RPM and 384 lb.-ft. @ 2,000-5,200 RPM. The all-aluminum VR30DDTT engine has direct-injection, dual overhead cams, and continuously variable valve-timing. A 6-speed manual is available on other Z models, but the NISMO only gets the 9-speed automatic driving the rear wheels through a standard limited-slip differential.
Although the suspension design is shared with other Z models, Nissan modified the suspension specifically for the NISMO version, including adding front and rear chassis bracing. The front suspension consists of aluminum double-wishbones, monotube dampers, coil springs, and stabilizer bar. At the rear is an aluminum multi-link setup with coil springs, monotube dampers and stabilizer bar. Larger 15.0-in. front rotors are standard. Rear rotors are 13.8-in. diameter, same as the Z Performance. NISMO-specific Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires (P255/40R19 & P285/35R19) are mounted on forged 19-in. alloy RAYS wheels. The motor-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is tuned especially for the Z NISMO.
The new Z has a completely redesigned interior that replaces analog gauges with a configurable digital display. A trio of dash-mounted gauges are a nod to the original 240Z. Standard Recaro seats offer superb lateral support and comfort. The stubby rectangular shifter for the automatic gearbox is functional, but the steering wheel-mounted paddles are what most drivers will use.
We drove the Z NISMO on county roads near the Road America track in Wisconsin. As expected, tight suspension damping and excellent body control kept the Z glued to the road. Immediate steering turn-in response and accuracy enabled us to drive confidently on the rolling hills and pockmarked road surfaces. The brakes are progressive and have firm pedal feel. Nissan tuned the 9-speed gearbox for quick shifts using the steering wheel paddles, or in automatic mode. Driving in Sport mode, the transmission will not select ninth gear automatically, although the driver can manually shift into ninth on demand. Nissan designed the turbo system to deliver peak torque above 2,000 RPM, so the V-6 delivers ample acceleration with minimal lag. Under hard acceleration, the stability control system allows some wheelspin in Sport mode, but not enough to get sideways.
Among sports coupes in its class, the Z NISMO faces tough competition from the Toyota GR Supra, BMW M2 and Ford Mustang GT. Is the extra $13K upcharge over Z Performance worth the money? For most customers probably not, but a halo model like the NISMO is intended to be rare.