TEST DRIVE: Nissan Z NISMO

The new Nissan Z got a lot of attention when it was introduced in 2021. After all, it was descended from decades of “Z” sports cars that go all the way back to the original Datsun 240Z of the early seventies, and it hadn’t seen a redesign since 2009.

I liked the new Z when I reviewed it in 2023, but it did have some shortcomings. When the new NISMO (short for Nissan Motorsport) version became available, I was anxious to see if any of its deficiencies had been fixed.

All Z models are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, but software tuning to the NISMO bumps the horsepower up to 420 from 400 in the other models. Torque is also increased from 350 lb.-ft. to 384.

The real reason for the engine updates may be to help justify the NISMO versions higher price, as they don’t result in any tangible increase in acceleration. When Motor Trend tested both cars, the NISMO version was only a tenth quicker than the Z Performance version, at 4.2 seconds vs. 4.1.

It may not be any faster in a straight line, but Nissan did make other significant changes to the Z NISMO that raise its performance levels over the Z. With wider tires, stiffer anti-roll bars, larger dampers with firmer springs, grippy Recaro seats and bigger front brakes, NISMO engineers focused more on handling and speed over a twisty stretch of road or track more than 0-60 gains.

You can feel these differences on twisty stretches of road, where the Z NISMO excels.

In my test of the Z back in 2023, I found that it had too much understeer and too much body roll and movement when it was driven in an aggressive manner on back roads.

Nissan fixed those shortcomings with the suspension updates made to the Z NISMO. The stiffer roll bars, springs and dampers give the Z NISMO better balance, control and reflexes in the twisty bits, and it sounds great when you get the revs in the upper ranges.

In short, this is a car you can attack corners with, where the standard Z model requires a bit more caution and attention on such roads. The improvements in handling are also due to the grippy Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires that are on the NISMO model, which like race tires take some heat in them before they start working really well.

The stiffer suspension and the wider and gripper tires also help to improve the steering feel over the other Z models, which is already pretty good. As the steering feel on electric steering racks go, the Z NISMO is has better feel through the rim than many other sports cars I’ve driven that cost more.

The only transmission available in the Z NISMO is a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters, which is a bit odd considering lesser Z models have the choice of a manual. As automatics go, the unit in the Z NISMO works well and manual shifts via the paddles are quick.

The larger brakes in the Z NISMO are also a benefit with the added performance, but I didn’t notice any differences in pedal feel or stopping power compared to the regular Z. Those differences may be more apparent at a track day.

The NISMO version of the Z also looks more aggressive and sporting than the other models, with more aggressive front and rear bumpers and side skirts, as well as the trademark red trim on those pieces that make the car stand out more. It looks better with some paint colors than others, but I liked it. It gives a bit more pop to the car and makes it stand out as a NISMO model.

As much as I like the Z NISMO, this car still has some weaknesses. I generally like the interior, but it does show price cutting in some of the plastics and controls. With its stiffer suspension, the NISMO model is also less comfortable than the standard models to take on the interstate, as the ride quality is not as compliant and it’s noisier. It’s one of the tradeoffs you make to have a purer sports car.

The manual seat controls on the Recaro seats are very difficult to use, as they’re located in a tight spot on the side of the seat that are awkward to reach and adjust.

At $65,750 USD, the Z NISMO will cost buyers significantly more than the lesser Z models. It’s nearly $23,000 more than the base model Z that still has 400hp, and it’s almost $13,000 more than the Z Performance model with a manual transmission.

It’s also priced higher than the 473hp BMW M2 ($64,900) and the 500hp Ford Mustang Dark Horse ($63,380), which both have back seats if you need them.

Even at the high price, the Z NISMO has a lot going for it. It offers a great blend of power and handling; it is relatively practical for a two-seat 420hp sports car and is unique in its design. Exclusivity is also a benefit, as owners likely won’t see many others on the road. The Z models in general are not cars you see very often, and the NISMO will be even more scarce at its higher price.