The Z car has been wowing drivers since 1969 – back when it was a Datsun, not a Nissan.
Now in it’s seventh-generation of production, the 2024 Nissan Z delivers a NISMO version, doubling down on the car’s thrilling performance with an exhilarating, track-ready experience for driving enthusiasts with a need for speed.
NISMO, short for Nissan Motorsports, creates road cars that are designed to be thrilling and authentic, with a focus on speed, handling, and maneuverability. Check, check, and check.
Z NISMO elevates the iconic sports car’s performance with additional horsepower and torque, NISMO-tuned suspension and brakes, revised aerodynamic bodywork, stiffened suspension, and wider wheels with a more aggressive tire compound.
Powered by a a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, DOHC V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, Z NISMO delivers 420 horsepower, 384 lb-ft of torque, and accelerate from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. It covers a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114 mph.
The two-seat, rear-wheel drive Z NISMO is a step up from the base Z Sport, and middle Z Performance trims. NISMO’s top-speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. The EPA rates the car at 24 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.
Compared to the transmission in other Z grades, NISMO has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting. Along with revised engine management software, the transmission has reduced downshift time by almost half, compared to Z Performance. Launch control also delivers more aggressive standing-start acceleration.
In addition to Normal and Sport, Z NISMO adds a new Sport+ drive mode. This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain’s faster downshift capability. The shift programming is designed to be so responsive for performance driving that a driver does not need to use the shift paddles on track – though fast-responding manual shifting is always available.
NISMO engineers revised every element of the car’s suspension to optimize precision, predictability and cornering grip. Z NISMO has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers. The overarching tuning ethos was to deliver accurate, “one-shot” steering that helps drivers to pick their line through a turn with a minimum of steering adjustment needed, contributing to confident track-ready performance.
The Z NISMO’s braking system has also been revamped. The front brakes now have larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and have been equipped with a more performance-focused brake pad compound. The changes are intended to improve Z’s impressive brake pedal feel and enhance braking performance in extended track use scenarios.
Exterior revisions include a styling element called the “Grand-Nose” or “G-Nose,” which extends farther forward than on other grades. The new front fascia also features a restyled grille opening with the thinnest honeycomb mesh of any Nissan production car. That mesh grille balances the need to reduce drag while permitting cooling air to the engine bay.
Driver and passenger are poured into leather-trimmed Recaro seats with aggressive side bolsters. A three-bay gauge cluster is skewed toward the driver. Creature comforts, albeit insignificant, are not ignored.
Highlights include a BOSE eight-speaker audio system with active noise cancellation, nine-inch touchscreen navigation display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and Alexa built-in.
All 2024 Nissan Z models include a range of standard driver assistance and safety technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
Base Price: $66,085
Price As Driven: $68,290
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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