• Auto123 tests the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO.
For more than 55 years, the Nissan Z has held a special place in the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Born in 1969 under the name Datsun 240Z, this car has survived the ages while retaining its DNA.
After a notable absence of just over two years, Nissan relaunched the Z in 2023 with a completely redesigned model, combining retromodern design with current technology. And for 2024, the Japanese brand has taken the experience further with the NISMO version, designed to offer more performance on the track.
But what does “NISMO” mean? It is the contraction of Nissan Motorsport, the sports division of Nissan, responsible for the development of performance and racing cars since 1984. The Nissan Z NISMO 2024 therefore benefits from NISMO’s expertise in driving dynamics and aerodynamics.
The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO — what’s new?
The new NISM O version stands out with its increased power to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft (details below), its improved aerodynamics, its NISMO suspension and brakes, as well as its wider and grippier tires. This version also adds a new driving mode, Sport+, designed for circuits.
Design of the Nissan Z NISMO 2024 – 8.0/10
Unsurprisingly, the Z NISMO stands out thanks to its aerodynamic design. Its redesigned front shield, with its “G-Nose”, is inspired by the Fairlady 240ZG and gives it an aggressive look. The front canards, larger rear wing and unique side skirts help generate downforce which improves stability at high speeds, especially on the race track. The reduction in lift begins at 77 km/h, which is a definite advantage for sporty driving.
The 19-inch black Rays wheels are shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires that are wider than those on the standard Z. They complete the sporty look and ensure optimal grip on the track, but also on the road.
Inside
The interior of the Z NISMO is sober, but sporty. We slide inside Recaro seats in leather and Alcantara, manually adjustable, which offer excellent lateral support. These seats are not particularly comfortable and in our opinion not recommended for long journeys because their seat is so hard. Normal, these are seats designed for racing.
The steering wheel, covered in leather and Alcantara, is pleasant to the touch and includes a red marker at the noon position, a nod to racing cars. The anodized red buttons for starting and selecting driving modes bring a touch of color to the whole thing and stand out.
The start-up animation of the digital instrument cluster, with its “special red flash” and the NISMO logo, reinforces the impression of sportiness.
The technology of the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO – 7.0/10
The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO offers a modern interior where technology is present. A central touchscreen dominates the console. This screen allows you to manage several functions, such as the audio system, telephony and certain applications. The interface is quite simple to use, even while driving. Via a wire, you can connect your phone to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto applications.
The screen graphics are not the best. As for the reversing camera, it’s worse. But if sound quality is important to you, you should know that an 8-speaker Bose audio system is installed inside.
Directly in front of the driver there is a 12.3-inch color screen that replaces traditional gauges. You can see all the important information for driving there. Speed is displayed both in numbers and with a virtual needle, like on old speedometers. The rev counter is also displayed digitally and with a needle, with a look reminiscent of the old Z models. When you go up in the revs, the red zone of the rev counter lights up red, a nice little detail.
The screen also displays navigation directions, information about the car such as fuel consumption, tire pressure and remaining range. You can even adjust certain parameters, such as driving modes and driving aids.
What is practical is that you can personalize the display to choose the information you want to see. And the screen is easy to use and read, even when it’s sunny.
Engine of the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo – 8.5/10
The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO features the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as other versions of the Z, but NISMO has reworked it for more power. It now develops 420 horsepower, which is 20 horsepower more than the standard Z. Torque has also been increased to 384 lb-ft, or 34 lb-ft more.
To get to these numbers, NISMO increased the turbo pressure and turbine speed. The division also upgraded the cooling system with a larger oil cooler and a more efficient intercooling circuit. Thanks to these modifications, the engine does not overheat, even when used on the track.
And to make sure all that power is put to good use, the NISMO gets a nine-speed automatic transmission that has been recalibrated to offer quicker gear changes.
Driving the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO – 8.5/10
Despite a barely perceptible difference in power behind the wheel, the Z NISMO is significantly sharper than the standard Z. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to place the car exactly where you want it. When cornering, the sports car remains very flat, thanks to the firmer suspensions and wider tires which do an extraordinary job.
We were pleasantly surprised by the ride comfort. Despite the more sportily tuned suspensions, the car absorbs road imperfections well, which is appreciable on a daily basis. On the other hand, on really bad roads, it really gets drier. No choice, we have to slow down.
The engine is powerful and offers good acceleration, even at low revs. The automatic transmission does its job well, with very quick and fluid gear changes. Let’s not forget the traction control which, with each acceleration, does everything to keep the Z NISMO on a straight trajectory. It’s crazy how much this little car pushes. We would still have liked to have the option of a manual transmission, in order to become one with the car.
Consumption
According to Nissan Canada, the Z NISMO’s consumption is estimated at 14.1 liters/100 km in the city, 9.9 liters/100 km on the highway, then 12.2 liters/100 km combined. Our average after 214 km of mixed driving was 13.8 liters/100 km.
Canadian prices for the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO
The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO is priced at $75,998 (MSRP) and does not include freight, PDI or taxes.
Some of your questions about the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO
Is the Z NISMO available with a manual transmission?
No, the Z NISMO is only offered with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What colors are offered with the Z NISMO?
The Z NISMO is available in five colors: Passion Red with Black Roof, Everest White Pearl with Black Roof, Stealth Gray with Black Roof, Two-Tone Brilliant Silver with Black Roof.
The final word
We must admit that we didn’t have huge expectations for this Z NISMO before driving it. Let’s be clear, the Z is an excellent car, the standard version is successful and efficient, especially for a starting price of $50,998.
Twenty more horsepower doesn’t seem enough to us to justify such a price difference or revolutionize the driving experience.
In reality, it’s a lot more than 20 extra horsepower. The NISMO version is a Z prepared for the track, with a strong character, but which can also be driven in town, surprisingly. From the first turns of the wheel, it shows its character. Agile and precise, it makes you want to attack every turn. Even with its automatic transmission, it allows you to have fun like a kid.
The choice of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires and the Akebono brakes contribute greatly to driving pleasure. We feel safe and we want to push the car to its limits.
The competitors of the Nissan Z NISMO 2024
- – BMW M2
- – Ford Mustang Dark Horse
- – Porsche 718 Cayman
- – Toyota GR Supra
Original content from auto123.
