Punchier Nissan Z NISMO revealed
Torture for UK-based Zed fans continues as 420hp range topper arrives
Despite its flaws - big price, wheezy engine - the old 370Z NISMO was a charming old brute. It was an honest, authentic, front-engined, rear-drive sports car, and they tend to be very easy to rub along with. The appeal was simple, the thrills raw, and the fact it looked ace only furthered its cause. Nothing makes 2013 seem even longer ago than remembering the launch of both a 370 and GT-R NISMO that UK customers could buy…
Yep, sorry folks, confirmation of a new Z NISMO sadly hasn’t brought with it an announcement of European availability. Seems like supporters of the brand are going to be waiting quite a bit longer for an interesting Nissan of any kind to be sold here. Still, the NISMO is nothing if not interesting; we'd be remiss not to tell you about a new sports car, especially one with a big V6 and a storied badge, even if you can’t get one.
We’ll get to power in a second - it’s the ‘significant handling enhancements’ for the Zed that are arguably of more interest, given the standard car hasn’t been universally praised for its cornering. So the NISMO gets an increased spring rate, retuned dampers, bespoke anti-roll bars, additional underfloor bracing (increasing torsional rigidity by 2.5 per cent), stiffer bushings for the suspension and steering rack, lighter wheels… a lot of changes, basically. Remember this NISMO arrives not long after the standard car, certainly sooner than the four years between the 370 and its NISMO. Almost like this car is making up for where a regular Z might not be up to snuff.
In addition to the modifications listed above, the NISMO gets Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tyres (just like a GT-R), bigger brake discs with an upgraded pad compound, and an enhanced oil cooler. Throughout the press release Nissan talks of this car’s increased suitability for track driving, and it certainly seems to be going the right way about it. In addition, there was said to be an ‘overarching tuning ethos’ of ‘accurate, ‘one shot’ steering’ for the project, creating a really precise front end to make nailing every apex as simple and confidence-inspiring as possible. That despite the NISMO being the heaviest model of the range, at 3704lb, or 1,680kg.
NISMO Nissans never tend to boast a whole lot more power than standard, even the GT-Rs, and the Zed conforms to type: its 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 is just 20hp and 34lb ft stronger than any other, at 420hp and 384lb ft. It's surprisingly little, really, given the potential that must surely be there in a twin-turbo Nissan six, but more than enough to be getting on with. Interestingly, the flagship is only available with the nine-speed auto (non-NISMOs get a six-speed manual as standard); once more, circuit driving is the focus, with the promise of faster shifting thanks to new clutch packs. A new, NISMO-specific Sport+ drive mode should also improve gearbox behaviour on track, said to be so responsive in fact that the driver needn’t use the paddles to ensure the optimum gear.
Anyone familiar with previous NISMOs will recognise the visual overhaul for this Zed. There’s the red accent running around the entire car, a GT-R-influenced rear bumper design, a slightly taller, wider rear spoiler, and the aforementioned Rays rims. Wouldn’t be a fast Nissan without Rays wheels. The new look is said to have benefits in the track, too, with positive downforce claimed thanks to the spoiler, the front canards and the thinner mesh grille. As well as the Stealth Grey seen here, the NISMO Z will be offered in Brilliant Silver, Passion Red TriCoat, Everest White Pearl TriCoat and Black Diamond Pearl.
The NISMO joins the Zed range as part of the 2024 model year, which goes on sale in the autumn and with prices to follow. No doubt it’ll be irritatingly affordable for our US cousins, as so many fast cars over there seem to be - boo. If it makes you feel any better, this March 2020 370Z NISMO has done just 12,000 miles, and looks very good for it. Manual and manual only here, too…
Personally, I think it's a great example of a modern-looking car whilst still being faithful to the classic Z cars.
Most modern sports cars look so over the top and fussy. This model is simple, but I think it works very well.
A real shame that reviews were so lukewarm. I can't think of any reason you would genuinely buy one over other models.
Also, a shame it's not offered over here!
i loved my old 350z, and seriously considered a secondhand 370z a few months ago (but ended up in a boxster for now)
Personally, I think it's a great example of a modern-looking car whilst still being faithful to the classic Z cars.
Would happily have one of these, would have to be white or black though with those accents.
As for this car, I'm not convinced by the styling. I really liked the 350 and 370, but there is something about this that doesn't quite work. It's not cohesive. I also don't like the silver/grey trim that runs down the C-pillar on this version. It looks really out of place with the rest of the Nismo bits. Perhaps it should have been black to match the skirts and other parts.
Regardless, it is a real shame that it's not sold in Europe. We'd better get used to it though, as I think most manufacturers will largely abandon performance cars in this market. I guess people will be able to import them from Japan at least though.
Which is why offering this car only with the auto seems to be an error in judgement.
No I take that back, its a different colour.....
I've had my 370Z Roadster for over 4 years now though, so I'm content enough with that to be fair. However you have to be in the mood for most NA cars for me(and be willing to rev the backside off them), so an engine with twin turbos like this would give me more fun for more of the time I reckon.
However I shouldn't really moan really, because I do still have the F82 M4 to keep me entertained with its 3.0 twin turbo 6 cylinder engine in fairness though!
Which is why offering this car only with the auto seems to be an error in judgement.
The 370s looked generally like the 350s, but was almost entirely new, same idea, but everything was just slightly different.
They claim this is the same basic platform as the 350 and 370, whilst also claiming the 370 was what 90%+ new parts, 4" shorter wheelbase, wider, etc.
Anyway, probably not for me, turbos and auto boxes are not my thing.
The 370s looked generally like the 350s, but was almost entirely new, same idea, but everything was just slightly different.
They claim this is the same basic platform as the 350 and 370, whilst also claiming the 370 was what 90%+ new parts, 4" shorter wheelbase, wider, etc.
Anyway, probably not for me, turbos and auto boxes are not my thing.
I don't hold that against it though, because I'm just pleased to see another generation of the Nissan Z car in fairness. This is basically a 370Z with a 3.0 V6 twin turbo engine...rather than a 370Z with a 3.7 V6 NA engine basically.
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