New Nissan Z NISMO is a 420HP Greatest Hits Collection

My Fair Lady, Z

Nissan unveiled its Z-series sports car to the world in the fall of 1969. When it arrived on American shores, the car known in Japan as the Fairlady Z had acquired a new marketable alias and became the Datsun 240Z. Since then, the Z has undergone several iconic eras while maintaining a reputation as a premium six-cylinder coupe with chops sharp enough to carve a canyon road and give America V8s a run for their money.

Its latest incarnation debuted in 2023 with mixed reviews on its styling and choice of transmissions. Some said it looked too restrained, while others called it a greatest hits collection incorporating design bits and pieces from its over 50-year catalog.

This hit-or-miss reaction was further ignited when headlines confirmed that the top-tier NISMO edition would only shift gears in an automatic fashion. I finally had the opportunity to drop my two cents into the driver’s seat of a Passion Red Nissan Z NISMO.

“Is That the New Z?”

You don’t see too many of these cars in my part of South Texas. You’re more likely to spot a six-figure McLaren or Porsche than a late model Nissan Z. As a result, people took notice when I drove this bright red with mirror gloss black roof Japanese sports car around the block.

One citizen told me to “enjoy it” while walking away from it in a parking lot. Another person crossed a busy street to ask if it was “the new Z” because he hadn’t seen one in person yet.

For 2025, the Nissan Z stays pretty much the same from its 2024 model year with no significant changes.

Exterior Styling

I look back with puzzling concerns on all the comments I read saying they don’t like the styling of this car. Poor souls may need to check their eyes because the Nissan Z looks great.

The designers created a tasteful visual cocktail by mixing elements of the past, like its signature Z emblem on the side of the roof pillar from the 1970s and full-length taillight bar inspired by the 300ZX from the 1990s, into a silhouette that manages to look contemporary while maintaining a shape that could only be recognized as a Nissan Z.

Twin-Turbo V6

Under the hood, the Nissan Z lineup features a 3.0L V6 engine aided by twin-turbochargers to produce a commendable 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Buyers have a choice among seven trim levels with the option of a traditional six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The model shown is the top-of-the-heap NISMO edition offering a slight power increase to 420 hp and 389 lb.-ft of torque in addition to a grocery list of exclusive add-ons.

NISMO Performance Package

On the outside, the NISMO performance package features a rear spoiler and side sills, with the front and rear body kit to distinguish it from the lineup. In addition, vented disc brakes featuring NISMO front brake rotors and brake calipers peek out from behind a set of 19-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport MAXX GT600 tires and a sports muffler to enhance the V6’s singing voice through its dual exhaust system.

The Nissan Z NISMO interior features Recaro bucket seats, a red ignition button, branded floor mats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and an exclusive Sport + drive mode with a unique digital gauge display. It also features an 8-speaker BOSE audio system that’ll come in handy when you want to drown out the noticeable road noise leaking into the cabin.

However, apart from a noisy cockpit, the Nissan Z’s interior space achieves the fighter jet aesthetic one looks for in a sports car. You feel nestled in the bucket seat while overlooking a long hood line, with a set of three analog gauges mounted on the center of the dashboard facing in your direction.

Push the red ignition button, and the engine growls into life with a steady hum vibrating through the steering wheel. The car’s NISMO-tuned suspension and power steering further enhance its direct and hyperactive handling.

Twin-Turbo Power on Twisted Sister Highway

During the week-long road test, I managed to log just a shade over 800 miles on the Nissan Z’s odometer. Achieving that meant driving across central Texas from San Antonio to Dallas, catching both the sunrise and sunset. The real test, however, was done early in the morning on a route known by sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts alike as Twisted Sisters. A ribbon of asphalt draped alongside a mountain overlooking a valley near the Frio River.

On this special road, I was able to get a grip on the Z NISMO’s tuned suspension and premium fuel-burning horsepower. Navigating the challenging twists and sharp turns on this two-lane road with body-crushing rocks on one side and a tumbling free fall on the other kept my heart racing with fear of oncoming traffic lurking behind every blind corner.

Thankfully, the car’s nimble handling and compact size allowed me to drive it fast without hogging lanes. Paddle shifters in Sport + mode meant I could keep the RPMs high, apply the power to the road immediately upon exiting a turn and enjoy the smile provoked by rapid acceleration.

The Z NISMO’s recorded zero to 60 times put it under four seconds and continues into felonious speeds faster than you can say, “Is that a cop up ahead?”

Nissan Z Pricing

Regarding pricing, the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO is like ordering a pizza. Extra toppings come at a cost, putting the two-door sports car at nearly $70,000. However, according to Nissan’s official website, the entry-level Z Sport starts at a competitive $43,000.

Moreover, the middle-of-the-pack Nissan Z Performance provides many of the NISMO’s desirable options, like 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension with upgraded brakes and a faux-suede interior with the option to select a manual transmission for a starting price of $53,000 (rounded up).

Engine: 3.0L Twin-turbocharged V6

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

0 to 60: 3.9 seconds (Z NISMO)

Starting price: $42,970 (Z Sport)

Price as shown: $68,690 (Z NISMO)