FYI: The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo Delivers Beyond Expectations but Faces Market Challenges
No car this year has left a more profound impression on me than the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo. It’s an extraordinary sports car that transcends its individual components, yet there’s an underlying concern it might remain underappreciated and experience lackluster sales.
Transmission and Price Point
Surface-level impressions reveal some troubling aspects. Unlike other Z trims that come with a six-speed manual, the Nismo is restricted to a nine-speed automatic transmission—not the common dual-clutch or the renowned ZF eight-speed. This small coupe’s weight is a hefty 3,704 pounds, marking it as the heaviest Z model—another downside. The $66,085 price tag is nearly identical to the BMW M2’s starting price, exceeds the Mustang Dark Horse, and mirrors a fully-loaded Supra. This steers the model into a less favorable competitive bracket.
Performance Upgrades
When contrasting the standard Z Performance model to the GR Supra, questions arise regarding the value Nismo brings. Though the price tag remains daunting, from behind the wheel, the Nismo defies its critics and stands as a remarkable sports car.
All previous issues with the Z’s dynamics have been resolved. Enhanced airflow, reinforced underfloor bracing, stiffer suspension, superior steering bushings, aggressive stabilizer bars, larger dampers, firmer spring rates, wider RAYS 19-inch wheels, and sticky Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires—all contribute to a transformation. Once a standard sports coupe, the Z Nismo is now a bona fide sports car. The outdated soft, springy chassis has been replaced with a rigid, confidence-boosting machine that urges you to push it hard.
Driving Experience
Nissan describes the Nismo’s steering as "one-shot," and it rings true. Choose your line through a corner, and the Nismo leans in seamlessly, maintaining flatness and predictability without the chassis anxiety characteristic of the standard Z. While the ride is firmer and more communicative through the seat, the Nismo’s handling and composure feel like what the Z should have always been, equating to the GR Supra and delivering immense satisfaction on technical back roads.
Tire Performance
The Dunlop tires deserve special mention as they’re notably more aggressive than those found on similar sports cars in this price range. With a 200 treadwear rating, they excel both on public roads and the race track, providing astonishing grip thanks to the car’s stiffer chassis.
However, these superior tires present drawbacks such as increased road noise and a harsh ride on long highway journeys, including occasional cabin-penetrating thuds coupled with the tires’ constant drone. Nonetheless, these compromises are manageable given the car’s performance capabilities outside daily driving scenarios, a sentiment likely shared by most Nismo enthusiasts.
Exhaust System and Engine Power
The revamped exhaust system is delightful. The Nismo emits the desired Z sound—comprehensive from idle through the rev range without being overpowering. An enjoyable crackle on deceleration adds to its character, though a slight drone does persist on highways. Cranking up the music can mitigate this, yet even a slight throttle tilt introduces the VR30DDTT’s vibrant sound into the cabin.
The Nismo packs a noticeable power boost—20 additional horsepower and 34 pound-feet more torque than the regular Z, making for livelier rear tire action. Already a high performer, the engine in the Nismo ascends even higher on the tachometer, with significantly improved response time.
Transmission Choice
The mandatory nine-speed automatic transmission remains a hot topic. Enhanced for quicker, more dynamic shifts, this transmission impresses with its rapid, precise gear changes, eliminating the sluggishness of the standard Z. Although not as swift as Porsche’s PDK or the ZF eight-speed, it left little to be desired. Initially skeptical, I now appreciate its performance.
Interior Enhancements
Numerous small upgrades elevate the Nismo experience. Manual Recaro bucket seats feature large bolsters and a lower seating position, addressing the previous high-sitting issue. Enhanced front and rear brakes boast more substantial pads for improved pedal feel and responsiveness. The leather/Alcantara steering wheel adds flair, and the steering itself is markedly better than the non-Nismo, thanks to upgraded bushings and better tires.
Exterior Design
The Nismo’s aesthetic might polarize opinions. The new Z’s beauty contrasted with the red trim’s divisive nature. While some might dislike the profoundly redesigned grille, both versions appear attractive from different perspectives.
Conclusion
Despite its high price and less daily-driving suitability, the Nismo’s enhanced features and performance position it as a compelling weekend or track day toy for Japanese sports car enthusiasts. Nissan’s successful transformation from the flawed regular Z into this thrilling car suggests aftermarket possibilities for enthusiasts, especially in manual versions. It’s time to give the Nismo the attention it deserves.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
