The Nissan Z Nismo is renowned for its track-focused enhancements and exhilarating performance on challenging roads. Many reviews highlight its capabilities on race circuits and twisty mountain passes, scrutinizing its athleticism and lamenting the absence of a manual transmission. However, few have explored its practicality for everyday driving or long road trips. I embarked on such a journey, taking the Z Nismo on a road trip to Santa Barbara, CA, to assess its performance beyond the racetrack.
Nissan provided me with a Z Nismo just in time for my trip north to Santa Barbara, approximately 100 miles from my home. Opting for the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, the journey transformed into a half-day adventure, far more engaging than a mere freeway commute. My aim was to truly experience the Nismo Z in a different context, and it delivered beyond expectations.
Not only did the Nismo-enhanced Z excel in performance, but it also achieved a commendable 25 mpg fuel economy, even with spirited driving through canyon roads en route to the highway. It’s hard to resist pushing a car like this, and the Z Nismo seamlessly blended fun and extreme driving through every corner. The experience was as thrilling as I remembered from track tests, proving its dual nature.
The NISMO Difference: Extensive Enhancements for Performance
The Nissan Z Nismo isn’t merely a trim level; it’s a significantly upgraded machine. Nissan invested considerable effort to transform the Z into a true NISMO, with substantial performance enhancements under the hood and throughout the chassis.
A notable 20 horsepower and 34 lb-ft of torque increase elevates the Z Nismo’s output to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This power boost makes it a formidable competitor in its sports car class. Faster-spinning turbochargers and enhanced cooling systems contribute to this increased performance. Drawing inspiration from its legendary sibling, the GT-R, the Z Nismo incorporates an independent spark controller, ensuring more precise ignition. The result is an engine that responds rapidly, delivering immediate torque when demanded.
The drive modes, though limited in number, offer distinct driving experiences. In Normal mode, the Z Nismo feels akin to the Z Performance for daily driving. Switching to Sport mode awakens the Nismo’s true character, providing an engaging experience suitable for most driving scenarios, including road trips. The exclusive Sport + mode, unique to the NISMO, intensifies shifting, acceleration, and overall responsiveness, designed for maximum performance.
Gear changes are rewarding via paddle shifters, though personally, larger paddles would be preferable. Importantly, the 9-speed automatic transmission is reinforced for the Nismo’s increased power. Software refinements and upgraded clutches enable rapid and precise shifts, making it a more refined and capable transmission than in other Z models.
While a manual transmission option would be welcomed by some enthusiasts, the market demand might not justify the extensive engineering for an upgraded clutch, gears, and shifter. Nissan might consider it in the future, but for now, the enhanced automatic is the sole offering.
Track-Tuned Suspension: Outstanding for Performance, Firm for Daily Driving
The Z Nismo’s suspension tuning is unequivocally track-focused. Virtually every aspect underneath the car has been stiffened, with weight reduction in numerous suspension and structural components. Increased structural rigidity comes from additional bracing and reinforced steel around the steering mount. Thicker mounts for suspension components and enlarged sway bars are implemented. Stiffer bushings, uprated shocks, and revised spring rates are integral to the performance-oriented upgrades.
Nissan equipped the Z Nismo with substantial Akebono four-piston front brakes, significantly enhancing brake feel and stopping power. Even slight pedal pressure results in immediate and strong braking force. Lightweight RAYS forged wheels and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires further contribute to the Nismo’s performance and handling.
This track-optimized setup, however, translates to a firm ride on public roads. For a more compliant ride, other Z models, Mustang variants, or even a base Corvette might be more suitable. The Z Nismo tracks straight and true, but the firmness is noticeable, potentially impacting comfort, especially on longer drives or imperfect road surfaces.
Interior: Functional and Driver-Focused
The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo’s interior prioritizes function over groundbreaking innovation. It features supportive, stiff driving seats, the signature Nissan Z triple gauge cluster, and an infotainment screen. While the Z Performance seats might offer a slight comfort advantage, the Nismo seats still proved more comfortable than those in a Toyota Supra, in my experience. However, space can be a constraint, particularly for larger drivers, especially in terms of shoulder room and ingress/egress.
Storage is limited, with a few small nooks and modest trunk space, suitable for weekend luggage for two at best. Golf clubs might fit, but additional space is scarce. This is typical of sports cars, where practicality often takes a backseat to performance. For greater space, a Mustang GT would be a more accommodating choice.
Road Trip Ready? Embracing the Nismo Experience
With a price tag starting at $68,000, the Z Nismo commands a significant premium over the standard Z, exceeding twenty thousand dollars more than a base Sport model. The crucial question is: does the Nismo justify this price increase? If approached as a track-capable car that can also handle road duties and spirited driving is prioritized, then the answer is a resounding yes.
Even highway driving in the Z Nismo feels special. It transcends its component parts, eliciting smiles even in mundane traffic. Its bold styling attracts attention, and it excels in tackling challenging curves. Compared to the Lotus Emira I recently drove, the steering feel is exceptionally communicative.
Ultimately, the Nissan Z Nismo embodies what a NISMO-badged vehicle should be: faster, sharper, and more assertive than the base model. Nissan has successfully delivered on this objective.
As a grand touring vehicle on the Pacific Coast Highway? Absolutely, it provided an abundance of driving pleasure and transformed the road trip into an event.
