by Michael Satterfield - 12/19/2023
In the world of sports cars, everyone has an opinion, which most likely was shaped by the cars they grew up with around them or the cars they dreamed about. When I got my driver's license in the late 90s the sports of choice were Fox Body Mustangs, the 240SX, and Camaros. I never cared much for the Camaro, so I went for the Mustang, a 1984 Turbo GT, and my best friend went with a 240SX Coupe. We both really wanted a 300ZX Twin Turbo, but at the time it just wasn't meant to be. Then the 350Z came out in 2002 and the world had another Japanese sportscar besides the Miata to choose from. The 370Z got a little bigger, a little heavier, and lots a little of that Z magic. In 2018, Nissan teased us with a prototype of what would be the new Z, heading back to its roots with styling pulled from the original 240Z from 1969. Needless to say, I have always been a Z fan, so when the new Z was announced, and actually looked like the prototype, I was excited! I drove the Z when it first came out, but it really needed a little of that NISMO magic.
The NISMO Z immediately catches the eye with its 240ZG-inspired "G-Nose" front end, featuring a much-improved grill design over the standard Z. Canards on all corners, a bold lip spoiler, and a striking red accent along the lower body contribute to a distinctive and envy-inducing appearance. The car stands out in a crowd of sports cars, making it a visual treat for enthusiasts. Everywhere I went people came out to see the Z.
The NISMO Z comes equipped with larger 15-inch front rotors, beefier calipers, and improved pad material, providing a noticeable upgrade to the braking system of the standard Z. The enhanced braking performance and the car's responsive handling make the NISMO the perfect weekend track day weapon that you can realistically drive every day, plus it has plenty of room under the rear hatch for a weekend's worth of luggage for two.
Inside the NISMO Z, the driver is greeted by a sportier environment. The red accents on the engine start/stop button, drive mode toggle, and digital tachometer add a touch of racing-inspired flair. Alcantara-covered steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats contribute to a luxurious and performance-oriented cabin. The overall interior design reflects the car's Nismo pedigree and enhances the driving pleasure and is what I would expect in a car with a $68,690 MSRP.
Some online commenters have complained that the NISMO Z should have a manual transmission or it costs too much "for a Nissan." But its unique combination of design, performance, and track-ready dynamics justifies its position in the sports car market with competitors like the Mustang Dark Horse and BMW M2.
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