In the fall of 1969, Nissan Motor Company delivered the first 240Z sports cars to America under its "Datsun" brand. The effect was instantaneous and breathtaking. With one car, Nissan had launched itself into the top tier of sports car makers.
Now 55 years later, the 2024 Nismo Z brings back the same intoxicating sports car joy of the original, only with dramatically more power and handling. A bit of explanation is necessary, though. "Nismo" is short for Nissan Motorsports International, which produces ultra-high-performance versions of standard Nismo cars. It's largely the same idea as AMG for Mercedes-Benz or SRT for Chrysler/Dodge.
The Nismo treatment starts in the engine bay, where the standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine is boosted to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, representing increases of 20 hp and 34 lb-ft compared to other Z models. Peak torque is delivered from 2,000 through 5,200 rpm, ensuring drivers have strong performance across the rev range. That engine is paired with a modern 9-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission. Then Nismo engineers a speedy Sport+ driving mode, launch control, and tuned power steering.
Under the car, you get a special tuned suspension with double wishbones in front and a stable, smooth multi-link design in the rear. There's a strut tower brace, limited slip differential, and special Nismo brakes all around, hiding behind 19-inch Rays lightweight wheels. The front brakes were upgraded to larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and using a more performance-focused brake pad compound.
Interior enhancements include red-anodized engine-start and drive mode buttons, manual-adjust Recaro seats and a leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o'clock position.
On the road the Nismo Z is everything the spec sheet promises. The steering is razor sharp, and the engine effortlessly rockets the Z to whatever speed you want. You'll need to keep yourself under control unless you're at a PIR track day. But beyond fast and crisp, the Nismo Z is also comfortable, so you can make this your daily driver. The hatch over the rear deck actually makes this car useful for groceries or a weekend away with luggage and golf clubs.
All 2024 Nissan Z models include a range of standard driver assistance and safety technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
The 2024 Z NISMO is on sale now with a starting price of $65,750. There are a few options such as the $1,295 premium "stealth gray" paint and some other accessories, but you can bring the Z in for well under $70,000, making it comparable with other sports cars in the same performance envelope.
2024 Nissan Z Nismo
Base price: $64,990
Price as tested: $68,290
Type: Fastback sports coupe
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (420 hp, 384 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 17/24
Overall length: 173.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,704 pounds
Final assembly: Los Angeles, California
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