Nissan Z NISMO Arrives for 2024 with Track-Focused Add-Ons

We’ve known for a while now that a NISMO performance variant of Nissan’s Z sports coupe was on the way– and not just because they teased it not too long ago, but because the NISMO touch was always seen as a natural progression for the latest Z, even since day one.

Well, it’s finally here and, for the most part, it brings some exciting new ingredients to the Z’s twin-turbo recipe. To be more blunt: the NISMO edition does give the Z a little extra power, pushing 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

That’s an increase of 20 ponies and 34 lb-ft when compared to other Z trims, achieved, according to Nissan, through a combination of better cooling, a revised electronic wastegate control providing additional boost and turbine speed to the turbocharger, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy inspired by the GT-R NISMO. As expected, this kicks the heat up a notch, meaning the Z NISMO features an enhanced engine oil cooler for long days at the track.

The last piece of important powertrain news regards the transmission– and it’s not exactly good news for manual enthusiasts. Yep, the NISMO can only be had with the Z’s nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s not all doom and gloom, as it has supposedly been “enhanced for faster and more dynamic shifting performance” with an emphasis on track use. It also comes with a new Sport+ drive mode, taking advantage of the transmission’s faster downshifts (taking about half the time). Still, paddle shifters are there for those who want to go through the gears themselves.

The NISMO treatment isn’t just about power. Under the trim-specific bodywork– which we’ll touch on soon– Nissan has outfitted unique stabilizer bars, stiffer springs, and larger, returned dampers. The gloss black 19-inch RAYS wheels wear Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires, a version of those used on the GT-R. Rear tire width is up 10 millimeters when compared to the Z Performance. Behind those wheels, expect NISMO brakes grabbing onto 15-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors. Even boiling down to the chassis, the NISMO offers more robust bracing and stiffer bushings for both the suspension and steering rack.

The exterior is obviously different, not just because of the red line following the lower trim. The NISMO features what Nissan is calling the “Grand-” or “G-Nose,” extending farther forward than other Z’s as a nod to the Fairlady 240ZG. The front fascia and grille are new, the latter of which is constructed with the thinnest honeycomb mesh of any Nissan production car. The additional aero, like the canards and wider rear spoiler, provide more downforce and complimentary style points.

While the interior remains largely the same, expect some anodized red on the ignition button and drive mode selector. The red accenting carries over to the Recaro seats, upholstered in a mix of leather and alcantara– same for the wheel. The TFT digital gauge cluster sports new NISMO graphics, making the whole ordeal official.

Pricing details and availability are yet to be shared, but we’ll be sure to let you know when we get our turn behind the wheel.