Nissan Z Nismo Gets Modest Power Bump and Loses Manual Option
Nissan pulled back the curtain on the new Z Nismo, officially showing the car that so many have speculated about in recent months. It gets a tiny bit more power, some handling upgrades, and one fewer transmission choice: It's automatic only.
The car’s twin-turbo V6 is cranked up by 20 horsepower for a total of 420, and torque is up to 384 pound-feet. While that’s not a massive boost in output, the car got a series of other changes designed to improve cooling and handling. The engine oil cooler is improved, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox got new clutch packs that bring faster shifting.
Nissan improved the car’s aerodynamics to create meaningful downforce, and it gets unique Rays wheels wrapped in Dunlop rubber. Keeping those tires on the ground is a completely retuned suspension system and extra body reinforcements that Nissan said improve rigidity. Unfortunately, changes have added more than 100 pounds to the Z’s curb weight, bringing it to over 3,700 pounds.
The Nismo’s auto-only arrival is likely disappointing to many buyers, but it’s not a guarantee we won’t see one down the road. Pricing is still unknown, but the car’s positioning will probably give it a hefty premium over the standard model. On top of that, dealers are already marking up the regular Z, so there’s a good chance the Nismo ends up priced out of reach for many.
[Image: Nissan]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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RIP Nissan Z 1969-2023
absolutely abhorrent.
Buyers of such cars should NEVER get the automatic. Some used Porsches are DOUBLE the price when they are the 6 sp manual, no matter how nice the automatic is.
I'll wait for the reviews, but it doesn't look as if it's bringing anything to the table someone else hasn't already.
Sounds like Nissan is pulling its parts from the INFINITI parts bin. The VR30DDTT, while an amazing engine, has been around for more than a decade in the Q50/Q60. The Dunlop run flats are the worst tires I've ever had on a car and to hear they're still using them makes me sad.
The new just Z seems to be a restyled Q60 without the backseat.