2024 Nissan Z

Nismo models color the roof black, and a wider, lower grille flares out at the bottom with thin mesh intended to reduce drag. Small side wings on the edges of the front bumper further its aero intentions, and red accents ring the bottom, from the front splitter down the rockers to the rear, where a taller, wider rear spoiler rules over the dual pipes.

The interior honors the sports car function with snug bucket seats and a dash canted toward the driver, while available red and blue upholstery with suede inserts or alcantara leather and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster liven it up. Three circular analog gauges top the dash to measure turbo boost, turbo speed, and voltage, while the digital cluster adds a G-force meter and other performance metrics on top Nismo models. The circular theme carries over on the side vents and door handles to the climate gauges and volume and tuning knobs on the 8.0- or 9.0-inch touchscreen that fits well in the car’s retro-chic vibe. The automatic shifter found on other Nissan vehicles is the only aberration, especially when sharing a console with an old-school mechanical parking brake.

How fast is the Nissan Z?

Nissan hasn’t quoted a 0-60 mph time, but the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 hits the mark in the low four-second range. A carry-over 6-speed manual provides the right feel for this car, and Nissan modernizes it with downshift rev-matching and a no-lift shift feature that lets the driver keep their foot to the floor when upshifting. Still, it’s not as quick reacting as the 9-speed automatic transmission at no extra cost. 

That’s the only transmission for the quicker, more powerful Nismo model. The turbos aren’t larger but they spin faster, and Nissan adds a Sport+ mode to help channel an output that increases from 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque in the Sport and Performance to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft with the Nismo. Activate launch control with a hard brake, pull and hold both paddles, mash the throttle, and let go, and it might clip 4.0 seconds to 60 mph.

Through hairpin turns and other corners, it pays to be active and predictive with the pert paddle shifters lifted from the Nissan GT-R. The engine can take a beat to rev when exiting the turn, so it’s key to downshift into the higher range (peak torque comes on as early as 1,600 rpm or 2,000 rpm in the Nismo). The engine tuning differences between the Performance and Nismo are most pronounced on the track, where the extra power, upgraded cooling, and aero and handling advantages take hold.  

The Nismo adds new stabilizer bars, larger dampers, and stiffer springs for more lateral rigidity within the double wishbones up front and multi-link rear. The Nismo simultaneously feels more planted but more squirrely on the track, leading the driver to his limits more than the car’s. The Nismo features larger brakes at 15.0 inches up front and 13.8 inches at the rear, the better to arrest the added 102 pounds more than the Performance model to a total curb weight of 3,704 pounds.

A Traction setting activated by pressing and holding the stability control button grabs the inside tire entering a corner then grabs the outside tire out of the corner for greater control. 

Sharp steering and a ride that’s never too backbreaking make the Nissan Z a pleasant daily driver open to thrills and a legit track performer with the Nismo upgrades.

Behind the seats, forget about it. You can’t even quick-tilt the seats forward to access the rear area. There’s good space in the door pockets, but the console storage is shallow. The same could be said of the liftback hatch. It’s less than a foot deep where the glass seals with the body, and even though the glass is convex, there will be no stuffing of items and trying to slam the hatch shut like an overstuffed suitcase. Closer to the peak of the roofline, there’s more vertical space. 

The interior layout focuses on the driver with three analog gauges for turbo boost, turbo speed, and a voltmeter. A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster modernizes the cockpit, and Nismo models feature performance data displays.

Which Nissan Z should I buy?

It’s at least a $10,000 jump from each of the three Nissan Z grades, so it’s a question of performance value and intent. The $53,305 Z Performance offers up more excitement without going full Nismo. Upgrades to the Performance include sport brakes, a limited-slip differential, and lightweight 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels that are wider at the rear and all wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza performance tires. 

It’s a more livable daily driver than the Nismo, with heated leather seats with power tilt and slide adjustments, but lumbar and bolstering takes the twist of a knob. The 9.0-inch touchscreen fits well in the dash without being distracting, but the interface feels dated even though the old-school climate dials and audio buttons are a welcome throwback. An 8-speaker Bose audio system turns it up. 

It’s enough Z unless you intend track days, in which case the Nismo is the only answer. 

How much is a fully loaded Nissan Z?

The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo tops the lineup at $66,085. In addition to the performance upgrades mentioned above and the 9-speed automatic, feature upgrades include Nismo-branded leather upholstery on the Recaro seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and a digital gauge cluster with Nismo graphics. It lacks the power seats of the Z Performance grade.

Nissan recommends premium gas.