Nissan is making a new track-focused version of its Z sports car.
The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo has more power, more cooling, and an enhanced suspension setup. It's also only offered with an automatic transmission, because like it or not that's the better choice for track use.
We'll start with output, which has been bumped to 420 hp, up by 20, and 384 lb-ft instead of 350. The Nismo team tweaked the wastegate controls of the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 to add boost and turbine speed, then tweaked the ignition timing strategy to take advantage of it. Enhancements to the cooling system and an improved oil cooler both help keep the car's temperatures in check during prolonged lapping sessions.
The Z Nismo's nine-speed automatic transmission has new clutch packs for faster shifting. Combined with new engine management software, downshift times have been cut in half. A new sport+ drive mode takes advantage of that capability, and Nissan says it's designed to be responsive enough in performance driving that drivers won't need to use the shift paddles. Of course, they still can should they want to. The overall package builds on the Performance grade Z, which means there's a mechanical limited-slip differential, too.
Nismo has stiffened the chassis with new bracing front and rear. There are stiffer bushings in the suspension and the steering rack, all designed to improve responsiveness and increase rigidity. The Z Nismo has its own stabilizer bars, stiffer springs, and larger and retuned dampers. Nissan's tire of choice is the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600, with the 285-mm wide rear rubber 10 mm wider than other Z models and mounted on lightweight 19-inch wheels from Rays.
Bigger brakes are a key part of the track enhancements, with larger 15-inch rotors in the front getting clamped by a more performance-oriented brake pad compound. At the back, larger 13.8-inch rotors have been installed and are gripped by the same pad compound.
The Nismo team added some cosmetic touches, too. The new extended fascia is called the Grand-Nose and is meant to recall the classic Nissan Fairlady 240ZG. The nose does its part to improve lap times, including featuring canards to improve aero performance and a thinner mesh grille that lets more air into the radiator. The red accent stripe and dark metallic accents are entirely for the looks.
The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo goes on sale this fall, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. Nissan will continue to offer Sport and Performance grades of the Z, and those offer six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission choices.
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