The exciting Nissan Z sports car is getting a NISMO makeover with the brand announcing significant changes to the platform in the power, handling, and style departments. New NISMO-tuned suspension and brakes, revised aerodynamic bodywork, stiffened suspension, and wider wheels with a more aggressive tire compound are feature highlights.
With the nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission being the only option, will the Z NISMO finally add the spice and flair the standard car seems to lack? Will it be sought-after by collectors and demand a substantial markup? It certainly looks like both could be true.
Update 07/08/2023: Nissan Australia has confirmed the NISMO Z will launch in Australia for $94,000 plus on-road costs with deliveries scheduled for late 2023. This is a limited vehicle and payment of a $1000 reservation fee does not guarantee the purchase of a vehicle. The fee is fully refundable prior to signing a contract of sale. Good luck buyers!
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What you should know about the Nissan Z NISMO
What changes has Nissan made to the exterior of the Z NISMO?
Compared to the standard Nissan Z the changes are substantial. Starting with a front bumper that extends further forward than on lower model grades and recalls the heritage Nissan Fairlady 240ZG. You’ll also find a new front fascia with a re-styled grille, canards at the front corner, and red accents along the lower edge of the front fascia.
Our favourite angle is from the rear of the Nissan Z NISMO where you can appreciate the wider three-piece rear spoiler (compared to Z Performance) that extends onto the rear fenders.
The rear bumper itself better resembles the rest of the NISMO lineage – with the GT-R NISMO a clear styling inspiration – and the same red accents extending around the bumper, exhaust cutouts, and new side sills. A dark metallic grey version of the car’s katana-blade styling element now sits above the window sill.
You can have your new Nissan Z NISMO in a choice of five colours: Black Diamond Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Passion Red TriCoat, Everest White Pearl TriCoat and NISMO-exclusive Stealth Grey which would be the obvious choice.
What interior changes have been made to the Z NISMO?
On the inside of the cabin, you’ll find Recaro seats finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with a red centre section and NISMO logos on the headrests. This matches with a sporty new steering wheel in the same materials and a racing-inspired red accent mark at the 12 o’clock position.
Further changes on the inside include an anodized red start/stop button, fully digital TFT meter, red outline around the tachometer, NISMO logo and a special red flash during the start-up animation.
Has Nissan changed the performance of the Z NISMO?
NISMO hasn’t made any engine changes to the standard 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine found in the Nissan Z. They’ve opted for an engine tune that increases engine power to 420hp and 384 lb-ft of torque (an increase of 20hp and 34 lb-ft) and brings peak torque on from as low as 2,000 rpm through to 5,200 rpm.
The Z NISMO also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for greater performance on track.
It might be exclusively offered with the nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission, but the gearbox has been re-tuned with 50 per cent quicker downshifts and reprogrammed launch control.
What changes have Nissan made to the chassis?
Chassis changes to the Nissan Z NISMO are designed to make the car perform better in spirited driving situations, including on the track.
It starts with additional bracing on the front and rear underfloor to help increase torsional rigidity by 2.5% compared to the standard grades. Then comes stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increasing lateral rigidity.
All this bracing does add weight, and the NISMO Z has a 3,704-pound curb weight (1608kg) which is 218 pounds heavier than the lightest Z model on sale. This makes it the heaviest Z you can buy.
Front brakes are larger than standard too, with 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and equipping a more performance-focused brake pad compound.
Finally, black 19-inch RAYS wheels set off the entire vehicle. They’re 0.5 inches wider than the 19-inch wheels on Z Performance (10 inches wide front, 10.5 inches wide rear), but they’re slightly lighter. They’re wrapped in Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires.
How much is the Nissan Z NISMO in Australia?
Nissan Australia has confirmed the NISMO Z will launch in Australia for $94,000 plus on-road costs with deliveries scheduled for late 2023.
Those who are interested in purchasing a NISMO Z will be able to build their Z NISMO online and personalise their vehicle’s colour, choosing from Black Diamond Metallic, Brilliant Silver with a Super Black roof, Everest White with a Super Black Roof, or Stealth Gray with a Black roof. You’ll then nominate the Nissan dealer of choice and place a reservation fee of $1000 AUD to offer to purchase their Z NISMO.
As this is a limited vehicle, payment of a reservation fee does not guarantee the purchase of a Z NISMO and is fully refundable prior to signing a contract of sale.
Nissan also announced a new colour ‘New Site Orange’ and a price increase for the MY24 Nissan Z with a new base price in Australia of $75,800 plus on-road costs. Check out more of the Nissan Z below.
Nissan Z NISMO Australian specification
The flagship model in the Z range will arrive in a single performance-focused grade, it includes the following specification.
- Power increased to 309kW (+11kW) and 520Nm (+45Nm)
- NISMO-tuned 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- New NISMO styling – exterior and interior
- Gloss black RAYSTM 19-inch wheels (0.5” wider Fr & Rr & lighter)
- Enhanced Engine cooling
- Bigger front brake rotors (+25mm)
- NISMO aerodynamic enhancements
- NISMO chassis, tyre and wheel enhancements
- NISMO Sport+ Driving Mode
- NISMO-tuned Launch Control
- NISMO-tuned Active Sound Control
- NISMO branded RECAROTM seats
- Heated and powered front seats are not available on Z NISMO
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