The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO is a track weapon with bad road manners
Anywhere I parked it, the two-tone Nissan sports car drew a crowd. From genuinely curious car spotters to die-hard enthusiasts, the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO had something of a celebrity effect. After all, the Z NISMO is the last word in track-focused Nissan performance cars short of the volcanic GT-R. However, Nissan may have found a point of diminishing return with the Z NISMO’s circuit-ready brutality.
The 420-HP 2024 Nissan Z NISMO reminds you that its natural habitat is the track, not Traction Avenue
Sport+ mode. It’s like an instigating little devil. However, it resides in the digital gauge cluster of the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO rather than on your shoulder opposite an angelic cartoon character. Sport+ mode tells the Nissan sports coupe’s nine-speed automatic transmission to shift faster. While that works well for conquering circuit corners and straights, it is a quick reminder that the Z NISMO is much, much happier on a track than tackling your typical commute.
The Z NISMO shifts hard, even with careful inputs via the handsome paddles behind the Z-emblazoned steering wheel. The passengers I transported in the top-tier Z routinely turned to me and commented on the Z’s aggressive shifts, especially in Sport+ mode. Also, while the light, slick-looking RECARO seats are more comfortable than they have any business being, they provide little respite from the harsh, race-ready ride. Additionally, the Z NISMO’s brakes resist fade and stop the car effortlessly at speed. However, they’re a bit too eager at city speeds, making a gentle stop an act of magic.
Still, the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO isn’t really meant to be a mile-munching commuter’s companion. No, it’s a track car. A circuit-ready scalpel with performance nameplates like the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and BMW M2 in its sights. The Z NISMO is a bit like a limousine for taking your children to school. Sure, it works. But you know in your bones that it’s not in its element.
Also, the Z NISMO is never going to leave you wanting for excitement. Even without engaging launch control, the twin-turbocharged 420-horsepower 3.0L V6 will eagerly chirp the Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 tires and fling you from a standstill with near-telepathic quickness. With launch control, the range-topping Z will sprint to 60 mph in around 3.9 seconds. This car is a riot.
Make no mention of its 1.0+ g performance through a corner on a track. Like the BMW M4 GTS, the Z NISMO is in its element on the track. That said, it doesn’t sacrifice everything for its circuit chops. For instance, the Z NISMO has a user-friendly 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a customizable digital gauge cluster.
In short, the Z NISMO will take you to your track day. But it won’t be happy until you’ve taken its leash off. However, if you’re looking for a sports car you can live with on a daily basis, you might be better off with the Nissan Z Performance.
