Here’s What the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO Gets Right
Nissan knows how to make impressive cars, and the Z is no exception. With the 2024 Nissan Z rolling out soon, here’s what the newest version of the sports car gets right. Those who want the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO price will have to keep waiting, but some ballpark estimates are below. Here’s what the Z gets right for a track-enhanced yet attainable sports car: horsepower, engine, and transmission. Yes, that controversial transmission.
How much horsepower does the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO have?
This 2024 Nissan Z NISMO uses a 3.0L twin-turbo engine with 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the other options within the Z lineup, that is an increase of 20 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says that peak torque is between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.
How much is the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO? Since Nissan has not put out pricing yet, here are some extensive estimates. The base Sport model will probably start at just over $41,000, and each grade could increase by $10,000 or so. For the 2023 models, pricing starts at $40,999 for the base Sport trim. That goes up to $53,990 for the top-of-the-line Proto Spec. We don’t know how many models Nissan will make, but the Proto Spec was limited to only 240 units.
2024 Nissan Z Price Estimates | MSRP Estimates |
Sport | $41,000 (estimated) |
Performance | $51,000 (estimated) |
NISMO | $61,000 (estimated) |
When you consider everything involved in the NISMO spec, a high price is to be expected. Will it price some shoppers out right away? It could, but it isn’t too outlandish to see how $60,000 makes sense. The NISMO takes design inspiration from the much-loved Fairlady 240ZG and has a style you won’t see on other Z grades. Subtle red accents set it apart, and the rear bumper takes design cues from the GT-R.
Is the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO fast?
The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO is fast, as it takes motivation from the GT-R NISMO, and it also takes some engine power. That 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque make the sports car pretty quick, especially considering how light it is.
Nissan offers the 2024 Z in both a Sport and Performance grade and the NISMO. When Car and Driver tested the mid-range Performance trim, it went from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds using the manual transmission. With the automatic, that improved to 4.3 seconds. We expect the NISMO to be faster due to the extra 20 horsepower, lightweight materials, and enhanced shifting.
The NISMO grade adds a limited-slip differential, tuned suspension, and 19″ wider wheels. Compared to the Z Performance, the NISMO wheels are wider by half an inch but lighter.
Does the Nissan Z NISMO have a manual transmission?
In order to help the new Z run at its smoothest, Nissan opted for an enhanced nine-speed automatic transmission. This offers dynamic shifting for a smoother ride and helps with on-track stability. The automaker says the Z NISMO has a recently upgraded clutch pack that makes shifting faster and easier than in some manual models. Using the new software, the automaker reduced downshift time by almost half compared to the Performance model.
The NISMO Z has launch control and a new Sport+ drive mode that adds to the Normal and Sport modes. Sport+ mode allows the driver to focus on driving, not shifting, though this is controversial for many. Some drivers think the Z should always come with a manual transmission. Nissan will offer the 2024 Z with a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic. It isn’t the NISMO trim, but the Sport and Performance grades are still quick and a joy to drive.
It is impossible to please everyone, but the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO gets a lot right for a modern-day sports car. Most potential shoppers might spend a few days on the track each month, but there are also many who might want a fun sports car for everyday driving. Nissan nailed it in that aspect.