Text by Tom Appel
2024 Nissan Z Nismo
Specs
Class: Sporty/Performance Car
Color: Copper Crest
Seating Capacity: 2
Miles driven: 101
Real-world fuel economy: 22.3 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | C |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | B- |
| Fuel Economy | B- |
| Value | C |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C- |
| Tall Guy | C- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 420-horsepower, 3.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
Driving mix: 70% city, 30% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 17/24/19 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $64,990 (not including $1095 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($1295), Floor Mat Package ($410), Illuminated Kick Plate ($500)
Price as tested: $68,200
Pros and Cons
The great: Sporty look, sporty feel, very engaging
The good: Comfortable in daily driving
The not so good: Limited cargo space, pricey for the class
Review
Sure, there’s the Toyota Supra, but that car is really German now. That leaves the Nissan Z. And as I started this conversation midstream, let me back up a bit…
Of the auto industry’s few, truly iconic rides, very few have been Japanese. Think Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Jeep Wrangler/CJ. These are vehicles that are beloved by enthusiasts, and have unbroken production histories. The are also instantly recognizable by even the most casual industry observer.
But in the U.S, the only Japanese car that truly ranks with these industry icons is Nissan’s sporty Z coupe.
Sure, the Supra is well loved, and deservedly so, but gaps in its production history are a problem, as is the fact that the current car’s architecture and drivetrain are BMW derived.
Dating back to 1969, the Z has delighted American enthusiasts with its relative purity of mission, and eager character. And yes, we’re aware that the “Z-Cars” of the late Eighties and Nineties grew pudgy, and perhaps too luxury oriented, but those days have passed. The same thing happened to the Corvette.
Significantly updated for 2023, the 370Z was redubbed simply Z, and was treated to fresh styling and a heaping dose of additional power. Gone was Nissan’s ubiquitous 3.7-liter V6, replaced by an Infiniti-developed 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.
The new Z looks, well, new, and with the added power, keeps up with V8-powered versions of the Mustang. The simple 2024 lineup includes the entry-level Sport ($44,110), well-equipped Performance ($54,110), and high-performance NISMO ($66,890).
Base and Performance models feature a 400-horsepower version of the aforementioned 3.0-liter V6, while the NISMO is treated to an additional 20 horsepower. Sport and Performance models are offered with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission. The NISMO, sadly, comes only with the automatic.
Performance and NISMO models are also fitted with higher-performance brakes. Unique to the NISMO is an upgraded suspension, additionally fortified brakes, unique body trim, and a limited-slip rear axle.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheels of a 2024 Nissan Z NISMO in two-tone Stealth Gray and Super Black. All told, including destination charge, our test car came to $68,290.
Here we’d like to share five things we found especially cool about Nissan’s engaging sports car. If you have any thoughts on the matter, please share them down below.
2024 Nissan Z Nismo: Five Cool Things
Engaging
The thrill here, and really the Z’s primary selling point, is that it is completely engaging to drive. Start with the very-direct and live feeling steering, the strong and immediate brakes, and the snappy 9-speed auto, and you have a car that will stand in for caffeine on any morning commute.
There’s also plenty of grip and sure lateral traction, which helps to make the most of fast on-ramps and curvy roads. The turbocharged engine doesn’t quite produce the exhaust-note soundtrack some drivers may be looking (listening?) for, but the engine does sound powerful and refined.
Real Performance
The Z NISMO is fast. Published 0-60 mph numbers come in around 4.0 seconds, which puts the NISMO somewhere between the Corvette and Mustang GT in straight-line performance. Better still, the twin-turbo V6 serves up power with little notice, and with no detectable lag in delivery.
Nice Cabin
By modern design standards, the Z dashboard is pretty dated, with a stand-alone touchscreen and too many physical controls dotting the upper center console. But, who really cares? Primary controls are easy enough to find, and work well in a last-decade sort of way.
The cabin is lined with quality feeling materials, and looks both businesslike and a little clubby. Large adults will find the Z difficult to enter and exit, though once ensconced even large folks will feel pretty comfortable.
Real Utility
The Z seats just two, giving owners one additional reason to delay having kids. That said, the car is comfortable for even long drives, and there is sufficient cargo-area space for a couple of weeks’ worth of groceries, or a weekend’s worth of luggage.
While the Z isn’t as practical as the 4-place Mustang, it’s not as impractical as, say, the Corvette.
Works as a Daily Driver
If you’re young (flexible) and only rarely called on to assist an elderly relative with their weekly shopping, you could easily make a Nissan Z your daily driver. The car provides the catharsis of real performance, is great to be seen in, and If you are the right size, the seats are very comfortable. Note: The performance seats found in MISMO models are additionally supportive/confining. Be sure take a long test drive to determine if you’re cool with the upgraded chairs. Also, much to our surprise, our test car returned better than 22 mpg, this despite some vigorous motoring.
…
Value
There’s no question the Z makes for a delightful third car, providing you have the cash and garage space to indulge in such a purchase. As a daily driver, the Z—even in extreme NISMO trim—passes the practicality muster, though is best left to the nimble and trim. We do wish Nissan’s performance coupe came in a little less costly that it does, however. At almost $70,000, our test car is cresting into Corvette territory, forcing some hard decisions for category shoppers.
That said, the Z NISMO is NOT a Corvette, and perhaps that’s part of the charm. The relatively uncommon Z will prove unique in most parking lots, and can still be had with a manual transmission, which the Corvette cannot. And for some enthusiasts, that’s all they need to know.
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2024 Nissan Z Nismo Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
