Nissan Z Nismo from 2024, with improvements for sports car lovers

2024-01-26 13:00:21

Introduction

This latest generation of the Nissan Z represents a big step forward for the brand’s legendary sports car. It is more modern and comfortable than the previous model. Top versions of the Z lack the speed, precision and driver engagement we think demanding drivers expect, although the Z Nismo trim meets those demands quite well.

Redesigned for 2023 on a heavily revised version of its predecessor’s basic architecture, the Z continues the proud tradition of Nissan sports cars. Whether it was a 240, a 300, a 350 or a 370, it was always a Z car, so rather than follow the rest of the auto industry down a rabbit hole of increasingly convoluted alphanumerics Nissan has ditched the numbers and called to this generation simply Z.

Styles and options

The 2024 Nissan Z is a two-door sports coupe with three available models: Sport, Performance and Z Nismo (the one I tested). All Zs are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that drives the rear wheels.

Power train

The Nismo delivers 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 20 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque over the other Z trims. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, but unlike the other trims, you can’t get a manual gearbox in the Nismo.

Interior style

This new generation of the Z represents a much-needed leap forward in interior design and construction. It is less claustrophobic than the previous model and offers a driver-focused layout with plenty of useful information.

For how low the Z is, it’s not too difficult to get in and out of, thanks to generous door openings and unrestrictive seats. As with most low coupes, visibility is not ideal.

The Z offers good visibility directly behind, but blind spots are greater than in other coupes and forward vision is hindered by a lower seating position and large windshield pillars, something the driver will definitely notice on a highway. twisted

Despite its apparent large tailgate, the Z is far from the most practical two-door coupe. With a meager cargo capacity of 6.9 cubic feet, the cargo area is compromised by its shallow depth and open-to-cabin design.

This means groceries will get crushed under the rear glass or end up on the front seat if you’re not careful. Nissan offers a rudimentary load stabilizer system and a load shutter, and I highly suggest purchasing it.

Technology

The Z features Nissan’s latest touchscreen interface. The graphics are sharp and the response times are quite fast, but the layout of the home screen graphics, as well as some of the information it can display, are quite questionable.

I found the Bose audio system in my test car to be acceptable, lacking the richness and resolution we’d expect from a name-brand audio system. Thank goodness the touch screen is easy to access, because the Z’s voice control system leaves a lot to be desired.

It has a fairly rigid menu structure and the system had a hard time understanding many of my orders. I didn’t like the Z’s driver assistance systems either.

I found the adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning too sensitive for a sports car. But it’s the Z’s stability control system that needs the most work. It can be disabled, but there’s no middle setting that allows for more enthusiastic driving while still maintaining a safety net.

The digital instrument cluster is customizable to some extent, and while I think it could be simplified a bit, the display is sharp and readable in all lighting situations.

The same can be said about the 9-inch touch screen. It’s Nissan’s latest system and features easy-to-read graphics and is quick to respond to input, but the menu structure and several redundant home screens could use a rethink.

Security

The complement of driver assistance systems includes: Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Sensors and Adaptive Cruise Control.

On the highway

The Z is simply better when you can lean on its torque-rich engine and not rush, the Nismo’s sharper handling and steering a definite upgrade for sports car lovers.

Body control and steering response could be refined much closer to the limit, and while the brakes are strong, the anti-lock system can be a little rough, allowing for slight brake lockup that can briefly destabilize the car.

Performance may not be the Z’s strong point, but it is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable sports coupes on the market. The heated seats in my test car offered manual and power adjustments, and I found them very comfortable.

The Z’s daily ride quality is also commendable. The low-profile tires let plenty of small, harsh impacts into the cabin, but larger bumps, both at low and high speeds, are easily resolved, making the Z ideal for long road trips.

The Nissan’s climate control system maintains excellent control over cabin temperature, even in triple-digit temperatures, and I appreciated the ease of adjusting the vents.

The three easy-to-use round dials that control the climate system are appreciated, but they are set back a bit under the dashboard and can be difficult to read at a quick glance. I’m less fond of the noise, or at least the quality of noise, emanating from the Z’s turbocharged engine. It lacks the refinement of the GR Supra’s turbocharged engine and doesn’t sound particularly loud at any point during acceleration.

Conclusion