The Nissan Z returnz to my driveway… and honestly, I’m glad it did. Having a second stint with the Nissan Z NISMO revealed even more of its motorsport‑infused personality, peeling back layers I didn’t fully appreciate the first time around. Where my initial encounter left me grinning, this revisit proves the NISsan‑MOtorsport formula has depth well beyond its stealth‑grey surface.
The Z that demandZ attention
The NISMO’s stealth gray paint still hits the mark (and the marque), especially when contrasted with those trademark red accents that trace the front lip, sills, and rear section – it yells ‘take me seriously’ and I did. The honeycomb grille redesign remains one of its boldest visual statements, giving the Z a wider, more aggressive stance. Add in the larger three‑piece rear spoiler, a functional aero addition that sweetens high‑speed stability, and the NISMO feels every inch the track refugee it aspires to be.
The 19‑inch forged alloys (lightweight, strong, and wrapped in Dunlop GT600 tyres) prove to be more than a styling nod. With 255/40 up front and 285/35 in the rear, the contact patch is substantial enough to anchor the Z visually and dynamically. Everything works together to produce a cohesive, assertive look. It’s a Z, but with its teeth out.
A cockpit that cocoonZ
Inside, the NISMO greets you with seats that feel purpose‑built for spirited driving: supportive, aggressively bolstered bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara and leather. Their grip is impressive (even more so on longer drives this time around) but it’s still worth noting that taller drivers might still find things a bit tight when wearing a helmet on track. A motorsport-inspired cabin, after all, sometimes prioritiZes function over sprawling comfort.
The steering wheel remains a high point: thin, tactile, and easy to command. It’s wrapped in Alcantara, helping maintain that motorsport continuity. Then there are the classic Z analog pods perched atop the dash (oil temp, boost, voltage) nostalgia served alongside functionality. The instrument display adds modernity with track-ready data such as engine oil temperature and transmission temperature. It’s a dual personality: vintage flavour with contemporary precision.
Infotainment – modern enough, but not showy
The Z NISMO isn’t chasing the tech-heavy crowd, and that’s obvious. Its infotainment system is competent rather than cutting-edge, but that suits the car’s ethos. It gives you navigation, smartphone integration, performance metrics, and a decent audio setup. If you want a rolling gadget showcase, look at other brands. If you want something that prioritiZes your right foot, the NISMO’s infotainment hits the sweet spot between usability and minimal distraction.
There’s no sensory overload, no endless submenus, just what you need to get going, leaving the real thrills for the road.
More boost, more bite, more Zing
Under the hood sits the familiar twin-turbocharged V6, only now tuned for more bite: around 15 extra horsepower and 45 Nm more torque, bringing totals to 309 kW and 520 Nm. The numbers alone don’t tell the full story, though.
The torque delivery feels fuller, punchier, more eager. The revised tuning gives the Z NISMO a real responsiveness, especially on rolling acceleration. The car lunges toward the horizon with more intent, its turbochargers feeding a deep, satisfying soundtrack that may not be a V8 growl but still hits a sweet note in the cabin.
Nissan’s fine-tuned automatic transmission takes centre stage here, especially since the NISMO is an auto-only affair. With quicker shift times and a new Sports+ mode, it launches through gears with genuine aggressiveness. The first time I drove it, the transmission impressed me; the second time, it became one of the car’s defining features – do I miss a manual, yes, but more in a nostalgic way than actual practicality.
Driving dynamics – the Z that rewardZ
The NISMO Z is unapologetically tuned for the enthusiast. Wider track, stickier tyres, stiffer suspension, it all comes together to create a car that thrives when pushed hard.
But what stands out is just how communicative the chassis feels. Revised sway bars and harder tyres sharpen the experience. The steering feedback grows richer as speeds climb, making the car feel alive, almost hungry for more road. And while the ride is indeed firm (your latte is probably safer left at home) the payoff is precision, stability, and confidence.
Launch control remains an event. Every restart is a small ceremony of machine-meets-road, propelling you forward with a mechanical ferocity that leaves little doubt about the NISMO’s intentions. As before, this is not a car for those wanting a casual cruiser. It’s raw, focused, and at times intense. But that’s exactly where the charm lies. The NISMO Z is built for those who want to feel everything.
The magic persistZ
Returning to the Z NISMO, I wondered if the novelty would fade. It didn’t. Instead, familiarity revealed nuance: the way the turbo spools slightly differently depending on throttle progression, how the suspension communicates even subtle changes in road texture, the balance between old-school purity and new-school engineering.
Yes, it can be stiff. Yes, noise insulation is more ‘race team’ than ‘luxury lounge’ but those quirks become part of the soundtrack, part of the rhythm that defines the Z experience. Where some modern sports cars isolate the driver, the NISMO invites you in, nudges you, challenges you. It’s a car that wants participation, not passive admiration.
Tarmac Takeaway – the Z NISMO returnZ, and so doeZ the grin
Reuniting with the Nissan Z NISMO confirmed what I suspected the first time: this car isn’t pretending to be anything other than a purist’s machine. It might not have every high-tech feature or cushy refinement its rivals flex, but it wears its old-school charm proudly.
More importantly, it delivers joy, raw, mechanical, throttle-driven joy. It’s a car that makes you want to take the long way home, to find empty roads, to drive just for the sake of driving. It’s not perfect. It’s not polished.
But it’s pure. It’s engaging. It’s exhilarating. And above all – It’s a Z.
