Nissan Z sports car gets track-ready NISMO variant

KUALA LUMPUR: Two years after the debut of the regular Z, Nissan has unveiled its track-focused Nismo variant, positioned above the Z Performance in the sports car lineup. The Z Nismo trim benefits from a more powerful engine, enhanced suspension and braking systems, and visual tweaks.

The all-new 2024 Nissan Z Nismo is powered by an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine available on the standard car. Here, the engine generates a maximum power of 420 hp and a peak torque of 521 Nm, representing a hike of 20 hp and 46 Nm.

The track-ready Z Nismo exclusively comes equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission offering a more dynamic shifting performance. It has reduced downshift time by almost half, as compared to the Z Performance trim. The launch control also offers more aggressive standing-start acceleration. Apart from Normal and Sport, the Nismo trim also gets a new Sport+ drive mode. 

Further adding to the performance are the following revisions -

• A stiffened chassis offering a torsional rigidity increase of 2.5% compared to the standard grades
• Enhanced suspension with stiffer springs, re-tuned and bigger dampers, and new anti-roll bars
• NISMO-specific, lightweight, gloss black RAYS 19-inch wheels wrapped with Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tyres
• Track-enhanced brake system with larger rotors and more performance-focused brake pad compound

In terms of visual tweaks, the car gets a styling element called the “Grand-Nose” on the front reminiscent of the heritage Nissan Fairlady 240ZG. Also new is a restyled grille with the thinnest honeycomb mesh ever, canards at the front corners, a wider rear spoiler, reshaped rear bumper, and redesigned side sills, all of which enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance on the race track. 

The high-performance variant also sets itself apart with subtle red accents running along the lower edge of the front and rear fascia.

Nissan offers the Z Nismo in five colours - Black Diamond Pearl, Passion Red TriCoat, Brilliant Silver, Everest White Pearl TriCoat, and NISMO-exclusive Stealth Grey.

The interior enhancements comprise red-anodized engine-start and drive mode buttons, manual-adjustable Recaro seats, and a leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel featuring a red marker at the 12 o’clock position. The new Z trim also gets Amazon Alexa Built-in connectivity.

The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo is expected to hit the US roads in the fourth quarter of the year.

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