Nissan has unveiled a Nismo edition of the Z sports car, and the new model – complete with extra oomph, handling enhancements an more performance-focused tweaks – will be making the trip to Australian showrooms, with its arrival expected late this year at a price of $94,000 plus on-road costs (MSRP).

The Z Nismo gets more power out of the 3-litre twin-turbo V6 of the regular Z, with outputs creeping to 313kW (up 15kW) and 520Nm (up 45Nm).

The engine’s power enhancements were achieved, Nissan says, through a combination of improved cooling, revised electronic wastage control providing increased turbocharger boost and turbine speed, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy inspired by GT-R Nismo. The Z Nismo also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.

Power will go to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission that the company says has been enhanced for faster and more dynamic shifting performance, with a particular focus on suitability for track use.

In addition to Normal and Sport, Z Nismo gets a new Sport+ drive mode. This delivers, the company says, a racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, with the shift programming designed to be so responsive for performance driving that a driver does not need to use the shift paddles on track – though fast-responding manual shifting is available.

The suspension has been upgraded too, with the Z Nismo picking up unique stabiliser bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, returned dampers.

Chassis revisions include additional front, rear and rear underfloor bracing – helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5 per cent compared to the standard grades – stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack.

Brakes have been tweaked, with front brakes upgraded to larger 380mm rotors matched to 350mm rear brake rotors, and the fitting of a more performance-focused brake pad compound.

The Z Nismo will get Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 tyres fitted to lightweight, Nismo-specific gloss black 19-inch wheels.

Styling changes include a nose that extends farther forward than on other grades; a new front fascia with restyled grille opening; a taller, wider rear spoiler; and redesigned side sills that help reduce aerodynamic drag and lift.

On the inside, the engine start/stop and drive mode selection buttons are anodized red. The graphics in the fully digital TFT matter display feature a red outline around the tachometer, a Nismo logo and a special red “flash” during the start-up animation.

There are Recaro seats finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with a red centre section and Nismo logos in the headrests. A new steering wheel features leather and Alcantara trim, with a racing-inspired red accent mark at the 12 o’clock position.

Nissan says that reservations for the Z Nismo will be open from 11 am on August 10 at nissan.com.au.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (August 2023 edition)

9 August 2023