Nismo Z - What the New Z should be - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

When we drove the new Nissan Z, we wanted more. And now with the introduction of the Nismo variant, it's possible. Join us on a great back road test drive in the latest version of the legendary Nissan Z car.
Shopping for a Z car? Our friends at Autotempest have provided a handy link below! Autotempest.com. All The Cars, One Search. LINK: www.autotempest.com/s/DgAKR4
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[@stephensmith2027]

The white/red Nismo trim definitely looks better than the base

[@tedadamgreen]

A lot of passionate remarks in the comments to this video … Solid review guys and the best articulated one I’ve seen on the Nismo Z. Not for me at all Too expensive But for someone it’s gonna be great vehicle and good for them Thanks

[@rdiamond655]

I went way lighter in the GR86. Having driven a base Z, this now sounds quite compelling.

[@House_of_Schmidt]

68k and no manual is aweful but other than that, this car is great. I love the look. Especially in that color combo.

[@mkei8973]

Hi, from Japan!! I know it’s a good car but we want an “manual”. Despite it’s gonna be slower than automatic. We want a manual!!

[@RockstarBruski]

Great review guys! Coincidently, there's a red 370z parked outside my hotel that I'm staying at today while I'm watching your video. 😲 I actually like the new Zs looks. Im glad Nissan made it. It looks fun to drive. Sure I'd rather have a manual but many people want automatic that dont care about manual shifting. The $68k price seems to be in the same range with other car prices with about the same features. Have fun in the twisties! Cheers!

[@86anhhuy]

The white looks amazing

[@ASpectreOfSorts]

I mean, I'm glad it's improved but it's 65k, base MSRP. There a some big fish in those waters and an improved version of such a thoroughly uncompetitive car is not likely to have what it takes to cut it at that price. Strip away the price, and thusly it's competitive set, and it seems like a fine car. But I'm just struck with the genuinely fabulous other cars you could get at that price that don't require the same laundry list of excuses.

[@backnu]

C8, Mustang GT with the same tires as the Z, Supra ... M2. All cars that are in a similar price range. For 60k+, I'm going for a C8, Mid-emgined Corvette base.

[@backnu]

For mid 60s, I'm going for a C8, Mid engined car with the DCT. Not a Z that's proven to have a sluggish transmission and fuel starvation issues. This is a joke ! It's a 47k car at best!. It should compete with a Camaro 1SS 1le. Because for this amount of money, I'm looking at a C8 or pre-owned Zl1.

[@psulion101]

Great review guys, just would be nice to have that 6 speed.

[@dr.sherifsoliman8576]

Great review as always. I agree with Todd that it should have a manual and may get one as part of a refresh in a couple of years. Another possibility is that the Nismo stays auto only, gets even more hardcore but some of the handling improvements trickle down to the manual models a la Ford’s performance packages on the Mustang GT.

[@anydaynow01]

Yep there wasn't much wrong with the old Z33/34 chassis so the refinements over time make sense, especially since the LSD, brakes, suspension/bushings and power aftermarket can make a Base MT Z the same as or better than a Nismo for less money. It's like how the GT-R was basically the same car from the R32 to 34 and it was essentially just the RB emissions and the base Skyline chassis being changed that killed that line.

[@HawkenessMonster]

Don’t forget the insane dealer markup on these!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review. You have to believe the manual is coming. By the way, I didn’t mind the rectangle grille, but this will definitely age better.

[@chrisplummer9639]

I love this and agree the base (performance) is fine but lacking the focus the nismo seems to have brought. Just bummed it sneaking up on 70k. Currently in a 24 G87 M2. This is slightly more and until i hopefully test drive it, looks to be less for the money than the m2. But we all have different tastes. Would be a great weekend track toy, just manual option for the playfulness.

[@jacquesc3166]

Have you guys ever driven a Nismo Z33 (< 1200 made) or Nismo Z34, to compare the gap between Base/Nismo from previous gens? Additional spot welds do go a long way...

[@blackcow8114]

the best way to enjoy a Z has always been to buy a base trim Z, and tune it to the moon.

[@anydaynow01]

Yep some quality parts can be had for that price difference!

[@kuvyoghmoobamelica6883]

Lol now why would you want to tune and void warranty. Unless you got deep pockets and not worry about an engine failure, than sure but I wouldn't do any tuning. Maybe just bolt ons but definitely a mild tune is alright.

[@sshhddoo9892]

I actually really like what the nismo z has to offer. I don't mind that theres no manual, there may be one later on like the supra, but that price tag though, puts it in a price bracket with some amazing competitors

[@anthonykiedis1765]

This is an awesome $45,000 car. Oh wait...

[@eloneatmyshorts]

At that price CT4-V BW manual all day. I can’t believe you guys missed this car in 2023.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We had it on our shoot schedule twice and it fell out both times. It’s on our short list for this year again. Yes… this Nismo is expensive enough to have lots of serious competition. Thanks for watching!

[@eloneatmyshorts]

@@TestDriveVideos looking forward to the day you and Paul get your hands on one! It’s the last great compact sports sedan with a manual IMO.

[@future62]

$70K will go a LONG way on a used 370Z build. Usually I hate new vs used comparisons but when you have 2 cars on the same platform I think it's fair

[@anydaynow01]

I think the looks on both cars are pretty polarizing, I prefer the body creases and head/taillights of the Z and some other prefer the roundness of the 370Z. I'm just glad even the base came with a turbo engine, one awesome h shift Z can be built for the price difference between the Base and Nismo. It's almost like the Base Z is the turner special!

[@brandonjames1606]

I really want to drive one, unfortunately for those of us without access to the press fleet its probably going to be impossible. It looks good, has the performance, but at $67k ish i just can't see it. Plus the dealerships are going to have a field day with markups for at least the next year or so. Maybe a good used car a couple of years down the line if they sell enough of them.

[@davidsucks922]

The problem with this car in my opinion is that it's almost 25k more than the base Z. Almost guaranteed that with some handling mods like swaybars, suspension, alignment and wheels+tires you can get close enough to Nismo handling for far less than 25k. AND you could get a manual. Also, possibly unpopular opinion but I prefer the funky square grill from the base car, I find it gives it makes the design more unique

[@Marvelous0071]

The car needs an identity, it was once a sports car and then it turned into a GT, and then it became a GTS. Its a well rounded car that doesn't excel in any particular category expect for its looks. Its pretty car that does well and has one of the biggest aftermarket out there. The Z is a fan based car that is widely appreciated around the world. I dont think nissan can attract new customers with this vehicle, it doesn't do enough to standout (disregarding its appearance) its old but that's not a bad thing, the disappointment comes from the lack of consistent refinement. The 350Z was the last Z to recieve consistent refinement. When the 2016 370Z came out is was a little more refined in suspension, exterior aero packaging and Recaro seats. But they could of went further with a redesigned interior, updated software infotainment, and reduced NVG. The 370Z platform is a 12 year platform that mostly made cosmetic changes such as paint and color changes. The heritage edition and 40th anniversary don't seem that special with anything that markets as exclusive. Adjustments to the suspension or transmission would of been an excellent offer for those types of vehicles in my opinion. Anyways hope this new Z is treated like a car that made nissan a brand that people admire and respect and continue to evolve this product with the same philosophy as the GTR. (It deserves it in my opinion)

[@Indifference2000]

Do you know what Nissan did to fix the handling?

[@anydaynow01]

The base and performance have very compliant touring car bushings and dampeners, the Nismo has stiffer bushings for much more road feel and more driver oriented dampers/springs. A lot of the Nismo bushings can be purchased online and installed in a Base with a decent set of coilovers (KW V3s or some Öhlins DFVs if you ask nicely) to really sharpen up the ride. The set of bushings will take a press and a weekend of fun with friends to install though. Slap in a 1.5 way LSD and you have Nismo like driving dynamics with a MT for less than half the cost.

[@2seep]

Thicker sway bars, stiffer suspension and sticker tires. That’s really all that matters

[@illfreakynana]

The Z, and Supra are great but just too expensive.

[@JDM_PLUS]

❤

[@SupraSav]

The emphasis on it not being manual tells me I'm in the right place. A JDM sports car without a manual? Crazy. I would understand it from a North american manufacturer - the land of drag strips and ovals - but not a JDM one. The price is quite steep, I don't think Z will do well at it's current price point.

[@invertedpolarity6890]

Did they fix the fuel starvation problem?

[@forgottenautos8461]

No, but if fuel starvation is an issue you are dealing with in your Z, you can fix it with the $400 kit from Z1.

[@c.m.7037]

This might be the last Z we see for a while. Only because it won't sell well...

[@kevinc2332]

Why make the highest trim no mental but the others do? Failed

[@wackit6756]

What a ridiculous auto shifter! Just give us a normal shifter. 🫤

[@the_toxic_hotdog]

Great review - I somehow have still never seen a current gen Z on the road / in person. Shame.

[@invertedpolarity6890]

Ah, yes. In a sports car, no one want a manual transmission option. Said no one ever.

[@NoahBB]

Nissan looked at the 911 R, GT3T, S/T and thought....those Porsche guys don't know anything. Hold my beer.

[@mattdevico5747]

Drop the price to $60-$61K and it would *own* its price bracket.

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

Looks great. Costs too much.

[@TML34]

This is not a track car, full stop. And this isn’t just a Z thing, it’s almost all so-called “sports cars.”First, it doesn’t have a dry sump oiling system, it doesn’t have the requisite cooling necessary and the transmission is way too finicky AND ofc, there’s no manual option ! Compared to the competitors it’s simply too expensive for what it is. Fine car, but don’t kid yourself, not remotely close to a “track car” and a notch below the competition.

[@backnu]

A few notches below the competition. This stinks like a paid review.

[@imrbaird]

I have to agree, and it is not the first time on this channel

[@dnice362]

So much more I would take for 70

[@hongchan1202]

I love Z for years but 68k. No. I'd rather get 2 GR86s instead.

[@invertedpolarity6890]

It's not even a traditional lever automatic either. Uhg.

[@backnu]

It's said that Nissan didn't have the development budget to retool the manual. It couldn't handle the torque. Remember the reviews from Throttle House and whoever those other 2 nerds are? They complained about the grind. That's a Nissan thing. Every Z I've ever owned was the exact same way. You have to think, the transmission they have been using for over 20 years. The new Z just simply feels half-baked. Honestly, most of Nissans lineup is that way. Just reskinned versions of cars that's been out for 15-20 years. Lipstick only goes so far.

[@jrzez]

Nissan is insane asking the price they are for this. That much money for a non-trick dampener suspension. A sloppy automatic transmission. The nose should be on all the Z models. This should be the performance" model at the just passing $50k price point. Just because the Supra costs more means you can charge more for this "just because."

[@freed14760]

No manual no watch

[@dainepetrou8011]

Really forcing myself to like the 400 but I'm sorry... I F&#@+& hate it... It looks like shite... If given the choice is happily pick the 300zx without a second thought....

[@carnut5562]

Sure they built a “sports car” but forgot about the most important part. A Manual transmission! Fail!!

[@mireliomarzo6468]

😮68k? Another Nissan Z flop .

[@SupraSav]

Car prices are insane right now.

[@Mx5pro]

You ain’t getting it for 68k it’s more like 81k out the door 😂

[@mireliomarzo6468]

@@Mx5pro oh hell no X2. 🫨 A big Flop for sure

[@mikeLOL45424]

I know it's surprising. Ran the calculation for the 1996 300zx that MSRP for around $37,850. In today's dollars that's over $73,000. Turns out the current top trim z actually has gotten cheaper over time comparatively

[@efrenrivera9716]

Expensive 😞 there are better car's for that price

[@davethebaron]

68 grand? That's more than the C8 was when it was first launched. 🤦🏻

[@gotworc]

A base c8 has similar performance to this car and less features. Anyways you can't even get a base C8 for under 90k

[@DontForgetOldKolobok]

Top 10 complaints from window-lickers: 1. It costs too much 2. It's automatic 3. Tba 4. Tba 5. Tba 6. Tba 7. Tba 8. Tba 9. Tba 10. Tba

[@backnu]

Sounds like you guys were paid to give a very old car accolades. This car is ancient! The chassis was developed in the late 1990s. Think about that for a minute! No paid review can hide that. It's a shame that we can't trust reviews anymore. This car needs a: 1) modern chassis 2) adjustable dampers 3) adjustable exhaust 4) driving modes 5) heads up display 6) and displays that someone actually spent some time on. The new Z in general feels half-baked. Nissan is trying to charge for options it doesn't even offer. It's a shame! Nissan didnt even fix the fuel starvation issue that's been around for over 20 years. And i have yet to drive a manual Z, but I would guarantee the 1-2 shift still grinds in the manual Z if you try to change gears in a sporting nature. The Supra is it's direct- competition, and it offers all those options. It may cost a bit more - but it's worth it.

[@TestDriveVideos]

? - We're guessing you're new to our work. We've never been paid to say anything by any manufacturer in nearly 17 years of reviewing cars, and we are happy to call out issues with a car. While we were pleasantly surprised by this Nismo Z, we were quite publicly disappointed by the base Z when it was introduced. You make excellent points here, and ones we've brought up in comparisons with the Z's competition. Our original channel (KZbin.com/EverydayDriver) is where we compare cars. You'd likely enjoy our comparison of this Nismo against the Dark Horse Mustang and GR Supra: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joicfWWwZdKsfZY Or our comparison of the base Z with the GR86: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIDLlpdtf6ean68 We appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.

[@carboydorifutoparty3976]

My thing is, why is the top trim model 3700lbs???? I like this car but for the price and that weight, I just couldn't see myself paying anywhere near 50k for this with it weighting as much as that while not being any faster than cars under it.

[@andrewcaron1]

To me everything you mentioned is a gimmick