The New NISMO Z is the Best Modern Nissan Sports Car (But Needs a Stick!) - TheSmokingTire

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NISMO, Nissan's in-house performance division, wants you to believe their clients care about better lap times with this vehicle, and that's why it's automatic only. I don't believe their clients only want that, and if they did, they wouldn't be spending $67,000 on a brand new Z to achieve this goal. Fortunately, despite the lack of a stick, the NISMO Z has a ton going for it. It's tighter, more engaging, more responsive, much faster, and a lot more fun to drive than the standard Z Performance or Sport, and compared to its competition, the BMW M2 and Mustang Dark Horse, it's cheaper too. And in our opinion, though it's not as fast, it's more fun to drive than the current GTR. In this first drive, we hit Sonoma Raceway in the NISMO Z and see what it's all about.
Want more NISMO Z? Check out my written review for Road & Track!
www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/...
Nissan provided flight, hotel track time and the vehicle for this review.
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The New NISMO Z is the Best Modern Nissan Sports Car (But Needs a Stick!) - TheSmokingTire
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[@davidfreauf7587]

Crazy how they said during the release that “it’s not a Z without a third pedal” then make then nismo auto only? I don’t get it… such a shame

[@lukedowney7421]

3704 lbs 😳2009 GTR 3800 lbs with AWD

[@dirtysp00ns]

I feel like Nissan is going to pull a Toyota with this car... sell a bunch of these with the automatic right off the bat, and release a "surprise" manual in a few years to set the market back on fire.

[@nathankendall3467]

I’m sure Nissan will offer the Nismo with a third pedal in a year or two.

[@noobasdfjkl]

I don’t understand why you wouldn’t replicate this in the aftermarket. We’re talking about some chassis bracing/sealer/welding, stiffer bushings, big brakes, wider wheels, a body kit, and a tune. That’s all doable by a competent shop.

[@paulhawkins95]

I’m glad to hear the Nismo is a great car. It sounds like the chassis is very competent and fun to drive. I’m mixed about the lack of a manual. Like you I will always prefer a manual but being labeled as a track car, paddles will consistently be faster and eliminate driver errors. I grew up in a Z car home before graduating to Porsche’s with my earliest memories being my dad taking me to daycare in his 280z and will always remember when he got an early 350z which I eventually purchased from him. I’m very glad to see Nissan is doing a great job with the current Z.

[@ZackNakazora1]

Also Thank you Nissan for making an actual Nismo. Not just a body kit and suspension swap.

[@tlrprice7]

Great video! Nismo Z is a very nice car but the price and the third petal are the only issues with it. Im glad Nissan made it though. I want them to continue there endeavors in the sports car segment

[@McNasty43]

I get it. It's a track car. Track cars are about lap times. Sports cars are about fun and engagement. Get the standard Z for canyon stuff, and the Nismo if you're going to be doing track work. I don't necessarily AGREE with it, but I understand focused products. The manual from the standard model is exactly the same as the 370z, so it's not like it would cost them any more in development costs. Maybe they're planning on a hardcore "Black" edition, or will introduce the manual at a later date? We know from the drift folks that the gearbox can hold the power.

[@flea4061]

Yeah, no manual is a big mistake. And there's a lot of better competition in that price range.

[@basithph8958]

The price for the new Z Nismo or even the Z will be one of the biggest discussions when it comes to MSRP and inflation especially when you take everything everything consideration especially all the cars in that price range

[@twistedsneaks1932]

That watch is insane on camera my god🔥

[@MultiBluedog123]

70 k is steep for this can’t lie, can get a 1le for 20 k less.

[@brandenissp00n]

Very good and informative video Matt!

[@tilmonr]

I think at $66k, it should have 450hp on California's 91 octane. Also, it should at the least have the GT-R's standard front brakes.

[@Justin-jp5ov]

It definitely needs a stick...after driving both nismo 370z back to back, the stick was much more enjoyable and felt even more connected

[@weyo14]

Would really like to see a nismo z vs m2 comparison

[@Comprezzed]

Well done. No hype, just facts, and live opinions. Good driving too.

[@Raven_A5]

Im sure it’s a wonderful car to drive but I can’t get over paying almost 70K for what’s pretty much a slightly better 370z Nismo with a little turbo. You could buy a Supra, M2, RS3 for the same price brand new. For 10-20k less you can buy a civic type r, corolla GR, Elantra. Imo all the cars I listed are the better more affordable choice for a more track focused sports car

[@ZWortek]

This video is incredible, thank you Matt! I love all the extra camera shots, it really helps put us there on track with you a bit more.