Nissan Z Nismo: A Week of Driving and Honest Thoughts

First Impressions and Design

• 📸 The Nissan Z Nismo is described as a very photogenic and attractive sports car.
• 💡 The interior is largely similar to the standard Z, with added red stitching and Recaro seats that are manually adjusted.
• 🛠️ A nod to older Z models is present with traditional gauge pods on the dashboard, reminiscent of the 280Z and 260Z.

Driving Dynamics and Performance

• 🚀 The Nismo version offers a significant improvement over the standard Z, feeling much more planted and confident, a stark contrast to the standard model's floaty nature.
• 💨 Powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, it's noted as being faster than the automatic non-Nismo Z.
• 🚦 The car performs best in Sport Plus mode, with the standard mode being less favorable.
• 🔊 A slight drone from the engine is mentioned as a characteristic of the Nismo.

The Manual Transmission Dilemma

• 🚫 A major point of contention is the lack of a manual transmission, which Nissan attributes to not meeting R&D and quality control standards due to the increased torque and horsepower.
• 💔 This omission is seen as a significant drawback, especially given the car's improved chassis, suspension, and turn-in, which would have been ideal for a manual setup.
• ⏱️ Nissan claims their customer base wanted fast lap times, leading to the auto-only decision, though the reviewer questions if lap times are the primary focus for Z enthusiasts.

Pricing and Market Comparison

• 💸 The Nissan Z Nismo is priced significantly higher than the standard Z, starting around $64,000-$66,000 and reaching up to $70,210 when optioned.
• 🤔 This price point places it in competition with cars like the BMW M2 and Mustang Darkhorse, making it a difficult proposition for a Nissan that isn't a GT-R.
• 📈 The reviewer suggests the car might perform better in the used market due to its high initial price.

Overall Verdict

• ✅ While not a bad car, the absence of a manual transmission is a significant disappointment, especially considering the car's otherwise improved performance and handling.
• 🌟 The reviewer believes this Nismo version is how the Nissan Z should have started, offering a more refined and engaging experience.
• 🛣️ It's described as a pleasure to drive, offering a balanced and fun experience on mountain roads, allowing for enjoyable speeds without constant braking.
• 🤷 The ultimate question remains whether consumers will buy it at its current price point, despite its many improvements.