The track-ready Nissan Z Nismo is coming our way, but the bad news is that it will be available as an automatic only.
Tipped to arrive before the end of the year, Z Nismo elevates the iconic sports car’s performance with additional power and torque, Nismo-tuned suspension and brakes, revised aerodynamic bodywork, stiffened suspension, and wider wheels with a more aggressive tyre compound.
Powering the car is an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 that develops 313kW of power and 521Nm of torque, increases of 15kW and 46Nm.
The increased output were achieved through a combination of improved cooling, revised electronic wastegate control and an independent ignition spark timing strategy inspired by GT-R Nismo.
Z Nismo also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.
Chassis enhancements include additional front, rear and rear underfloor bracing, helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5 per cent.
The nine-speed automatic has been enhanced for faster and more dynamic shifting performance, with a particular focus on suitability for track use.
It has revised clutch packs which allow for faster shifting, along with revised engine management software.
Downshift time has been reduced by almost half, compared to Z Performance.
Launch control also delivers more aggressive standing-start acceleration.
In addition to Normal and Sport, Z Nismo adds a new Sport+ drive mode.
This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain’s faster downshift capability.
The shift programming is 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 always available.
Building on the equipment offered on the Performance grade, interior enhancements include red-anodised engine-start and drive mode buttons, manual-adjust Recaro seats and a leather and alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o’clock position.
Exterior revisions were engineered to improve aerodynamic performance for the race track, producing positive downforce.
The front of Z Nismo features a styling element called the “Grand-Nose” or “G-Nose,” which extends farther forward.
The new front fascia also features a restyled grille opening with the thinnest honeycomb mesh of any Nissan production car.
Canards at the front corners create vortexes over the front wheels, further boosting aerodynamic performance.
A subtle red accent runs along the lower edge of the front fascia.
Complementing the G-Nose is a taller, wider rear spoiler with a three-piece design that extends onto the rear guards.
The rear bumper corners are reshaped to aid with air separation and reduce drag, inspired by the GT-R Nismo.
A red accent runs from the lower edges of the rear fascia and above the exhaust outlets.
Z Nismo’s redesigned side sills also help reduce aerodynamic drag and lift.
Above the window line, Z Nismo further stands apart from other grades with a dark metallic grey version of the car’s signature katana-blade styling element.
Additionally, it has a black-painted roof and gloss black 19-inch RAYS wheels.
Z Nismo has unique stabiliser bars, stiffer spring rates and larger, re-tuned dampers.
The brakes have also been beefed up, with larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and equipping a more performance-focused brake pad compound.
To deliver maximum road feel and traction, it wears 19-inch Dunlop SP SPORT Maxx GT600 tyres, a version of which are also used on GT-R.
The 285/35 rear tyres are 10mm wider than those equipped on Z Performance.
Z Nismo is available in a choice of five colors: Black Diamond Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Passion Red TriCoat, Everest White Pearl TriCoat and Nismo-exclusive Stealth Grey.
Pricing and full specification will be revealed closer to launch.
CHECKOUT: Class act — Nissan Patrol Warrior preview
CHECKOUT: Nissan X-Trail: Upwardly mobile