Nissan reveals the Z Nismo with 420 hp, various enhancements

Nissan Philippines seems to be taking things slowly with the introduction of the all-new generation of the Z sports car. And while that happens, its Nismo version has been revealed and we hope it will come here too.

Built to be track-ready from the moment it drives out of the factory, the Z Nismo takes things a step further as it gets a handful of performance upgrades to its engine, suspension, and other elements of the vehicle.

First, with its engine, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine now produces 420 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. Those are increases of 20 hp and 46 Nm compared to other Z grades. 

The increase was made possible with the help of improved cooling and a revised electric wastegate control, providing increased turbo boost and turbine speed, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy which Nissan says is inspired by the GT-R Nismo. The Z Nismo also features an enhanced engine cooler for extended track performance.

Interestingly, the Z Nismo’s powertrain is exclusively mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission though it has been enhanced for faster and more dynamic shifting performance. A Sport+ drive mode has also been added for even more response when driving on track, and provides a more dynamic experience.

The Nissan Z Nismo also has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers. To deliver maximum road feel and traction, the it also rides on Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires, a version of which are also used on GT-R. Also added are additional front, rear and rear underfloor bracing, helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5% compared to the standard grades. Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increase lateral rigidity.

Exterior enhancements to the Z Nismo were also done to improve aerodynamics. In front it gets what’s called a “Grand-Nose” or “G-Nose,” which extends farther forward than on other grades, and is also inspired by the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG. The front grille has also been restyled with a larger opening and a thin honeycomb mesh for better cooling. Canards also create vortexes over the front wheels, making it more aerodynamic. A taller and wider rear spoiler has also been fitted to the vehicle to complement the G-Nose.

The Z Nismo can easily be set apart from the standard Nissan Z thanks to its red accents, black roof, and gloss-black 19-inch RAYS wheels. A Nismo-exclusive color—Stealth Gray—is also available. The front brakes have also been upgraded with larger 15-inch rotors while the rear is at 13.8-inches. This allows for better brake pedal feel and enhanced braking performance in extended track use scenarios.

The interior of the Z Nismo also receives some upgrades. First, the engine start/stop and drive mode selector buttons are now finished in red. The graphics of the digital instrument cluster have also been updated with a red outline around the tachometer, a Nismo logo, and red “flash” upon start-up.

New Recaro seats replace the standard seats and they are wrapped in a combination of leather and Alcantara suede, with a red center section with Nismo logos on the headrests. On the other hand, the steering wheel receives the same material combination with a red on-center marker.

We still don’t know when the new Nissan Z will enter the Philippine market but it surely will come. Hopefully when it does, Nissan Philippines introduces the Z Nismo as well. For now, it will first go on sale in other markets within the next few months.