2024 Nissan Z NISMO Adds Power, Loses Manual Gearbox

It may be the most powerful Z ever made by Nissan, but is it enough to forgive the lack of a manual transmission in the track-focused Z NISMO?

The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO has finally broken cover. However, it brings some good and some bad news. Starting with the good, NISMO has squeezed out more power from the V6 engine. The firmer suspension, chassis tweaks, stickier tires and bigger brakes will improve the sports car’s driving dynamics. The Z NISMO’s aggressive aero-package helps improve downforce and differentiate it from the standard Z.

Nissan would want us to focus on the 420 hp (20 more hp than the standard Z), suspension tweaks and the other upgrades. But, as much as it pains us to tell you, there is no manual gearbox for the new 2024 Z NISMO.

As standard, the Nissan Z NISMO uses the 9-speed automatic gearbox. Thankfully, NISMO seemed to have been out to cement the new Z’s nickname as the “Baby GT-R”. Here’s how.

The new Z NISMO uses the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine as the standard sports car. The motor makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque with the standard Z. By improving the cooling of the engine, reworking the turbochargers and borrowing the independent ignition spark timing system from the recently updated GT-R, the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO gains 20 hp and 34 lb-ft. Packing a total of 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, that makes it the most powerful Z ever made.

Exclusively available with the 9-speed automatic, Nissan has improved the gearbox for the NISMO. The new clutch and transmission tuning helps the Z NISMO cut gear change times by half. Furthermore, the tuning of the gearbox favors track use and better off-the-line acceleration with launch control. The addition of Sport+ drive mode helps make downshifts on track much quicker as well.

Related: We Drove The New Nissan Z On “Japan’s Nürbürgring:” Here’s What We Learned

If that isn’t enough a flex, Nissan has ensured to separately mention the new Z NISMO “features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.” A possible jibe at the GR86 and BRZ twins that have recently gained a reputation on track? You be the judge.

NISMO engineers have firmed up the suspension with a stabilizer bar, a stiffer spring rate, and thrown in larger dampers. Nissan claims that the chassis has also been “comprehensively” revised to further stiffen the car. The additional bracing of the chassis in the NISMO has helped increase torsional rigidity by 2.5 percent compared to the standard Z.

Behind the 19-inch wheels are larger 15/13.8 inch (F/R) brake rotors to help enhance the stopping power, especially on track. Furthermore, the new Z NISMO wears 10/10.5 inch (F/R) wide Dunlop tires. The SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires on the Z NISMO are a version of the compound they use on the GT-R.

Related: This 600-HP 2023 Nissan Z Is A C8 Corvette Slayer For Track Days

The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO carries all the comfort features available with the standard grade Z but adds built-in Amazon Alexa to the package. Red trim, a custom NISMO digital display, manual-adjust Recaro seats and a new Alcantara wrapped steering wheel complete the NISMO package. Nissan remains silent on the price for now, but the 2024 Z NISMO will go on sale this fall.

Source: Nissan Motor Company

Rahull's passion for the automobile started very early at his cousin's garage that restores vintage Ford Model As, Cadillacs and more. He then stumbled upon Formula 1 at the age of 6 and his father's cameras soon after. Life is about passions and he intends to share his through his writing and photography.