Hotter Nissan Z Nismo gets power boost to 425hp

Nissan has taken the wraps off the Z Nismo, a new range-topper for the brand’s Z sportscar line-up. The Z Nismo gets a bump up in power, improved aerodynamics, sharper styling and chassis enhancements over the standard Z.

• Z Nismo puts out 20hp, 45Nm more than standard Z
• Gets stiffer suspension, larger brakes and wider rear tyres
• India launch unlikely

Nissan Z Nismo engine and gearbox

Powering the Z Nismo is the same 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine used in the regular Z, but it has got changes that push output to 425hp and 520Nm, up 20hp and 45Nm. Changes to the engine include a revised electronic turbo wastegate control, an independent ignition spark timing system inspired by GT-R Nismo and an enhanced engine oil-cooler.

Unlike the standard Z though, the Z Nismo can be had with an automatic gearbox only, which is a 9-speed torque converter unit that sends power to the rear wheels. Nissan says the Z Nismo gets a revised clutch, which allows for faster shifts compared to the regular Z. The Z Nismo also packs in launch control and a new Sport+ drive mode.

Nissan Z Nismo chassis, suspension, brakes and tyres

There have been considerable changes made in this regard as well. To start off, Nismo engineers have improved the Z’s chassis stiffness by 2.5 percent thanks to additional bracing and have given it stiffer suspension bushings. The Z Nismo also benefits from additional stabiliser bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers, all of which are said to improve its handling.

Braking power has been improved too, with the Z Nismo featuring larger 15-inch rotors at the front and 13.8 inchers at the rear along with, what Nissan calls, “a more performance-focused brake pad compound”. Meanwhile, the Z Nismo sits on cool-looking 19-inch, gloss-black Rays alloys which are wrapped in sporty Dunlop rubber that’s 10mm wider at the back.  

Nissan Z Nismo exterior and interior

The Nissan Z Nismo gets a number of exterior changes as well specifically to improve its aerodynamics. The changes include a longer nose section which is inspired by the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG, a restyled front grille, canards in the front bumper edges, a taller and wider rear spoiler and a reshaped rear bumper inspired by the GT-R Nismo. Other cosmetic changes include a red accent lower down that runs from the front of the Z to the rear, a blacked-out window line and a black roof. The Z Nismo can be had in five colours: Black Diamond Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Passion Red TriCoat, Everest White Pearl TriCoat, and NISMO-exclusive Stealth Grey.

Inside the cabin, the Nismo gets Recaro bucket seats with leather and Alcantara upholstery, Nismo-specific graphics for the digital instrument cluster, a leather and Alcantara steering with a red 12 o’clock marker and a number of smaller red-coloured details.

Nissan Z Nismo launch

The new Nissan Z Nismo will go on sale in international markets later this year, however, the chances of an India launch are bleak. While the Japanese brand currently only sells one model here – the Magnite – it has confirmed that it’ll launch three new products, developed with alliance partner Renault.