Redesigned for 2023 on a heavily revised version of its predecessor’s basic architecture, the Z continues the proud tradition of Nissan sports cars.
Whether it was a 240, a 300, a 350, or a 370, it was always a Z car, so instead of following the rest of the automotive industry down an increasingly convoluted alphanumeric rabbit hole, Nissan ditches the numbers and simply calls this generation the Z.
Its long nose/short deck proportions, two-seat layout, and rear-wheel drive are decidedly traditional, but its twin-turbo V6, nine-speed automatic transmission, and digital instrument cluster are modern.
Styles
The 2024 Nissan Z is a two-door sports coupe with three models available: Sport, Performance, and Z Nismo.
The Z Nismo I tested starts with the Performance model content and then adds or replaces: Black-painted Rays wheels, high-performance tires, larger front brakes, high-performance oil cooler, Nismo-tuned suspension, steering, and transmission, additional chassis reinforcements, and body aerodynamic kit.
Powertrain
All Z models feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that drives the rear wheels.
The Sport and Performance versions come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the nine-speed automatic transmission is available at no extra cost.
The V6 engine produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the Z Nismo automatic version, the V6 reaches 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.
Interior Style
The Z Nismo model features manual-adjust Recaro front seats and Alcantara leather and suede upholstery. This new generation of the Z represents a much-needed leap forward in interior design and construction. It feels less claustrophobic than the previous model and offers a driver-centric layout with plenty of useful information.
The digital instrument cluster can be customized to some extent, and while we think it could be simplified a bit, the display is crisp and legible in all lighting situations.
The same can be said for the 9-inch touchscreen. It is Nissan’s latest system and features easy-to-read graphics and is quick to respond to inputs, but the menu structure and several redundant home screens could use a rethink.
For as low as the Z is, it’s not too difficult to get in and out of thanks to generous door openings and non-restrictive seats. Like most low coupes, visibility is not ideal.
The Nissan’s climate system maintains excellent control over cabin temperature, even in triple-digit temperatures, and we appreciate the ease of adjusting the air vents. The three easy-to-use round dials that control the climate system are appreciated, but they are a bit tucked away under the dashboard and can be hard to read at a quick glance.
With a meager cargo capacity of 6.9 cubic feet, it falls behind the GR Supra and the Mustang, and the cargo area is compromised by its shallow depth and open design to the cabin. This means that purchases will either be crushed under the rear glass or end up in the front seat if you’re not careful.
Nissan offers a rudimentary cargo stabilizer system and a cargo blind, and we strongly suggest their purchase. Passenger storage is a bit better, but not always convenient. There is a small tray in front of the gear lever, and the cupholders and center console can handle small personal items without issue.
The problem lies in the larger storage areas. They are located just behind the front seats, but since these do not easily fold forward to access them, only the small compartments and extra glovebox can be accessed once seated in the car.
Technology
The Z features Nissan’s latest touchscreen interface. The graphics are crisp and response times are quite fast, but the layout of the home screen graphics, as well as some of the information it can display, are quite questionable.
The Bose audio system in my test car was acceptable, without the richness and resolution I would expect from a branded audio system. Thankfully, the touchscreen is easily accessible because the Z’s voice control system leaves much to be desired. It has a rather rigid menu structure, and the system struggled to understand many of my commands.
Safety
There is a suite of driver assistance systems, including: Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
On the Road
The Z Nismo features a Sport+ driving mode and is equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. While I love the option of a six-speed manual transmission and the Z’s automatic rev-matching feature, the gearbox feels a bit clunky and not very precise.
Pure sports cars feel better and more engaging the harder you push them, but when pushed, the Nissan starts to feel more reluctant and less satisfying to drive.
Body control and steering response could be refined much closer to the limit, and while the brakes are strong, the ABS system can feel a bit rough, allowing for slight brake lock-up that can briefly unsettle the car.
The Z is simply better when you can lean on its torque-rich engine and not rush it, an attribute that makes the Sport and Performance Z models more grand tourers than sports cars. The sharper handling and steering of the Nismo are a definite upgrade for sports car enthusiasts.
Performance may not be the Z’s strong suit, but it is certainly one of the most comfortable sports coupes on the market. The heated seats in my test car offered manual and power adjustments, and I found them very comfortable.
The Z’s daily ride quality is also commendable. Low-profile tires let through many small, sharp impacts to the cabin, but larger bumps, both at low and high speeds, are handled with ease, making the Z ideal for long road trips.
The adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning felt too sensitive for a sports car. But it’s the Z’s stability control system that needs more work. It can be turned off, but there is no intermediate setting that allows for more spirited driving while still maintaining a safety net.
Conclusion
The latest generation of the 2024 Nissan Z marks a big step forward for the brand’s legendary sports car. It is more modern and comfortable than the previous model.
The main Z versions lack the speed, precision, and driver engagement that we believe discerning drivers expect, although the Z Nismo model satisfies those demands quite well.
Price: From US $66,890
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city – 24 mpg highway
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