The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo is a track-ready car that delivers an exhilarating driving experience. As I entered Sonoma Raceway for the first time, I realized that all the hype surrounding this track couldn’t have prepared me for what I was about to experience. With its quick elevation changes and blind turns, the track instantly captured my attention.
Before taking the Z Nismo for a spin, I had the opportunity to drive the more docile 2024 Nissan Z Performance model for four laps. It was a great warm-up, but nothing could have prepared me for the adrenaline rush that awaited me in the Nismo.
As I embarked on the lead-follow laps in the Z Nismo, the first turn immediately caught my attention. It banked hard left and climbed as steeply as any track grade I had ever encountered. Following that, there was a hard right 90-degree turn into a quick descent and switchback. The track demanded my full attention, and I didn’t even notice the dirt road until my subsequent laps in the Z Nismo.
The instructor had advised me to look for the dirt road on the hill beyond the track to point the Z Nismo in the right direction. While this advice was helpful, being the tail of a five-car train allowed me to follow the more experienced drivers and learn from their movements. As a Sonoma Raceway noob, this was an invaluable opportunity to improve my skills.
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The structural changes of the Nismo over the base Z became apparent as I navigated the track. New stabilizer bars, larger dampers, and springs worked together to counter the forces pushing me wide. I was able to use the banked turns to my advantage and maintain control as I climbed into the blind turns.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Z Nismo was its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Tuned to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, it delivered impressive power on the track. The combustion chambers and valve timing optimization, along with enhanced intake air cooling, allowed for better performance during track days. The extra power was immediately noticeable as I accelerated off the brake onto the gas.
Outside of the track, the Z Nismo proved to be a capable and comfortable car for carving through twisty roads. The paddle shifters sourced from the GT-R allowed for precise gear changes, ensuring optimal torque at different RPMs. While the 6-speed manual transmission wasn’t available on the Nismo, the 9-speed automatic with Sport+ mode provided a seamless driving experience.
The Z Nismo’s braking system was another standout feature. Equipped with larger brakes and aluminum calipers, it delivered excellent stopping power. Throughout my track session, I didn’t experience any issues with the brakes, even during intense driving sessions.
During one of my laps, I made a mistake and lost control of the car. It was a humbling experience, but it reminded me of the importance of trust and skill in driving. The Z Nismo’s stability control and traction modes helped me regain control, but ultimately, it was my own driving skills that needed improvement.
Despite my mistake, the Z Nismo still offered plenty of fun on the track. The dragstrip run allowed me to test the launch control, showcasing the car’s quick acceleration. While exact 0-60 mph times and top speeds weren’t disclosed by Nissan, it felt like the Z Nismo could reach 60 mph in around four seconds with launch control.
Before my track experience, I had driven the BMW M2 to the Sonoma Raceway. Comparatively, the Z Nismo was a more comfortable and enjoyable car to drive. The carbon-fiber bucket seats provided excellent support, and the ride quality wasn’t dramatically stiffer than the Z Performance model.
Out on the open roads, the Z Nismo demonstrated fantastic grip, thanks to the upgraded Dunlop performance tires. The steering felt responsive, and the car hugged the corners with ease. The interior of the Z Nismo was mostly similar to the base Z, with the exception of some unique badging and touches of red on the seats and steering wheel.
Priced at $66,085, the Z Nismo is a track-focused upgrade over the Z Performance model. It boasts a range of aerodynamic enhancements, including canards, a front splitter, a larger rear spoiler, and a more open grille. While the price jump from the Z Performance is significant, the Nismo is a worthy investment for enthusiasts planning regular track days.
In conclusion, the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo delivers an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping driving experience. With its powerful engine, enhanced handling, and track-ready features, it’s a car that’s designed to be pushed to its limits. Whether on the track or carving through twisty roads, the Z Nismo delivers an unmatched driving experience that will leave any car enthusiast craving for more.
