Like AMG to Mercedes-Benz and M to BMW, Nissan’s NISMO – taken from the words ‘Nissan’ and ‘Motorsport’ – has been applied to the brand’s most track-focused models since it moved from a track program to road cars with the launch of the Skyline R31 GTS-R Group A evolution special and then the infamous ‘Godzilla’ Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R.
However, many enthusiasts like me have witnessed the badge being diluted over the years, as the brand has slapped it on everything from a Patrol to Sentra, the all-electric Ariya and even the Juke, which to its credit packs 200 horsepower ( 147 kW) to everyone. four wheels.
Still, every now and then the brand returns to its roots and sticks the emblem on something more exciting, such as the Nissan Z NISMO.
This $94,000 excluding on-road costs sports car features significant changes from the standard Nissan Z in terms of handling, style and power. The result is a more focused car that gives you a unique driving experience that is unique in its class. We spent a week with the car to find out why it offers a compelling alternative to cars like the BMW M2 Competition and Toyota Supra.
RELATED: New Nissan Patrol unveiled, expected in Australia late 2026.
The Nissan Z NISMO costs from $94,000 in Australia, excluding on-road costs. This is how much you pay for the match:
- Toyota SupraGTS – from AUD$96,295 plus on-road costs
- BMW M2 competition – from AUD$123,900 plus on-road costs
It may not be as fast as the new M2 Competition, but it is significantly cheaper. The Toyota Supra sounds better and is powered by one of the great engines of the last 5 years, but it’s 50 percent BMW and therefore lacks a bit of character. The Nissan Z NISMO isn’t the wise choice here, but its engine is unique among its rivals, it’s by far the best looking, and in the long run it might be more collectible too.
Here’s a list of changes made to the Nissan Z NISMO, before I explain the effect they’ve had on the experience in my review below:
- Power increased to 309 kW (+11 kW) and 520 Nm (+45 Nm)
- NISMO-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- New NISMO styling – exterior and interior
- Glossy black RAYS® 19-inch wheels (0.5″ wider Fr & Rr & lighter)
- Improved engine cooling
- Larger front brake discs (+25 mm)
- NISMO aerodynamic improvements
- NISMO chassis, tire and wheel improvements
- NISMO Sport+ driving mode
- NISMO-tuned Launch Control
- NISMO-tuned active sound control
- RECARO® seats with NISMO branding
- Heated and power-adjustable front seats are not available on Z NISMO
Now let’s look at the in-depth review of the Nissan Z NISMO.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
What changes has Nissan made to the exterior of the Z NISMO?
I’ll start with the exterior changes as they are significant. It all starts at the front with a bumper that extends further forward than lower models and is reminiscent of the historic Nissan Fairlady 240ZG. This comes along with a new front end featuring a restyled grille, canards in the front corner and red accents along the bottom of the front fascia. It takes an already beautiful design, but put it on a creatine diet.
My favorite angle remains the rear of the Nissan Z NISMO, where you can appreciate the wider three-piece rear spoiler (compared to Z Performance) that extends to the rear fenders.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia 
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia 
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
The rear of the bumper more closely resembles the rest of the NISMO line – with the GT-R NISMO providing clear styling inspiration – with the same red accents extending around the bumper, exhaust cutouts and new side sills.
If you look closely, you can also see the dark metallic gray version of the katanablade styling element that now sits above the windowsill.
You can get your new Nissan Z NISMO in five colors: Black Diamond Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Passion Red TriCoat, Everest White Pearl TriCoat and NISMO exclusive Stealth Gray which would be the obvious choice, and the color chosen on my test car. With the red accents and black Rays wheels, it looks extremely tasty, and significantly better than its overly styled competitors.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
Has anything changed on the inside?
The changes to the interior are less substantial than to the exterior, but the biggest change would be the new RECARO seats finished in leather and Alcantara with a red center section and NISMO logos on the headrests. They’re comfortable to sit in and very supportive, but they’re a little loose from the driver’s seat, especially in the lower back, which seemed to move a little while cornering.
These seats are combined with a new sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara and a racing-inspired red accent at the 12 o’clock position. It is the right size and feels great in the hand.
Technology still consists of a fairly small 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system of wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That’s joined by a single USB-A output, a single USB-C output and an 8-speaker Bose sound system, which sounds rather average. It’s a throwback experience, and you’ll have to forgive the 2014-era technology to fully appreciate it. You can certainly get more technology in cars that cost less.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia 
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia 
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
Still, the Z NISMO has an advantage over everything else on the market because it carries the coveted NISMO badge.
You’ll never forget it either because I’ve lost count of the number of badges on everything from the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to the seats and floor mats. Nissan even added an anodized red start/stop button, a fully digital TFT meter, a red outline around the tachometer, a NISMO logo and a special red flash during the start-up animation. It would be a gimmick if the badge didn’t carry so much weight.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
How have the performance changes affected the driving experience?
The same 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine transfers, but now produces 309 kW (+11 kW) and 520 Nm (+45 Nm) from just 2000 rpm. This is thanks to improved cooling, revised electronic wastegate controls for more boost and GT-R Nismo-inspired independent ignition timing. Surprisingly, despite all these performance improvements, it is quite fuel efficient, according to a claim 10.4 liters per 100 km.
What it lacks is sound, and the faux pops and crackles from the car’s rear speakers are quite embarrassing for a NISMO-badged car. Still, it’s nothing an aftermarket exhaust wouldn’t solve. We would install a NISMO Japan Titanium exhaust immediately after purchase.
Nissan does not provide an official 0-100 km/h time for the NISMO variant. However, the bum-in-the-seat test tells me that the M2 Competition and Toyota Supra GTS are faster in a straight line. That’s not to say the Z NISMO is slow, though, as it puts you firmly in your seat under hard acceleration, and I’d estimate a low 4-second 0-62mph run, which is quite impressive considering the standard car does the same sprint in 4.5 seconds.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
When it’s time to step on the anchors, the front brakes are larger than stock, with 15.0-inch rotors mated to 13.8-inch rear rotors, and are equipped with a more performance-oriented brake pad compound.
I think some reviewers have pointed the finger quite harshly at the Jatco JR913E 9-speed automatic transmission that comes with the Nissan Z NISMO. Yes, it sometimes refuses to downshift, despite claiming to be 50 percent faster, and when it does give you the acceleration, it’s not as sharp as a dual-clutch automatic. However, the upshifts are flawless and it is far from the worst automatic on the market. Unless you’re following the car, it certainly wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me. Would it be better with a manual? Of course it would. Enough said.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
You shouldn’t overlook the automatic transmission and the extensive changes Nissan has made to the chassis and suspension, as they are all designed to make the car perform better in spirited driving situations.
It starts with additional reinforcements to the front and rear underfloor to increase torsional stiffness by 2.5% compared to standard versions. Then there are stiffer suspension bushes front and rear, and a stiffer mounting bush for the steering rack, further increasing lateral stiffness. It would be a bit rich of me to sit here and pretend you can feel all these changes every time you get in the car, but they are welcome, and it feels exceptionally tight and connected to the road.
I should note that these changes (particularly the reinforcement) do add weight. The NISMO Z has an empty weight of 1608 kg 99 kg heavier than the lightest Z model on sale. This also makes it heavier than the Toyota Supra GTS (1525kg). However, it is still considerably lighter than the BMW M2 Competition (1,725 kg).
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
You don’t notice the weight specifically when driving, but having recently spent time in a handful of lightweight sports cars like the Lotus Emira, it does have that slightly bloated and overweight feeling that some modern cars suffer from. It’s our biggest problem with the M2 Competition, and the simple fact is that cars that weigh around 1,500kg are more fun to drive. Yet you will only mistake the Z NISMO for a riot.
Finally, black 19-inch RAYS wheels accent the entire vehicle. They are 0.5 inches wider than the Z Performance’s 19-inch wheels (10 inches wide front, 10.5 inches wide rear) and also slightly lighter.
They are wrapped in Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires, which I think are a bit of a handful in the rain, like all extreme performance tires. My daily driver has a set of Yokohama ADVAN A052s and it’s simply the price you pay for performance. However, if you warm them up, you’ll never look at a band the same way again.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
The opinion of the man of many about the Nissan Z NISMO
When I look at limited edition sports cars like the Nissan Z NISMO and the Audi RS 5 Competition Plus, it’s hard to critically compare and contrast them with the competition because despite their flaws, the people who want a car like this will simply go out and buy them.
So what I’m looking for is character, and the NISMO Z is full of it. It has an identity, and if you agree with its quirks, and can get around the automatic setup, it’s a joy to drive. It could also enter the discussion as a future collectible.
Don’t just take my word for it, because the first 100 Nissan Z NISMO vehicles sold out in 53 minutes. Luckily, Nissan Australia has secured another allocation, so if you’re in the market, it’s time to talk to your local Nissan dealer.
Nissan Z-NISMO | Image: Supplied / Nissan Australia
You’ll like it too: