Since Nissan revealed the newest-generation Z sports car a couple of years ago, we'd been waiting for the inevitable NISMO-badged version with more performance. Late last year we got a chance to sit behind the wheel, where we learned all the differences between the Z and the NISMO—that's NISsan MOtorsport—and later drove the latter on the track and public roads. At long last, we've strapped our test gear to the Z NISMO and spent over a week driving it on our favorite canyon roads, to see if this spicier Z is worth the extra $13,000 over the Z Performance version.

Based on the Fundamentals

The engine's output and the transmission are the biggest differentiators between the 2024 Nissan Z and Z NISMO. Both models use a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, but the NISMO's version makes an extra 20 hp and 34 lb-ft of torque, for totals of 420 hp and 384 lb-ft. While that power bump is not quite enough to justify the NISMO's price premium, at least on paper, it's joined by a nine-speed automatic. Regular Zs get a six-speed manual transmission option; unlike that model, the NISMO doesn't offer a manual transmission, and, yes, we're still disappointed by that. At least the NISMO's nine-speed autobox feels modern and shifts quickly.

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