• My account
NZ Autocar
Subscribe

No products in the cart.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Utes | Vans
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Brands
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • My account
NZ Autocar
SUBSCRIBE
No Result
View All Result
Home Main Categories News

Nissan Z Nismo unveiled without manual gearbox option

Words: Harrison Wade | Photos: Nissan

by Harrison Wade
August 1, 2023
Nissan Z Nismo parked on race track

After being previewed earlier this year, Nissan has unveiled the Z Nismo as a hotted-up version of its two-door sports car with more power, slipperier aero, and improved handling. However, it’s missing one crucial component that some fans may not be too pleased about, and that’s a manual gearbox.

New Zealand availability is unknown at this time, but the new model has been confirmed for Australia which means it’ll likely be sold here too. Pricing and specification are still being kept under wraps for all global markets though.

The Nismo sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the standard Z, mostly thanks to its new red-highlighted bodywork that wraps around the lower edges of the car.

Nissan Z Nismo driving on race track

You’ll immediately notice the new ‘G-Nose’ bumper up front which extends further forward than the original, a feature that pays its respects to the classic 240ZG.

The front grille has also been widened and is flanked by canards on either side which create vortexes over the front wheels. A new set of side skirts lead into a restyled rear bumper, while a taller and wider rear lip spoiler has been fitted to increase downforce.

Inside, Nismo’s red touch has been applied to the start/stop button and drive mode selection buttons, as well as the tachometer outline on the driver’s digital display. A set of Recaro seats covered in leather and Alcantara have been installed to keep both occupants in place during hard cornering too.

Nissan Z Nismo interior

Under the bonnet sits an updated version of the familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that now makes 313kW and 521Nm of torque, an increase of 15kW and 46Nm over the standard car thanks to improved cooling, more boost and independent ignition spark timing.

Unfortunately for the manual gearbox lovers among you, the Z Nismo will only be offered with a nine-speed automatic. However, it has been fettled with and now shifts faster than the standard unit which can be harnessed through a new Sport+ driving mode, tuned especially for the track.

The suspension has also been revised thanks to new anti-roll bars, a stiffer spring rate, and larger, retuned dampers. Larger front brakes have been fitted up front along with a more aggressive pad compound in the name of extra stopping power.

  • Nissan Z Nismo parked next to standard Z
  • Nissan Z Nismo Recaro seats
  • Nissan Z Nismo side profile

A new set of 19-inch Rays wheels can be found on all four corners, wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tyres, similar to those used on the GT-R.

The new Nissan Z Nismo will go on sale in the United States during their autumn (our spring) later this year, with the model expected to arrive down under towards the later stages of 2023 or early 2024.

We’ll be sure to let you know about the local availability of the Z Nismo as soon as we hear it.

Update: Nissan New Zealand has confirmed that the model will be sold locally. Pricing and specification have yet to be confirmed.

Previous Post

Ford Mustang to keep V8 alive for as long as it can

Next Post

Ford NZ announces local pricing for new Mustang

NZ Autocar is New Zealand’s leading automotive magazine. Delivering news reviews from the automotive world, including commentary from leading automotive writers and covers the scope of motoring including new cars, classic cars, EVs and motorbikes.

Our team

Managing Editor: Richard Edwards
General Manager: Gavin Shaw
Editor: Kyle Cassidy
Senior Editor: Peter Louisson
Creative Director: Alex Schultz

To Subscribe

Subscribe

Contact Us

Advertising:
Gavin Shaw
[email protected]
.
Editorial:
Kyle Cassidy
[email protected]
.
NZ Autocar
PO Box 18121
Glen Innes
Auckland 1743
New Zealand

Categories

Useful Links

Home
News
Motorsport
Search Manufacturer
Search reviews
New Car Prices
New Bike Prices
Industry
Commercial
Subscriptions
Competitions
Contact Us
Advertising
Terms and Conditions

2025 © AUTOCAR 2024 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Utes | Vans
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Brands
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • My account

2025 © AUTOCAR 2024 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.