The Nissan Z is already a bit of a unicorn here in our parts of our worlds, but prepare to drool over it even more because the Japanese carmaker has confirmed that a hotter Nismo Z edition will be coming soon… that is, if you’re not one of those “enthusiast” snobs.
Eagle-eyed fans immediately noticed that the prototype car in Nissan’s teaser video featured two flappy paddles behind the steering wheel, but most shrugged it off as just a prototype – surely a performance-focused model will also at least offer a manual gear box option, given that the standard car already has one?
A leaked order guide on the New Nissan Z forums have, however, seemingly confirmed that the new performance-focused model will not come with a manual gearbox, instead relying on the nine-speed torque-converter automatic from the standard Z car to switch ratios.
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It’s disappointing, for sure, but the Nismo Z’s (rumoured) more powerful engine might also just be its own achilles’ heel. See, the Nissan Z might look all new and fancy, but the platform it’s built on actually dates back to the 370Z from 2008. As such, the gearbox selection might have been hamstrung by the platform’s physical dimensions, and the old six-speed manual likely can’t handle the rumoured extra torque output.
Well, that’s our theory at least. Nissan could have opted for the automatic because it’s just plainly faster, and on a more track-focused performance model, that does at least make some sense.
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Nissan hasn’t provided any official technical information just yet, but based on what’s shown in the teaser video, we do know that it’ll still feature the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine underneath the bonnet. A more performance-focused suspension tuning is also likely, given its track-ready credentials.
Otherwise, expect the usual visual overhaul, including the red Nismo accents, elaborate body kit, new wraparound ducktail spoiler, new wheels with sticky tyres, and – surprisingly – a new wider grille that replaces the square design that Nissan talked so much about. Inside, the Nismo Z also appears to now feature red Alcantara-wrapped bucket seats, a new red push-start button, alongside multiple Nismo branding all around.
The Nissan Nismo Z is scheduled to be unveiled this summer.
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