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It was supposed to be just another exhilarating test drive. Behind the wheel of the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO, I was soaking in the roar of its turbocharged V6, the precision of its chassis, and the raw thrill that only a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe can offer – until a sharp, unrelenting pain in my side shifted the day’s course entirely. With the NISMO’s red start button still glowing, I rerouted my test loop straight to the nearest ER. Hours later, I was prepped for emergency appendectomy surgery. Four hospital days and one appendix lighter, I got back into that same Z NISMO, healing slowly but still in awe of how this car managed to imprint itself on one of the most unforgettable weeks of my life. What follows is a full review – not just of a performance coupe that pushes the Z legacy further – but of a machine I drove into the ER and back home again, with plenty of thoughts formed both on back roads and hospital hallways.
Thank God for everything and for the smooth recovery.
Nissan’s Bold Step Forward
The Z nameplate has always had a foot in the past and one in the future, and the 2025 Z NISMO continues that tradition with an evolved silhouette that tips its hat to the iconic 240Z while bristling with contemporary aggression. If you’re a fan of the retro-modern aesthetic, this car nails it. It keeps its classic coupe proportions but adds NISMO-specific aerodynamic enhancements, including a front splitter, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a more angular grille. These are not just for show—they’re functional pieces contributing to downforce and high-speed stability.
But under this nostalgic skin lies a modern powerful vehicle. The heart of the NISMO is the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, but tuned up to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. That’s 20 more horses and 34 more lb-ft than the standard Z Performance trim.
The numbers may not set new benchmarks in this segment, but the delivery is urgent, refined, and thoroughly engaging.
Only One Transmission, But It Gets the Job Done
Enthusiasts will lament that the NISMO trim drops the six-speed manual in favor of a nine-speed automatic only. But don’t count it out too fast. The transmission has been recalibrated for faster shifts and crisper responses in the NISMO, and during my drives – both before and after surgery – it proved its worth. Paddle shifters are responsive, and the gearbox seems to know what you want before you even ask.
Still, for a car so steeped in enthusiast DNA, the lack of a manual option on the NISMO feels like a spiritual miss.
Track-Ready, Road-Weary
What sets the NISMO apart isn’t just power. It’s the holistic approach Nissan took to performance. Stiffer suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, increased chassis rigidity, a limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes help the NISMO transform into a track-day weapon. The result is a car that stays impressively flat in corners and delivers precise steering with great feedback.
However, there’s a catch: that same setup that shines on smooth tarmac becomes punishing on anything less. The NISMO’s suspension is tuned for aggression, not forgiveness. Drive it on a road with even mild imperfections and your spine will register every crack. Post-surgery, I felt every bump more than I wanted to, which says something. The Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires used in lesser Zs have been swapped out for stickier Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 rubber, and the grip is phenomenal. But be prepared to trade comfort for capability.
Not the Fastest, But Fast Enough
Despite all its enhancements, the Z NISMO still doesn’t topple the competition in straight-line numbers. The Toyota GR Supra and Porsche 718 Cayman are quicker to 60 mph, and both feel more planted at the limit. But the Z NISMO’s appeal isn’t about lap times alone. It’s about connection. It’s about heritage. It’s about a car that feels like it was built for people who grew up loving the Z, who want a modern version that still talks to them through the seat, the wheel, and the throttle.
Interior: Modernized Nostalgia
Step inside the Z NISMO and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends throwback touches with present-day sensibilities. You still get the iconic triple analog gauges on the dash (boost, turbo speed, and battery voltage), but everything else has been modernized. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster looks crisp, and the 9-inch infotainment screen is intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with SiriusXM and available Wi-Fi.
The seats are a standout—NISMO-exclusive Recaros with Alcantara inserts and red stitching. They’re firm and deeply bolstered, designed more for track support than long-distance comfort, but they look the part and do an excellent job holding you in place when you’re diving into corners. Post-op? They weren’t exactly therapeutic, but manageable. Cargo space remains limited but useful: think weekend bags or a few groceries, not your monthly Costco run.
Soundtrack and Soul
If there’s one thing the Z nails, it’s emotional resonance. The exhaust note isn’t digitally enhanced into some cartoonish growl—it’s real, it’s raw, and it suits the car. You feel the pulse of the engine, especially in the midrange where it pulls hard and builds power smoothly. It’s the kind of engine that feels happiest when it’s working hard, and that’s something modern turbocharged units often miss.
Fuel Economy? It’s a Sports Car.
The EPA says the NISMO returns 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (19 MPG combined), and my own results hovered close to those numbers. That’s not great, but it’s not terrible for a 420-hp performance coupe either. Let’s be honest: if fuel economy is a major concern, you’re probably not looking at a NISMO Z anyway.
Price and Trims: Where Does the NISMO Fit?
The 2025 Nissan Z lineup starts at $44,110 for the Sport trim, moves to the sweet-spot Performance trim at around $54,110, and tops out at $66,890 for the NISMO. And here’s where decisions get tricky. Most buyers will gravitate toward the mid-tier Performance trim for its balance of features, available manual gearbox, and livable ride quality. The NISMO? It’s for a niche within a niche—buyers who want a track-focused Z with no compromises, including comfort.
In that light, the NISMO is a statement car. It’s not trying to be the most refined or most luxurious. It’s here to shout that Nissan still knows how to build soul-stirring sports cars.
Final Thoughts: A Gritty, Nostalgic, Niche Marvel
The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is a deeply specific kind of car. It’s not for everyone. It’s not for people who want comfort above all else. It’s not for those looking for the quickest 0-60 times. And it’s definitely not for anyone seeking cushy daily drivability.
But if you want something raw, something that taps into decades of Z-car heritage, something that delivers real feedback and analog joy in an increasingly digital world – then the NISMO is your coupe. It’s the kind of car that creates stories, even if one of those stories involves an emergency appendectomy and a hospital parking lot.
In a world of polished and perfect sports cars, the Z NISMO is delightfully imperfect. And that’s exactly why it deserves your attention.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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Source: torquenews.com
