Nismo Z goes on general sale at Nissan dealers
BY COBEY BARTELS | 3rd May 2024
AUSTRALIANS can now purchase the elusive Nismo-fettled Nissan Z model through dealers, as the previously near-impossible-to-get model opens for order at an unchanged price of $94,000 before on-road costs.
Initially teasing Z-car fans with a limited-edition run of 100 online-order-only vehicles in August last year, which sold out in 53 minutes, Nissan clearly saw the potential for the hotted-up model Down Under.
The sub-one-hour sweep was not quite as quick as the Washington leg of Paul McCartney’s ‘Got Back’ comeback tour in 2022, which reportedly sold out in less than 30 minutes but the Nismo Z was not far off, achieving its own version of rockstar status.
“As soon as we saw the pent-up demand for the Nissan Z Nismo, and the speed at which our first allocation was exhausted, we knew there would be fans of this iconic vehicle who had missed out on securing one for themselves,” said Nissan Australia managing director, Andrew Humberstone.
“That is why I’m so thrilled we’ve been able to secure additional vehicles to meet that demand.
“The Z Nismo is now available to be ordered through our Nissan dealer network, with deliveries to begin almost immediately.”
Nismo drew inspiration and learnings for the road-going Z from its successful Z GT500 race car, applying functional aerodynamic improvements like front vortex generators, reshaped side sills and a high downforce rear spoiler. The aerodynamic aids add aggressive visual flair over the standard model, which is a function-meets-form bonus.
The Nismo Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 309kW/520Nm, which is 11kW and 45Nm more than its unmodified sibling, and it is mated to an upgraded nine-speed automatic transmission with Nismo-tuned launch control.
You read that right, there is no manual option for the Nismo Z, despite standard models getting the option of a third pedal and six-speed ‘box.
Other performance upgrades include wider and lighter Rays wheels, Nismo-tuned suspension, Recaro seats, larger brakes, beefed-up engine cooling and additional drive modes.
Nissan is clearly hedging its bets that Australian fans will see value in the improvements made, with the Nismo Z costing a hefty $20,000 more than the base Z, because the similarly potent Toyota GR Supra is a fair chunk of change cheaper.
The decision to open the Nismo Z order books was commemorated by thrashing one up the Lake Mountain climb in Victoria, running from Marysville to the top of the Cathedral Rage – a 21.3km stretch with countless snaking bends.
You can watch the video here, but don’t expect to see much in the way of heel-and-toe footwork.
2024 Nissan Z pricing*:
|
Z |
$75,800 |
|
|
Z (a) |
$75,800 |
|
|
Z Proto |
$80,700 |
|
|
Z Proto (a) |
$80,700 |
|
|
Z Nismo |
$94,000 |
|
*Pricing excludes on-road costs.
