What does Z mean? If you were the fictional hero, Zorro, Z was the mark you left with your sword after a daring rescue. In fiction, Z was the title of a political bestseller that became a popular film in the late 60s. In the Bible, Z has the meaning of a weapon. In music, everyone has probably heard of the Sharp Dressed Men of ZZ Top. There is one other meaning for the letter Z, however, and that comes from the automotive world. Since 1969, Nissan has been building a series of performance sports cars using the letter Z. The tradition continues today, with your Nissan dealer offering the Nissan Z since 2023. This performance sports car is affordably priced, with the base model 2024 Nissan Z Sport starting at an MSRP of $42,210. This gives you entry into a world of driving unmatched by other front-engine sports cars in the Nissan Z’s vehicle class.
Z Stands for Speed and Acceleration
The 2024 Nissan Z is a front-engine sports car with sleek and sexy body styling. The Sport and Performance trims feature a 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6 gas engine. You can choose a 6-speed manual transmission with an EXEDV high-performance clutch or a 9-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, achieved using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Both powertrain configurations will give you 400 hp at 6,400 RPM and 350 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-5,600 RPM. Suffice to say, this is the kind of speed and acceleration you’re looking for in a sports car. The Nissan Z’s base engine also features a dual overhead camshaft configuration (DOHC) with 24 valves for the engine’s six cylinders and a continuously variable valve timing control system for a more efficient performance.
The all-new NISMO model of the 2024 Nissan Z has an upgraded version of the base trim’s V6. We’re looking at a 3.0-liter NISMO-tuned Twin-Turbo V6 gas engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission, also featuring paddle shifters and electronic shift-by-wire, allowing you to emulate the performance of a manual transmission. The engine has a DOHC configuration like the engine on the other models, but it adds a NISMO intercooler sub-radiator. This gives the Nissan Z NISMO a boost, increasing output to 420 hp at 6,400 RPM and 384 lb-ft of torque at 2,000-5,200 RPM.
Regardless of your choice, all three models of the 2024 Nissan Z deliver unmatched performance among front-engine sports cars. If you opt for the Sport or Performance, you should be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, while the Nissan Z NISMO can do this in just 4.1 seconds. Any model of the 2024 Nissan Z will give you a top speed of at least 155 mph. While you get a fantastic warranty from Nissan, the company will not cover any speeding tickets you may collect along the way.
Nissan Performance Design From A to Z
The 2024 Nissan Z rides on aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with high-performance tires. The Sport model has 18-inch wheels, while the Nissan Z Performance and NISMO have 19-inch RAYS forged-allow wheels. The Performance and NISMO models also feature a limited-slip differential to improve speed while giving you a smoother overall ride. All models of the 2024 Nissan Z include LED headlights with signature Daytime Running.
Lights to Improve Vision and Safety
Nissan has decided to offer two models with specialized braking systems. The Nissan Z Performance has a set of Akebono 4-piston front calipers with 14-inch rotors, which gives you improved handling and stopping power over the Sport model. The NISMO takes things to an entirely different level, as its NISMO/Akebono 4-piston front calipers have 15-inch rotors, which come in handy considering this model’s exceptional acceleration.
Each model of the 2024 Nissan Z features a double-wishbone front suspension with an aluminum alloy subframe. The rear suspension is a multi-link aluminum alloy, ensuring a smooth ride without compromising performance. There are front and rear stabilizer bars with monotube-type shock absorbers, which are features that you would expect in a front-engine performance sports car. The NISMO model has a specialized NISMO-tuned suspension as well. The vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering will give you the feel of the road, with the responsiveness you need to take curves at higher speeds.
Exterior Styling Meets Interior Luxury in the Z
Nissan has constructed the 2024 Nissan Z for speed and performance. Its hood, doors, and hatch are all aluminum, and the roof has a katana blade roof finisher to improve aerodynamics. The performance adds front, rear, and chin spoilers, while the NISMO model has a specialized NISMO aerodynamic body design. This helps the Nissan Z NISMO cut through the wind quickly, much like the katana blade of a samurai.
Choosing the right color for your Nissan Z might be a difficult task as you get 9 different choices, including Ikazuchi Yellow TriCoat paired with Super Black, Passion Red TriCoat with Super Black, and a striking Seiran Blue TriCoat also with Super Black. You can even choose single colors like Black Diamond Pearl and Rosewood Metallic. With 9 different options, you’ll have no trouble giving the Nissan Z the hot look it deserves.
Regarding the interior, the designers at Nissan do an excellent job carrying the exterior styling inside. As Nissan’s Ashwai Gupta, the representative executive officer and chief operating officer, explains, “Z is the pure expression of Thrill. It is Nissan’s passion wrapped up on four wheels.”
The Nissan Z has room for two passengers in bucket seats. The Sport model features an attractive cloth seat trim on its manually adjustable seats. The Nissan Z Performance has leather-appointed seats with synthetic-suede inserts that are as comfortable as they are cool. Not to mention, they are also heated. The NISMO features Recaro sports sheets with leather upholstery and Alcantara inserts. All models have leather-wrapped steering wheels and shift knobs, and the steering wheel on the NISMO is a sports style with extra thickness for better grip.
Z Is for an Infotainment System to Deliver Your Own Soundtrack
If you are going to drive a sports car, then you are probably going to want to be able to choose a soundtrack for your latest adventures. Each model of the 2024 Nissan Z features the NissanConnect infotainment system on a color touch-screen display. The Sport has an 8-inch display, while the Performance and NISMO give you 9 inches of screen. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth come standard on all models, so you can make hands-free texts and calls while you scroll through your favorite apps. The Performance and NISMO add wireless Apple CarPlay, so if you have an iPhone, you can stay connected even if you’ve left your charging cables at home. These models also add Alexa Built-in to the NissanConnect system, so you can have your personal assistant along for the ride and still have room for another passenger in the Nissan Z’s other seat.
If you love music, then you are going to really enjoy the Bose Premium Audio System on the Performance and NISMO models. This has eight speakers with dual subwoofers strategically passed around the Nissan Z’s cabin. There is also active noise cancellation to reduce the interference from outside your car, contrasting with active sound enhancement, which will make your music sound better than ever. With the choices provided by the SiriusXM trial subscription and the ability to stream music from your favorite apps, you’ll have no problem choosing the right music to use as a soundtrack from your Nissan Z.
If You Want an Amazing Sports Car, Think of the Letter Z
Sports car enthusiasts were excited when Nissan returned the Z for the 2023 model year. Their best hopes were realized with a Nissan Z that took the best features of the past with the newest luxuries and infotainment features of the future. The 2024 Nissan Z has taken things further than ever before with the NISMO model, the most advanced Z car ever built. Come what may, the Z has a very bright future.
