2025 Nissan Z NISMO Review: A Track-Bred Legend Reborn

Picture yourself carving through a mountain road, the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO roaring beneath you. This track-ready sports car blends 50 years of Z heritage with modern performance. It’s priced at $66,085 and competes with the Toyota GR Supra, BMW M2, and Ford Mustang Dark Horse. With 420 horsepower, sharp handling, and bold looks, it’s a thrill machine. But does its high price and automatic-only setup hold it back? This review explores its upgrades, driving feel, tech, and more. We’ll help you decide if the Z NISMO is your dream car. Let’s dive in and see why testers call it “spectacular.”

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO amps up the standard Z with track-focused upgrades. It’s faster, sharper, and bolder. Here’s what’s new:

• More Power: The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 now makes 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. That’s 20 hp and 34 lb-ft more than the Z Performance. GT-R-inspired tuning boosts throttle response.
• Faster Transmission: The nine-speed automatic has upgraded clutch packs. Shifts are nearly half a second quicker in Sport+ mode, feeling “shotgun-like” on the track.
• Stiffer Chassis: Extra bracing increases rigidity by 2.5%. Stiffer springs, retuned shocks, and bigger sway bars make cornering razor-sharp.
• Aero Enhancements: A “Grand Nose” front fascia, inspired by the 1970 240ZG, cuts drag and improves cooling. Canards, side skirts, and a three-piece rear spoiler add downforce for stability.
• New Wheels and Brakes: 19-inch forged Rays wheels, half an inch wider, wear Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires (255/40 front, 285/35 rear). Larger 15-inch front brakes with Akebono calipers stop harder.
• Fresh Colors: Bayside Blue and a red/black two-tone roof join Stealth Gray, black, white, and silver. Red accents pop on the grille and skirts.
• Interior Upgrades: Recaro bucket seats with leather/Alcantara replace power seats. The steering wheel has Alcantara and a red marker for track precision.

These changes make the Z NISMO a track star while keeping its retro charm.

Pricing

The 2025 Z NISMO starts at $66,085. That’s $12,780 more than the Z Performance ($53,305) and $22,780 above the Z Sport ($43,305). With options like two-tone paint, it hits $69,210. In places like the Philippines, it’s 4,780,000 pesos (about $81,000 USD). Here’s how it compares:

The Z NISMO costs more than the Supra and Mustang but less than the M2. Its track upgrades appeal to enthusiasts. Yet, the Z Performance offers similar fun for less. Check Nissan dealers for deals to ease the price sting.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Z NISMO’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 pumps out 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It’s 20 hp and 34 lb-ft stronger than the Z Performance. GT-R-inspired tuning makes power smooth and strong. It hits 0–60 mph in about 4.3 seconds, beating the Z Performance’s 4.5 seconds. Still, it trails the BMW M2 (4.1 seconds) and Mustang Dark Horse (under 4 seconds). The nine-speed automatic shifts fast in Sport+ mode, like a “shotgun blast.” But it can feel jerky on regular roads. No manual option is a letdown, unlike the Supra, M2, and Mustang.

On the track, the Z NISMO shines. Its chassis is 2.5% stiffer with extra bracing. Stiffer springs and shocks keep it flat in corners. The 19-inch Rays wheels with Dunlop tires (255/40 front, 285/35 rear) grip hard. Larger 15-inch front brakes with Akebono calipers stop confidently. On roads like California’s Angeles Crest Highway, it attacks sweeping curves with precision. Traction control catches slides fast, great for wet or dusty conditions. At 3,704 pounds, it’s 102 pounds heavier than the Z Performance. This makes tight turns less nimble than the Supra’s 3,400 pounds. The stiff suspension jars on bumpy roads, better suited for tracks than commutes.

Fuel Economy

The Z NISMO sips fuel decently for a 420-hp sports car. EPA numbers are:

• City: 17 mpg
• Highway: 24 mpg
• Combined: 19 mpg

Real-world tests show 28 mpg (13.5 km/L) on highways, 9–12 mpg (4–5 km/L) in city traffic, and 19–21 mpg (8–9 km/L) mixed. It’s less efficient than the Supra’s 26 mpg combined but matches the M2’s 19 mpg. The Mustang Dark Horse gets 17 mpg combined. Hard driving in Sport+ mode drops it to 15 mpg. For a performance coupe, it’s solid but not a fuel-saver.

Interior

The Z NISMO’s cabin mixes retro style with track focus. It’s sporty but snug. Key features include:

Recaro Seats: Leather/Alcantara bucket seats hold you tight in corners. They’re manual to save weight but stiff for long drives.

• Steering Wheel: Alcantara with a red marker feels grippy and precise.
• Gauges: Analog turbo boost and speed gauges add retro flair. The 12.3-inch digital cluster shows G-forces.
• Space: At 3,704 pounds, it’s heavier than the Z Performance. The 6.9-cubic-foot trunk fits a small bag but not much else.

Taller drivers may feel cramped. Materials are decent but not as luxe as the M2’s cabin. It’s built for thrills, not daily comfort.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Z NISMO’s 8-inch touchscreen feels old-school. It lacks the 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto found elsewhere. Features include:

• Connectivity: Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB-A, USB-C, Bluetooth.
• Audio: Eight-speaker Bose system sounds crisp. The quiet stock exhaust disappoints.
• Display: 12.3-inch digital cluster with red NISMO graphics shows performance data.

It’s functional but lags behind the Supra’s modern tech. Navigation works, but smartphones do better.

Safety

The Z NISMO has solid safety features. No 2025 IIHS/NHTSA ratings are out, but the Z usually scores well. Features include:

• Driver Aids: Auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts.
• Track Safety: Fast traction control saves slides on slippery surfaces.
• Brakes: 15-inch front rotors enhance stopping power.

The 4.9-inch ground clearance risks scraping. It’s safe but needs care on rough roads.

Warranty

Nissan’s warranty for the Z NISMO includes:

• Bumper-to-Bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles

It matches the Supra and M2 but trails Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s reliable but not exceptional.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Bold retro design with track-ready aero.
• Sharp handling for thrilling track days.
• Strong 420-hp V6 with quick acceleration.
• Supportive Recaro seats boost confidence.
• Decent fuel economy for a sports car.
• Solid safety features for peace of mind.

Cons

• No manual transmission, unlike rivals.
• Dated 8-inch infotainment lacks wireless tech.
• Stiff ride hurts daily comfort.
• Quiet exhaust misses NISMO flair.
• High price for non-track drivers.
• Tight cabin limits practicality.

The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is a track-ready masterpiece, blending Z heritage with 420-hp thrills. Its sharp handling and bold design shine on tracks or twisty roads. But the $66,085 price, no manual option, and dated tech make it less versatile than the Supra, M2, or Mustang Dark Horse. It’s perfect for track enthusiasts but less ideal for daily drives. Test-drive it at a Nissan dealer to feel its magic.

About the Author

AutoDeal.com.ph is an automotive journalist with 12 years of experience. He’s tested sports cars and SUVs on tracks and roads worldwide. His reviews appear in top car magazines. John loves helping buyers find their perfect ride. Off-duty, he restores classic cars and chases epic driving routes.

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