Nissan Z NISMO: What would you like to know?

I'll be heading out to give a Nissan Z NISMO a whirl on Monday, September 18.

What would you like to know?

I'll reveal my answers first thing on Monday, September 25.

Does it put a grin on your face, make you giggle like a little girl and make you say Wow when hooning it around?

Really that's what we want, right?  A car that makes us look for reasons to drive it.  Need a gallon of milk, dear?  I'll go get it.  

In reply to Datsun310Guy :

Good suggestion and a great way of looking at things. I need more motivation to do chores now - this might convince my wife I need a new fun car, right? I'll use your metric as my barometer. Thank you. 

P.S. - I'm also curious how this will line up with other cars in its bracket. M2? Supra? I think these might be comparable. 

Hope you find it better than expected. Nissan needs a hit.

In reply to Datsun310Guy :

If you love a third pedal, this won't be the answer. See below.

More dynamic shifting with Sport+ mode

Z NISMO exclusively uses a nine-speed automatic transmission that has been enhanced for faster and more dynamic shifting performance, with a particular focus on suitability for track use. Compared to the transmission in other Z grades, it has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting. Along with revised engine management software, Z NISMO’s transmission has reduced downshift time by almost half, compared to Z Performance. Launch control also delivers more aggressive standing-start acceleration.

In addition to Normal and Sport, Z NISMO adds a new Sport+ drive mode. This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain’s faster downshift capability. The shift programming is designed to be so responsive for performance driving that a driver does not need to use the shift paddles on track – though fast-responding manual shifting is always available.

Oh boy!  I can hardly wait until I can just hit a button, and my 'car' goes out on track without me, and turns perfect lap after perfect lap.  All while I sit up in some suite sipping a martini.

In reply to racerfink :

As someone who grew up in oval-track racing, I understand the love for the analog experience. We'll see how this delivers as far as the driver's experience, despite the auto. It may be a dealbreaker for some, for sure. 

Just had lunch with a friend,   His son is a mechanic at an Infiniti dealership.  He says his son replaces one VR30 a week, so maybe ask them about that motor.

Taking this for a spin on the streets first. Questions are welcome. I just can't answer them until next week. 

What is production volume going to be like? I think I've seen one 400z on the streets since they were released, the the NISMO versions are typically a small fraction of the total production run...

Do you folks draw straws?  David gets a Subaru and you get a Nismo Z...

calteg said:

What is production volume going to be like? I think I've seen one 400z on the streets since they were released, the the NISMO versions are typically a small fraction of the total production run...

Same here, In SoCal I have seen one total and I work next to Nissan Design. 

Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) said:

Do you folks draw straws?  David gets a Subaru and you get a Nismo Z...

Don’t worry, I get to drive something pretty cool this evening. :) 

In reply to Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) :

We're actually pretty good about divvying up assignments. No straws or rock paper scissors required. If we need to get something done, we dive in and get it done. Just finished our run on the streets. Now to the track. 

Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) said:

Do you folks draw straws?  David gets a Subaru and you get a Nismo Z...

And last night’s ride. Zero complaints. :) 

Well it certainly looks the part.

I'm eager to hear your impressions.

Lame....if any car should still have three pedals it's the "enthusiast" edition like this Nismo. I understand the general populace really doesn't want manuals anymore, and probably true that people who are "true drivers" probably would just buy a normal Z and mod it better than whatever Nissan is doing to this one.....but still, it's the principle IMO.

Like how VW just ensured I will NOT replace my 2018 GTI with another (new) GTI in a year or two. GTI is a good car, but already kind of boring. With DSG and no stick, even more boring. I'll shop elsewhere (and unlike many who complain, I actually DO buy new cars every few years).

Beating a dead horse now, so I'll stop.

Oddly, I just saw a 370Z Nismo in my parking lot today tat someone just bought. Hadn't seen one in years (still pretty ugly, but cool to see nonetheless).