Nissan’s Christian Meunier states Z NISMO with manual transminssion is coming

[Katum68]

Gotta admit that If/when this MT NISMO finally lands it's gonna be a tough decision for me on whether or not to move to it. Been a manual guy my entire driving life, and when I went to go see the new Z NISMO for first time last year I was shocked to learn it was only available in AT. Well, after test driving it back-to-back with a MT Performance I was intrigued enough to give the AT NISMO a whirl. Fast-forward a year later now after settling into how to drive the current NISMO's paddle shifters, particularly in manual mode, and being beyond impressed with it and its advantages, I'm not 100% sure I'd switch the MT version if/when it's available. Who knows though, I may cave and go for it. Dunno. I find both the NISMO's AT and MTs equally fun, just different kinds of fun. Kinda wish the NISMO AT wasn't so damn compelling because if it wasn't that would make this pending decision so much easier. Grrrrr......

voice of doom here: now add tariffs.

 

[CPerdomo]

Gotta admit that If/when this MT NISMO finally lands it's gonna be a tough decision for me on whether or not to move to it. Been a manual guy my entire driving life, and when I went to go see the new Z NISMO for first time last year I was shocked to learn it was only available in AT. Well, after test driving it back-to-back with a MT Performance I was intrigued enough to give the AT NISMO a whirl. Fast-forward a year later now after settling into how to drive the current NISMO's paddle shifters, particularly in manual mode, and being beyond impressed with it and its advantages, I'm not 100% sure I'd switch the MT version if/when it's available. Who knows though, I may cave and go for it. Dunno. I find both the NISMO's AT and MTs equally fun, just different kinds of fun. Kinda wish the NISMO AT wasn't so damn compelling because if it wasn't that would make this pending decision so much easier. Grrrrr......

This is exactly my dilemma. And I moved from a MT Performance model to the Nismo.

 

[Nis Mo Z]

It's a tune, that journalist just misunderstood what an engineer was telling him. There is one PCM just like the other trim models that differs in part number only. MAYBE there is a faster processor in that PCM to handle the individual ignition timing but I sincerely doubt it , especially given Nismo's and normals Z's use the same tunes and interface identically with ECUtek. Actually given the nearly identical parts and ecu tables, it may be that they all do it but Nissan just saved mentioning it for the Nismo?

It literally states that it's tech derived from the VR38dett. If it was just a tune then why would Nissan bother lie about it coming from the VR38.

 

[Meg_Z]

It was/is overpriced before the tariffs and will be moreso when that starts playing more of a role. I can understand liking your car as I've said before, but its a pretty obvious conclusion that the differences to the nismo do not justify the price. It can't readily compete with anything at its price point except itself, either.

There is no way in any fathomable universe I would have paid $64,000 for a manual nismo z in 2024 when I bought my performance, the juice just does not justify the squeeze. Add in a different powerplant and that starts to become more of a worthwhile call but that isn't the case here.

People like to talk about the improvements made to the spark timing control but honestly if the car is only 20hp more (and that is likely due to the tune more than anything) how much of that is just Nissan reaching with their marketing?

Even with dealer prices (no Mazda motorsports here, sadface) I can likely price out the front brakes, sway bar, and chassis bracing/bushings for a few grand at maximum. The majority of structural rigidity was already done between the Z34 and RZ34 chassis so the Nismo improvement is negligible; 2.5% was it? You will see more of an improvement by getting rid of those awful S007's and stiffening up the suspension.

The upgraded factory air to water system is already a lost cause being that their own gt cars don't even retain it because its a question of when, not if, the thermal runaway is going to occur.

People can love their Nismo Z's, and that's fine, but my argument here is any similar car at that price point vs performance is not in the Nismo Z's favor, at all. In fact, the performance is probably best for performance and actual price even with it being a bit too expensive itself.

That, and with a day in a garage and parts on hand you can have 90% of the same parts installed on your Performance.

There are somethings you just can’t discuss, politics, religion, sports and Performance vs NISMO cost points. Like I stated earlier if the NZ had a manual I probably would have sprung for it then, but it didn’t so that ship has sailed.

Now after driving my PZ and looking at the upgrades you get in the NZ there is now way I would trade up. Like you stated I could buy OEM parts (or similar) and install them myself or at a shop at minimal cost and still save $$$$ over the NZ.

Also like you said gain 75-90% of the performance. The truth is Nissan is bleeding money and there was no way they were going to spend the extra cash to make the NZ markedly better than lesser Z’s. That’s why a lot of the new Z is actually based off about 75% of 370.

Most of these upgrades/changes being the engine, chassis and infotainment. In other words we are not talking about BMW 3 and M3 differences which are night and day apart. Laughably some in the NZ crowd want to act like it’s the same between NZ and PZ. In the end drive what you want, because only you have to be happy with it!

 

[MCN1SMO]

 

[Katum68]

There are sometimes you just can’t discuss, politics, religion, sports and Performance vs NISMO cost points. Like I stated earlier if the NZ had a manual I probably would have sprung for it then, but it didn’t so that ship has sailed.

Now after driving my PZ and looking at the upgrades you get in the NZ there is now way I would trade up. Like you stated I could buy OEM parts (or similar) and install them myself or at a shop at minimal cost and still save $$$$ over the NZ.

Also like you said gain 75-90% of the performance. The truth is Nissan is bleeding money and there was no way they were going to spend the extra cash to make the NZ markedly better than lesser Z’s. That’s why a lot of the new Z is actually based off about 75% of 370.

Most of these upgrades/changes being the engine, chassis and infotainment. In other words we are not talking about BMW 3 and the M3 which are night and day apart which some in the NZ crowd want to act like it is. In the end drive what you want, because only you have to be happy with it!

I have a 2024 Z performance, with the NISMO: Street Exhaust, cold air intake, Front Strut Tower Brace, Heat Exchanger, Z1 Aluminum Oil Pan, Street Twin Disc Clutch and Flywheel (even though NISMO doesn't have a manual), Stillen Sway Bars (NISMO ones break). I did NOT stick a NISMO sticker on the car though. All for less than what a NISMO would cost and that would still be without the exhaust and coil air intake. What Branch? Me "de Oppress Liber" retired Vet

 

[NocturnalEmber]

Easy way to reference what I've been saying.

#1 - Software based change. in fact, that chart specifically says the standard Z's reach a very close peak speed as the Nismo Z's turbochargers, but Nissan has the 'standard models' command a lower speed from the turbos on the factory tune and they adjust downwards.

We're talking 20 hp here so its largely pedantic, but I'd venture to say that is 99% the cause of the increase in hp. The independent ignition timing control I'd say is negligible.

I'd like to see what the actual reductions are in IAT's with the extra capacity in the air to water system, but that system in general is flawed for any type of sustained track operation.

 

[Meg_Z]

It literally states that it's tech derived from the VR38dett. If it was just a tune then why would Nissan bother lie about it coming from the VR38.

Tech could actually mean almost anything unfortunately that word has been used pretty loosely by a lot of companies.

I have a 2024 Z performance, with the NISMO: Street Exhaust, cold air intake, Front Strut Tower Brace, Heat Exchanger, Z1 Aluminum Oil Pan, Street Twin Disc Clutch and Flywheel (even though NISMO doesn't have a manual), Stillen Sway Bars (NISMO ones break). I did NOT stick a NISMO sticker on the car though. All for less than what a NISMO would cost and that would still be without the exhaust and coil air intake. What Branch? Me "de Oppress Liber" retired Vet

Proud retiree of the U.S Army. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I got to see the world and more importantly gained discipline, dedication made friendships that will last forever.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

I have a 2024 Z performance, with the NISMO: Street Exhaust, cold air intake, Front Strut Tower Brace, Heat Exchanger, Z1 Aluminum Oil Pan, Street Twin Disc Clutch and Flywheel (even though NISMO doesn't have a manual), Stillen Sway Bars (NISMO ones break). I did NOT stick a NISMO sticker on the car though. All for less than what a NISMO would cost and that would still be without the exhaust and coil air intake. What Branch? Me "de Oppress Liber" retired Vet

Fair to mention, the nismo parts you buy from the dealer are Nismo USA parts, they aren't the same. I'm not knocking those (I have the nismo intakes myself), but they are often just re branded parts they've sourced from reputable vendors (I believe the general consensus is Borla makes the nismo exhaust, and the intakes are thought to be made by AMS.)

That is part of my chief argument, though. You can buy and bolt the parts from a Nismo Z onto a Z rather cheaply and effectively. It actually becomes more of a financial incentive to do so I'd guess if you have a sport model, because at that lower price point there's even less of a financial incentive to spring for a Nismo when the price gap is much larger than the cost of the parts themselves.

Even for a Performance Z I wouldn't take the plunge.

Again I'm not trying to knock Nismo owners here, but for me the value just isn't there.

Edit: small rant, but the whole "Nissan can't get out of their own way" comment I keep dropping rings true here. Sport models not getting heated seats is a prime example.

On a car made in 2023+ (even earlier than that honestly, by like a decade) its absurd to not have heated seats standard on a car, be it the sport or Nismo. Things like that say a lot. I would consider that a basic offering for any car at this point, and not having it is about as weird as not having A/C or power windows; some equipment is just assumed to be standard at this point.

 

[MCN1SMO]

another thing that isnt talked about is the advanced timing is only present in sport+ mode. as in the Z NISMO needs to be in sport+ for advertised performance. its not just for the shifts being quicker sport + changes the engine

 

[Meg_Z]

Fair to mention, the nismo parts you buy from the dealer are Nismo USA parts, they aren't the same. I'm not knocking those (I have the nismo intakes myself), but they are often just re branded parts they've sourced from reputable vendors (I believe the general consensus is Borla makes the nismo exhaust, and the intakes are thought to be made by AMS.)

That is part of my chief argument, though. You can buy and bolt the parts from a Nismo Z onto a Z rather cheaply and effectively. It actually becomes more of a financial incentive to do so I'd guess if you have a sport model, because at that lower price point there's even less of a financial incentive to spring for a Nismo when the price gap is much larger than the cost of the parts themselves.

Even for a Performance Z I wouldn't take the plunge.

Again I'm not trying to knock Nismo owners here, but for me the value just isn't there.

Edit: small rant, but the whole "Nissan can't get out of their own way" comment I keep dropping rings true here. Sport models not getting heated seats is a prime example.

On a car made in 2023+ (even earlier than that honestly, by like a decade) its absurd to not have heated seats standard on a car, be it the sport or Nismo. Things like that say a lot. I would consider that a basic offering for any car at this point, and not having it is about as weird as not having A/C or power windows; some equipment is just assumed to be standard at this point.

It’s all about the money! To cut cost they probably should have detuned the SZ to maybe 350HP along with the open diff save most of the money on performance differences between models not on comfort options. To not offer heated seats and other basic comfort options is crazy Hyundai offers options like this on their base vehicles.

The fact that the PZ and NZ don’t come with heads up displays power folding mirrors and heated steering wheels even as an option is crazy especially at their price points . I willing to be that 90% of that is already in house and used on their other vehicles. In the end I’m happy with my PZ and don’t plan on driving it on the winter anyway, but come on Nissan you dropped the ball.

 

[C89]

Gotta admit that If/when this MT NISMO finally lands it's gonna be a tough decision for me on whether or not to move to it. Been a manual guy my entire driving life, and when I went to go see the new Z NISMO for first time last year I was shocked to learn it was only available in AT. Well, after test driving it back-to-back with a MT Performance I was intrigued enough to give the AT NISMO a whirl. Fast-forward a year later now after settling into how to drive the current NISMO's paddle shifters, particularly in manual mode, and being beyond impressed with it and its advantages, I'm not 100% sure I'd switch the MT version if/when it's available. Who knows though, I may cave and go for it. Dunno. I find both the NISMO's AT and MTs equally fun, just different kinds of fun. Kinda wish the NISMO AT wasn't so damn compelling because if it wasn't that would make this pending decision so much easier. Grrrrr......

Probably in the same boat as you, and I'm a little hesitant on modding the AT Nismo in case I end up trading it for a MT Nismo. And if the MT Nismo isn't confirmed until 26/27, then seems like I'll be limbo for quite a while...

 

[Nis Mo Z]

Fair to mention, the nismo parts you buy from the dealer are Nismo USA parts, they aren't the same. I'm not knocking those (I have the nismo intakes myself), but they are often just re branded parts they've sourced from reputable vendors (I believe the general consensus is Borla makes the nismo exhaust, and the intakes are thought to be made by AMS.)

That is part of my chief argument, though. You can buy and bolt the parts from a Nismo Z onto a Z rather cheaply and effectively. It actually becomes more of a financial incentive to do so I'd guess if you have a sport model, because at that lower price point there's even less of a financial incentive to spring for a Nismo when the price gap is much larger than the cost of the parts themselves.

Even for a Performance Z I wouldn't take the plunge.

Again I'm not trying to knock Nismo owners here, but for me the value just isn't there.

Edit: small rant, but the whole "Nissan can't get out of their own way" comment I keep dropping rings true here. Sport models not getting heated seats is a prime example.

On a car made in 2023+ (even earlier than that honestly, by like a decade) its absurd to not have heated seats standard on a car, be it the sport or Nismo. Things like that say a lot. I would consider that a basic offering for any car at this point, and not having it is about as weird as not having A/C or power windows; some equipment is just assumed to be standard at this point.

Did you mean you could buy the Nismo parts or aftermarket parts? If you meant all the parts that make up a Nismo Z you would easily spend 20k + more than you did for your performance Z. The Recaro's alone is ultra expensive. Never mind all the other stuff which would add up significantly.

 

[Mr. Mac]

Probably in the same boat as you, and I'm a little hesitant on modding the AT Nismo in case I end up trading it for a MT Nismo. And if the MT Nismo isn't confirmed until 26/27, then seems like I'll be limbo for quite a while...

Totally understand. Was originally going to hold off modding my NISMO as well, but IMO time, and enjoyment of that time, is way more valuable than money, and I want to make the absolute most fun of whatever time I have left. A year or two until a MT NISMO arrives is a lot of time where a lot of fun is to be had. Besides, I've already done the math, and everything I've modded so far on AT NISMO can be fairly easily and inexpensively returned 100% back to stock (I've kept all stock parts safely in storage), and it will all transfer over to an MT NISMO if I do happen to make the switch. That's assuming of course there's not going to be some unforeseen radical change to the hinted MT NISMO reportedly coming that would make any of those mod transfers not possible.

 

[Meg_Z]

Did you mean you could buy the Nismo parts or aftermarket parts? If you meant all the parts that make up a Nismo Z you would easily spend 20k + more than you did for your performance Z. The Recaro's alone is ultra expensive. Never mind all the other stuff which would add up significantly.

Not many folks I know consider seats an essential part of performance. In other words I never heard anyone say my first mod to make my car perform better is trading out the seats. Have you?