Outside, the Z Nismo gets a new styling element: the Grand-Nose or G-Nose. This not only recalls its roots with the Fairlady 240ZG, but also reduces drag while permitting an optimal level of air to cool the engine bay. Canards at the car’s front corners create vortexes over the front wheels, further benefiting aerodynamic performance. A subtle red accent runs along the lower edge of the front fascia.

At the back is a taller, wider rear spoiler with a three-piece design that extends to the rear fenders. The rear bumper, itself inspired by the GT-R Nismo, aids with air separation and reduces drag. A red accent runs from the lower edges of the rear fascia and above the exhaust outlets. The redesigned side sills also help reduce aero drag and lift.

Above the window line, Z Nismo receives dark metallic accents and a black-painted roof. Gloss black wider (but lighter) 19-inch Rays wheels complete the exterior transformation.

Inside, the Z Nismo gets amped up with the anodized red engine start/stop and drive mode selection buttons. The gauges in the fully-digital TFT meter also get a red outline. The Nismo logo and a special red “flash” appear during the start-up animation. Recaro seats, finished in leather and alcantara, and a new leather/alcantara steering wheel cap off the changes.

Under the hood, the Z Nismo still packs the VR30DDTT 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. But here, outputs have been bumped up to 420 horsepower and 521 Nm—an increase of 20 horsepower and 46 Nm over the standard Nissan Z. Peak torque is delivered from 2,000 through 5,200 rpm, ensuring drivers have strong performance across the rev range. 

The engine’s horsepower enhancements were achieved through a combination of improved cooling, revised electronic wastegate control providing increased turbocharger boost and turbine speed, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy also inspired by the GT-R Nismo. It also has an enhanced engine cooler for extended on-track performance.

The Nissan 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. It has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting. Along with revised engine management software, it has reduced downshift time by almost half. Launch control also delivers more aggressive standing-start acceleration. The drive mode system is also enhanced with a new Sport+ mode.

Engineers also revised the Nissan Z’s suspension to optimize precision, predictability, and cornering grip. The Z Nismo has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers. And to deliver maximum road feel and traction, it wears Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires, a version of which are also used on GT-R. The rear tires measure 10 millimeters wider compared to the standard Nissan Z (285/35R19 versus 275/35R19). The wheels are also 0.5 inches wider (10 inches wide at the front, 10.5 inches wide at the back).

The body structure itself benefits from enhanced bracing helping increase torsional stiffness by 2.5 percent. Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increase lateral rigidity.

The brakes have also been upgraded to larger 15-inch rotors (front) and 13.8-inch rotors (rear). The Z Nismo also has performance-focused brake pads intended to improve pedal feel and enhanced performance during extended track use.

The Nissan Z Nismo includes a range of standard driver assistance and safety technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.

For the Philippine market, reports suggest that the all-new Nissan Z will make its local debut towards the end of the year with a suggested retail price of around P 3.9-million. No word whether Nissan Philippines will just offer the standard Nissan Z, or whether they will also offer the Nissan Z Nismo as well.