2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO Video Review

If you’re not one to shy away from attention and need a car that makes the easy transition from road to track then this one ought to do.  It’s the updated 2014 Nissan Z NISMO. My sister has coined a derisive term for cars that look like this.  She calls them “jerk cars” meaning the driver is likely…well, it’s pretty self-explanatory.  And I have to admit that while I was driving it around this week it certainly garnered the attention other “jerk cars.”  If it had a cheesy-looking rear wing, mismatched paint job and a poorly installed exhaust it wanted to pick a fight with the Z.  Its visual impact is what you might call “strong.”  I actually think it looks really cool, like a toy race car come to life, but I can see where others could get the wrong impression.  For me, I was happy just playing it cool, cruising some of my favorite roads with the occasional bursts of spirited driving, acceleration runs and some smoky drifts.  And the NISMO version of the famed 370Z is happy to do any of them. Nissan Motorsport or NISMO is the company’s performance line which now includes the Juke and soon the GT-R.  The Z NISMO offers the tuner a straight from the factory ball of fun with a warranty.  The ECM of the 3.7-liter V6 has been calibrated to boost horsepower from 332 to an even 350 at 7,400 RPM and 276 pound feet of torque at a high 5,200 RPM; a key reason as to why the Z NISMO doesn’t feel as fast as it looks off the line.  It’s quick, hitting 0-to-60mph in the low 5’s but it doesn’t have that shove you into your seat feeling either.  The cloth, manually adjusted seats however do a wonderful job of contouring to your body and keeping you in place.  And though the double wishbone front and 4-link rear are anchored by NISMO-tuned higher spring and stabilizer bar rates, the ride isn’t brutally firm.  There’s lots of suspension movement with quickly dismissed body motions but it’s done in a non-punishing way that actually makes this Z a viable commuter for a person of the right mindset.  These staggered width 19” Bridgestones along with the special muffler tuning create a fair amount of cabin noise at speed, but again not to an over-the-top level.  New for this year is an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel with its red center marker and a red NISMO tachometer.  This Z is only offered with a 6-speed manual with its nifty Downshift Rev Matching feature.  While clutch engagement is easy and predictable, the short throw shifter is somewhat rigid and overly mechanical.  There’s a backup cam because visibility can be a little tricky and the fact that this Z is over 6” longer than the regular Coupe with its downforce producing aerodynamic additions, you’ve always got to be mindful of pulling too deep into a parking space. It took me a few days to feel at one with this car but once I did I really had a blast behind the wheel.  With its fortifications it feels as solid as a tank, displays neutral handling with a great willingness to cut up a curvy road and brakes with authority.  The engine and exhaust sounds are not the most pleasing but it certainly drives like a car that would welcome track days. With the comprehensive NISMO mechanical and aesthetic upgrades, this car starts at about $44,000 and my tester with the Bose Package stickers for $45,180.  And though its age shows through in the cabin, it still looks fresh from the outside and provides a substantial enough difference over a regular 370Z to command the $4,700 premium.

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