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2025 Nissan Z NISMO Review: A Modern Icon That Earns Its Badge

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PROS:


  • 420 hp twin-turbo V6 with immediate power

  • Track-ready NISMO suspension and limited-slip differential

  • Recaro seats with premium Alcantara interior

  • Raw, mechanical exhaust note

  • Surprisingly practical for daily driving

CONS:


  • No manual transmission option

  • Firm ride punishing on rough roads

  • $65,750 premium vs $52,970 Performance trim

  • Two seats only, no rear storage

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Z NISMO isn't just the best new Z. This is what enthusiasts have been begging Nissan to build for years.
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The moment I saw the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO in Solid Red with its Super Black roof, I knew this was something special. This isn’t just another performance variant with some badges and stiffer springs. This is the Z I’ve been waiting for since Nissan announced the reborn nameplate. After spending time behind the wheel, I can say with absolute certainty: the NISMO delivers everything a proper sports car should, and then some.

Designer: Nissan

At $65,750, the Z NISMO sits at the top of the Z lineup, commanding a significant premium over the $42,970 Sport and $52,970 Performance models. That price gap buys you 420 horsepower, NISMO-specific tuning throughout the chassis, exclusive Recaro seats, and a level of driving engagement that makes every other trim feel like a warmup act. This is the Z that Nissan should’ve led with.

Design and Ergonomics: Heritage Meets Aggression

Exterior: A Silhouette That Commands Attention

The Z NISMO’s design honors heritage while pushing forward with purpose. The long hood and squared-off rear are direct callbacks to the first-generation S30 Z, the car that put Japanese sports cars on the global stage. Nissan didn’t just slap on some retro styling cues and call it a day. They reimagined what made that original Z so compelling and translated it into modern proportions.

The katana blade roof accent running along the black roof edge is one of my favorite details. It’s subtle from most angles, but when the light hits it just right, you see the intentionality. This is design that rewards closer inspection. The Z Bulge hood and C-pillar emblem continue that nostalgic thread without feeling like pastiche.

Where the NISMO truly separates itself is in the aggressive styling additions. The NISMO-exclusive front and rear fascias are more sculpted and purposeful than the standard Z. The three-piece rear spoiler isn’t just for show. At speed, you can feel it working. The side sills, black mirrors with red NISMO strips, and those gloss black RAYS forged wheels (19×10 front, 19×10.5 rear) give the car a planted, track-ready stance that the base Z lacks.

The Solid Red paint with Super Black roof creates a visual drama that photographs beautifully but looks even better in person. Under direct sunlight, the paint has depth and richness that make the car feel like it costs twice its MSRP. The LED taillights with their distinctive horizontal bar design are instantly recognizable from a block away.

At 173.2 inches long and 73.6 inches wide, the Z NISMO has proper sports car proportions. It sits 51.8 inches tall with a 100.4-inch wheelbase and 4.9 inches of ground clearance. It’s low, wide, and purposeful without being cartoonish. This is a car you can actually drive daily if you’re willing to accept the trade-offs. 

Interior: Driver-Centric and Unapologetically Focused

Step inside and you’re immediately reminded this is a NISMO product. The Recaro sport bucket seats are exclusive to this trim, and they’re worth the upgrade alone. The bolstering is aggressive but not punishing. On spirited drives, they hold you exactly where you need to be. The leather and Alcantara appointment feels premium and ages well. After several weeks of testing, there’s zero sign of wear on the high-contact areas.

The NISMO steering wheel wrapped in leather and Alcantara is thick in your hands with a red marker at 12 o’clock. It’s clearly GT-R inspired, and that’s a very good thing. The aluminum pedals have the right amount of grip without feeling too aggressive for daily use. The suede door trim adds a tactile richness that elevates the cabin experience beyond what you expect at this price point.

The three analog pod gauges mounted on top of the instrument panel (turbo boost, turbine speed, voltmeter) are pure theater, and I love them. Few cars blend old-school analog theater and digital immersion like this Z: those signature pod gauges evoke 1970s Japan, but the 12.3-inch cluster and infotainment are as modern as they come. The cluster has three display modes (Normal, Enhanced, Sport), and I found myself rotating between them depending on the drive. Sport mode gives you the full performance data layout with a centered tachometer and boost gauge prominence. It’s exactly what you want when you’re pushing the car.

The 9-inch touchscreen sits perfectly in your sightline without dominating the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay works flawlessly, and the Bose 8-speaker audio system with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement delivers clean, punchy sound. The exhaust note is real and raw when you want it, and the cabin can be library-quiet when you don’t.

Ergonomically, everything falls to hand naturally. The NISMO-exclusive red anodized engine start button and Drive Mode selector are positioned exactly where your fingers expect them. The manual tilt and telescopic steering column gives you enough adjustment range to dial in your perfect driving position. In my testing at 6’1″, I never felt cramped during longer drives.

The two-passenger cabin means this isn’t a family car, but if you accept that, the Z NISMO rewards you with purpose-built focus. Compared to the Toyota GR Supra’s more confined cockpit or the Porsche 718 Cayman’s minimalist approach, the Z strikes a better balance between sport and usability. Cupholders, bottle holders, a center console with storage, and a locking glovebox provide enough practicality for weekend trips. The 2 USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) keep devices charged. This isn’t a minimalist track car or a luxury GT. It’s a perfectly balanced middle ground.

Performance: 420 Horsepower of Pure Engagement

Powertrain: Twin-Turbo V6 Perfection

The VR30DDTT 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is the heart of this machine, and in NISMO spec it produces 420 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. That’s a 20 hp and 34 lb-ft bump over the standard Z, and you feel every additional pony. The NISMO-enhanced engine oil cooler keeps temperatures in check during aggressive driving, and the engine never feels like it’s struggling even when you’re wringing it out.

Power delivery is linear and immediate. There’s no turbo lag to speak of. Pin the throttle from a standstill and the Z NISMO launches with authority. Launch Control (standard with the 9-speed automatic) is brutal and effective, delivering repeatable 0-60 mph runs in approximately 4.2 seconds based on my testing. You get hard, consistent launches that pin you to the Recaro seats. The engine feels happiest between 3,000 and 6,400 rpm, where the turbos are fully spooled and power surges in a satisfying, unrelenting wave.

The exhaust note is one of the best aspects of this car. It isn’t digitally enhanced or piped in through the speakers. This is raw, mechanical sound. At idle, there’s a deep burble. Under acceleration, it transforms into a purposeful roar that builds to a crackling crescendo near redline. Lift off the throttle and you get satisfying pops and crackles on the overrun. It never sounds synthetic or manufactured. It sounds like a proper performance car should.

Fuel economy is rated at 17 city, 24 highway, and 19 combined mpg on premium unleaded. In real-world testing, I averaged around 20 mpg with a mix of spirited driving and highway cruising. On a long highway run, I saw 26 mpg, which is respectable for 420 hp.

Transmission: NISMO-Tuned 9-Speed Automatic

I need to address the elephant in the room: the NISMO is automatic only. There’s no manual transmission option, and purists will lament this decision. I get it. A manual would enhance the engagement factor. But after spending real time with the NISMO-tuned 9-speed automatic, I can say this: don’t write it off.

This isn’t the standard Z automatic. Nissan recalibrated it for quicker shifts, more aggressive downshifts, and tighter integration with the drive modes. The paddle shifters are responsive and feel mechanically connected. When you pull the left paddle for a downshift, the gearbox responds instantly with a perfectly rev-matched blip. Upshifts are crisp and quick. In Sport+ mode, the transmission holds gears longer and downshifts earlier under braking. It feels like it knows what you want before you ask.

Leave it in automatic mode for daily driving, and it fades into the background, smooth and refined. Flick it into manual mode and take control, and it becomes an extension of your inputs. This is one of the better automatics I’ve driven in a sports car. It isn’t a dual-clutch, but it doesn’t feel like a traditional torque converter either.

Would I still prefer a manual? In an ideal world, yes. But the automatic doesn’t ruin the experience. It enhances accessibility and makes the NISMO a car you can live with every day without sacrificing much of the engagement.

Chassis and Handling: Track-Ready Precision

The NISMO-tuned suspension is where this car truly separates itself from the standard Z. Nissan fitted unique stabilizer bars, stiffer springs, and larger retuned dampers that support the wider rear wheels and Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires (P255/40R19 front, P285/35R19 rear). The result is a chassis that feels taut, responsive, and utterly confidence-inspiring.

Turn-in is sharp and immediate. There’s minimal body roll, and the car pivots around its center with precision. The mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential works magic at the rear, distributing power evenly and allowing you to carry more speed through corners. Understeer is virtually nonexistent. Push the car hard into a tight corner, and the front end bites with conviction.

The ride quality is firm. There’s no hiding that. I tested the Z NISMO on smooth highways, rough city streets in Dallas, and winding back roads. On smooth pavement and highways, it’s sublime. The car glides with poise and the suspension feels perfectly calibrated for speed. But hit city potholes or expansion joints, and you’ll be reminded instantly of that NISMO suspension tuning. Every crack and imperfection registers through the chassis with unfiltered honesty. This is a trade-off inherent to track-focused suspension tuning. If you want comfort, buy the Sport trim. The NISMO is tuned for aggression, not forgiveness.

In daily traffic, the car is surprisingly manageable. The automatic transmission smooths out stop-and-go frustrations, visibility is better than expected, and the clutch-free operation makes it far more livable than a manual sports car in urban gridlock.

Steering feedback is excellent. The electric power steering (with NISMO-specific tuning) delivers weight and communication that feels natural. You know exactly what the front tires are doing at all times. There’s no artificial heaviness or numbness. It’s direct, honest, and confidence-building.

The NISMO front and rear chassis bracing stiffens the entire structure, reducing flex and improving chassis rigidity. You feel this most during hard cornering and quick transitions. The car feels like a single, unified mass rather than a collection of parts. It’s the kind of structural integrity that separates good sports cars from great ones.

Braking: Stopping Power to Match the Speed

The Z NISMO features 15.0 x 1.3-inch vented disc rotors up front and 13.8 x 0.8-inch vented discs at the rear, clamped by floating 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers finished in red. Brake feel is firm and progressive with excellent pedal modulation. Initial bite is strong without being grabby. As speeds increase, confidence increases with it.

During repeated hard stops from high double-digit speeds, I experienced zero fade. The brakes stayed consistent and predictable. ABS intervention is well-calibrated and unobtrusive. The front and rear parking sensors give you confidence in tight spaces, and the RearView Monitor is crisp and clear.

Daily Usability: A Surprisingly Practical Companion

At 3,704 lbs, the Z NISMO isn’t a featherweight, but it never feels heavy or cumbersome. Visibility is better than expected for a low-slung sports coupe. The large side mirrors (with LED turn signals) give you a clear view of your surroundings. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert provide an extra layer of safety when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces.

The Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition works flawlessly. Power windows with one-touch up and down, power door locks with auto-locking, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are all standard. The automatic temperature control keeps the cabin comfortable without fuss. HomeLink Universal Transceiver integrates with your garage door opener seamlessly.

Cargo space is adequate for a sports car. You can fit a weekend bag and some groceries in the hatch. The rear seats don’t exist, so this is purely a two-seater. But if you go into ownership knowing that, the Z NISMO is surprisingly livable. I drove it for weeks as my only car, and it never felt like a burden.

The post 2025 Nissan Z NISMO Review: A Modern Icon That Earns Its Badge first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nissan’s Frontier TARMAC Concept: A 440 Horsepower Muscle Truck Built for the Track

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The Nissan Frontier TARMAC concept isn’t here to haul lumber or rocks. This one’s about making a statement. Designed by Nissan Motorsports (NISMO), Forsberg Racing, and Nissan Design America, this bold concept takes the classic work truck idea and supercharges it—literally and figuratively. Think of it as a track-ready muscle truck, complete with a 3.8-liter V6 that churns out a hefty 440 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. And if you’re already picturing burnouts, you’ll be glad to know that a custom handbrake was added just for that purpose.

Designer: Chris Forsberg & Nissan

This is no standard Frontier, not by a mile. The Frontier TARMAC’s heart is a supercharged engine with carbon fiber accents that reflect its performance-driven personality. The NISMO air intake and performance exhaust deliver power on demand, while custom NISMO brakes ensure it can actually stop when it needs to. This setup isn’t just about big numbers; it’s about delivering a refined level of control that’s engineered for precision on the track.

The Frontier TARMAC’s Afterburn Orange paint—a new hue for the 2025 Frontier lineup—brings a bold aesthetic that turns heads. Carbon fiber fender flares add to the truck’s aggressive stance, giving it a sleek but dominant appearance. Those wide carbon fiber accents aren’t just for show either; they’re there to add strength and reduce weight. And then there are the wheels—custom 20-inch NISMO wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan tires—adding yet another layer of performance and visual appeal. From top to bottom, the Frontier TARMAC looks ready to handle the asphalt with all the confidence of a sports car.

If you’re wondering how they pulled off that low-riding look, the answer is in the suspension. This truck sits improbably low, thanks to a prototype NISMO coil-over setup in the front, with a rear flip kit and C-notch to make sure it stays close to the ground without compromising structural integrity. This custom suspension, paired with those beefy tires, gives the truck a “slammed” stance, as described by Chris Forsberg himself. Just one look tells you this vehicle isn’t meant for off-road adventuring—think racetrack, not mountain trails.

Inside, the TARMAC concept doesn’t skimp on comfort or style. You’ll find Recaro seats that offer the perfect balance of support and sportiness, making every drive feel like a track day. The carbon fiber steering wheel and handbrake, both track-inspired, give drivers full control, emphasizing that this truck is built for those who value a more hands-on driving experience. Nissan clearly wasn’t aiming for “rugged” here—this is all about precision and speed.

Even though the Nissan Frontier TARMAC is just a concept, it’s a fascinating nod to the muscle truck era, when power and performance were the only metrics that mattered. Nissan is showing off the TARMAC at SEMA this year, where it’s sharing the spotlight with other concepts like the “Project Trailgater” for tailgating fans, and the Kicks Beach Patrol for coastal explorers. Each concept represents a different aspect of Nissan’s vision for the future, but the Frontier TARMAC is easily one of the standouts.

For anyone who’s ever wanted a pickup with muscle car roots, the Frontier TARMAC might be exactly the kind of “truck fantasy” they didn’t know they needed. It’s the answer to a question nobody asked: What if a work truck had a double life as a track star? In the end, the Nissan Frontier TARMAC might be one for the show floor, but it’s proof that Nissan isn’t afraid to play around with tradition and take its designs into bold new territory.

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Nissan Interstar converted into comfortable camper van with adaptable living module from PlugVan

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Camper vans have come of age. There are liveable vans for all types of adventure and camping enthusiasts, but do not have much for the tradesmen. Nissan is breaking the norm with the introduction of the Interstar converted into a camper van using a slide-in conversion module from its new partner, PlugVan based out of Germany, which allows the Nissan van to be used as a camper over the weekend and turned effortlessly into a commercial cargo van over the weekdays.

Interstar is one of the larger vans from Japanese automobile manufacturer that is easily customizable to user requirements thanks to its availability in different range of wheelbases, body sizes, and payload capacities. Now at the Caravan Salon 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Nissan is not going to just reveal the Interstar, but will show its camper van abilities using the new PlugVan camping module.

Designer: Nissan

From how it appears, the PlugVan camper-in-a-box for the Nissan Interstar can be installed and removed from the vehicle in minutes. With the camper module onboard, it is ready for a tiresome adventure, and when you take it down it is your everyday back-to-work van. The cleaver conversion module therefore transforms the Interstar in a few steps thanks to its detachable and height-adjustable form factor.

Perhaps the slightly foldable roof of the PlugVan unit allows it to fit through the Interstar doorway and expand inside into a full-blown home facility with pop-up roof, full kitchen, and a sleeping zone for a couple. The kitchen is erected behind the driver and is meant to slide, lift and expand depending on the user’s requirements. It comes with a portable single-burner stove, slide-out fridge box, an integrated sink and a faucet connected to 43l gray and freshwater tanks (also connected to the outdoor shower) onboard, respectively.

The kitchen has slide-out drawers and a retractable dining table accessible from the sofa on the opposite side of the kitchen unit that lifts upward to clear room below for the convertible sofa bed at night. The PlugVan unit does not fill up the entire space of the full-size Interstar, so a bathroom (that packs down into a suitcase) with fabric walls, portable dry toilet, and a water heater is provided alongside. The interesting camper van with an interesting exterior colorway is accessible through the side door, while the large rear window provides amazing views of the surroundings while you drive to your halt by the evening.

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Nissan’s interactive robots team up to make in-car parenting a breeze and favorite activity for babies onboard

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Experts suggest, going out with your fussy infant for a drive can lull them to sleep and smoothen their peace. But sitting in the car, facing the other way around in their chair, a child may not always be the happiest and you may not have all the control you desire. To your rescue, Japanese auto giant Nissan has designed cute robots that will make in-car parenting a breeze and a favorite activity for your tiny winy.

This is being made possible by Nissan through Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet. The automaker has collaborated with compatriot Akachan Honpo, a baby goods retailer, to make the Iruyo, furry babysitter. It comes built-in with a range of sensors and communication devices to ensure parents get an affordable toy robot they can safely have around their baby.

Designer: Nissan x Akachan Honpo

To cut the chase, Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet is a moniker used for a set of two similar-looking state-of-the-art robotic companions that vary visually in their size and come in thoughtfully fashioned red and subtler pink and white colors. The little one, aptly called the Baby Iruyo, is designed to sit near the driver – essentially in the cup holder – while the elder Iruyo rests in the backseat, facing the child sitting in their chair.

Baby Iruyo is programmed to understand voice commands; guess, only in Japanese for now. So, when the child gets cranky in the backseat, the parent can speak some consoling commands such as “I’m here” or “play peek-a-boo” and the little Iruyo relays that to the Iruyo, facing the child, which then makes suitable gestures to keep the kid entertained.

Well, Iruyo is either avatar is only a concept for now, but already the highly researched companion robot has been found to be a preoccupying activity in 90 percent of babies. Half of this percentage of babies have even experienced mood enhancements with the robot by their side. This data is instigating the makers to continue with trials and general experience sessions. One such event is slated at the Akachan Honpo store in LaLaport Yokohama on February 10 and 11.

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Nissan Trail Mountain Rescue off-roader is built for tough rescue operations in the Italian alps

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Nissan has just revealed a specialized version of its X-Trail model, tailored for mountain rescue operations, that would mean the difference between life and death in inclement weather conditions. The robust Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle is equipped with the innovative e-4ORCE all-wheel drive powertrain, marking a significant step forward in the brand’s commitment to versatile and capable off-road vehicles.

The twin motor e-4ORCE system powering the heart of this X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle enhances the rig’s performance on challenging terrains, with exceptional grip management. The traction in just 1/10,000th of a second (1000 times faster than traditional systems), ensures optimal power delivery to each wheel, promoting stability and control, essential attributes for speedy mountain rescue missions. The system’s seamless integration into the X-Trail platform demonstrates the Japanese automotive giant’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of treading inhospitable terrain.

Designer: Nissan

The mountain-ready X-Trail will understandably catch the attention of automotive enthusiasts during its debut at the Italian ski resort of Cervinia. The vehicle’s robust design and purpose-built features make it an ideal choice for navigating the demanding landscapes associated with mountain rescue scenarios. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle is not just a visual spectacle; it boasts practical elements designed to aid rescue teams. The addition of tracks, replacing traditional wheels, enables the X-Trail to conquer snow-covered terrain with ease. This modification ensures the vehicle remains surefooted in challenging conditions. Loaded with additional gear including a stretcher, removing the rear seat, also ensures medical personnel can be on site for emergency care. The vehicle also comes with a siren, flashing light bar, powerful roof and hood lights, wider fenders, an enhanced front bumper with a winch and reinforced towing hooks. The footboards and a raised ride height make sure there is easy access in and out of the vehicle.

Nissan’s strategic collaboration with mountain rescue services underscores its commitment to leveraging its automotive expertise for the greater good. By tailoring the X-Trail to meet the specific needs of rescue teams, Nissan showcases its ability to adapt and innovate within the automotive landscape. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle’s unveiling will generate excitement among outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of reliable off-road solutions.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Nissan’s foray into specialized off-road applications reflects a broader trend of manufacturers catering to niche markets. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle not only serves as a testament to the brand’s engineering prowess but also highlights the brand’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of diverse user groups.

 

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Nissan Skyline Moist Tissue Box Looks Fast & Furious

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Styled after the late-90’s R-34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, this moist tissue holder is hands down the fastest-looking tissue box I’ve ever seen. Hopefully, it’s not so fast I can’t grab a tissue, though, or I will have to wipe my hands on my shirt.

An officially Nissan licensed product, the mini Skyline is available with Sonic Silver, Bayside Blue, and Black Pearl exterior paint and costs ¥6,600 (~$47) from Camshop.jp before shipping from Japan. So, it’s not exactly the cheapest tissue box. But can you really put a price on a tissue box that looks ready to speed off your coffee table and crash onto the floor?

The car measures a respectable 29cm x 11cm x 8cm (11.5″ x 4.5″ x 3″) and fits most standard-size boxes of moist tissues. The only thing that would make it better is if it produced engine revving or tire squealing noises whenever you pulled a tissue from it. They really should have made that a factory option.

[via TechEBlog]

Nissan Hyper Adventure concept lets you have an eco-friendly outdoor trip

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If you’re the type to go on adventurous trips but would also like to take care of the carbon footprint that you leave behind, you are lucky to live in an era where brands are also intentional about the products that they create. Having environment friendly products are now the norm if you want to score points with Mother Earth and with the eco-conscious market. The latest vehicle concept that Nissan unveiled seems to fit into this category.

Designer: Nissan

The Nissan Hyper Adventure is the second concept in the Electronic Vehicle category that they have announced and is specifically designed for those who want to go on eco-friendly outdoor adventures. The renders show a futuristic design for a vehicle that can survive going through a snowy mountain or the rainy trail in a rainforest. It is designed with the e-4ORCE all-wheel-control system so you can get to your destination safely. It also looks pretty spacious inside so you can drive comfortably and even use the vehicle as your shelter if you feel like going “camping” or sleeping outdoors.

The vehicle has a glass that integrates the roof and side windows as well as the flush surface of the back. It also has crampons or snow traction gears on the wheels and bumpers so it can drive through snowy areas. It also has a wide field of view since the instrument panel is connected to the bottom of the windshield. There is enough cargo space for things like tents, skis, and can even fit a kayak. The rear bench seat can be rotated 180 degrees so you can sit facing outside and it even has automatic extendable and retractable steps.

The Nissan Hyper Adventure comes with a large-capacity battery that can also become an energy source. It should be able to power the gadgets and equipment that you’ll use on your outdoor adventure. It also uses the V2X (vehicle-to-everything) capability so it can even power a house. It’s an interesting concept but we’ll have to wait if it becomes an actual vehicle.

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