After years of anticipation, the new Nissan Z has arrived. With 400 horsepower from a twin-turbo V6 and styling that pays homage to Z cars past, it's the most powerful factory Z ever. But is it worthy of the name? Let's find out.
2024 Nissan Z at a Glance
Engine: VR30DDTT 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
Power: 400 hp / 350 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
0-60 mph: ~4.5 seconds
Starting Price: $42,970 (Sport) / $52,990 (Performance)
Design: Heritage Meets Modern
The new Z's design is a love letter to Z history. Every angle references past generations:
- Front: LED headlights evoke the original 240Z's round lamps
- Profile: Classic long-hood, short-deck proportions
- Rear: Taillights inspired by the 300ZX Z32
- Roofline: Flowing fastback silhouette
In person, the new Z looks fantastic. It manages to be modern and fresh while unmistakably a Z car. The yellow launch color is polarizing, but traditional colors like black, white, and blue show off the design beautifully.
The Heart: VR30DDTT Twin-Turbo V6
The biggest change is under the hood. Gone is the naturally-aspirated VQ37. In its place is the VR30DDTT—the same 3.0L twin-turbo V6 from the Infiniti Q50/Q60 Red Sport.
Power Delivery
400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, that torque arrives at just 1,600 RPM and stays flat until 5,200 RPM. The result is explosive acceleration available at nearly any speed.
The turbos spool quickly with minimal lag. Floor it from a roll and the response is immediate—not quite naturally-aspirated instant, but close. The power builds relentlessly to redline.
Sound
Let's address the elephant in the room: the new Z doesn't sound like the VQ engines we loved. The twin-turbo V6 is more muted, more whooshing, less screaming. It's not bad—it's aggressive and modern—but if VQ sound is your priority, you may prefer the older cars.
With the right exhaust setup, the VR30 can sound menacing. But stock-for-stock, the 370Z's naturally-aspirated roar is more visceral.
Driving Dynamics
Chassis
The new Z rides on an evolution of the 370Z's FM platform. It's wider, stiffer, and has revised geometry. The steering is quicker (2.3 turns lock-to-lock), and weight distribution is near 50/50.
Handling
The new Z corners flat and confident. The chassis feels planted, with excellent grip from the standard 19-inch wheels and Bridgestone tires. Turn-in is sharp, and the car rotates predictably on throttle lift.
Compared to the 370Z, the new Z feels more grown-up. It's more composed over bumps, more refined in transitions. Some will miss the 370Z's raw, edgy character, but the new car is objectively better in almost every measurable way.
Transmission
The 6-speed manual remains, now with carbon-fiber synchronizers for smoother shifts. It feels excellent—short throws, precise gates, satisfying engagement. Nissan clearly prioritized the manual experience.
The automatic option is a new 9-speed unit. It's competent and quick, but enthusiasts should get the manual. This is a Z, after all.
Interior
The interior is a significant upgrade over the 370Z's aging cabin:
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable displays
- 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Three analog gauges on the dash (boost, turbo speed, voltage)
- Better materials and build quality throughout
- Improved seating position and visibility
It's still compact—this is a small sports car—but it no longer feels dated. The triple gauge pod on the dash is a brilliant touch that references the original 240Z.
Trim Levels and Pricing
| Trim | MSRP (2024) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sport (MT) | $42,970 | 400 hp, 6-speed manual, 18" wheels |
| Sport (AT) | $44,770 | 400 hp, 9-speed auto, 18" wheels |
| Performance (MT) | $52,990 | LSD, 19" wheels, larger brakes, Bose audio |
| Performance (AT) | $54,790 | LSD, launch control, larger brakes |
The Performance trim adds meaningful upgrades: a mechanical limited-slip differential (the Sport has an open diff), larger front brakes, and 19-inch wheels with stickier tires. For spirited driving, it's worth the premium.
New Z vs 370Z vs 350Z
| Spec | 350Z HR | 370Z | New Z |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | VQ35HR NA | VQ37VHR NA | VR30DDTT TT |
| Horsepower | 306 hp | 332 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 268 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.4 sec | ~4.9 sec | ~4.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,232 lbs | 3,326 lbs | 3,536 lbs |
| Price (new) | ~$27-35k | ~$30-45k | $43-55k |
Should You Buy the New Z?
Buy the New Z If:
• You want maximum performance
• Modern interior tech matters to you
• You plan to modify for high power (turbo platform)
• You can get one at MSRP
• You want a warranty and new car reliability
Consider a 370Z Instead If:
• You prefer naturally-aspirated character
• Budget is a major concern
• You love the VQ exhaust note
• You want the "last of an era" analog experience
Consider a 350Z If:
• You're on a tight budget
• You want a project car or track toy
• You prefer the classic styling
• Maximum depreciation has already occurred
The Verdict
The new Nissan Z is an excellent sports car. It's fast, handles well, looks great, and honors its heritage. At $43,000-$55,000, it offers serious performance for the money—significantly undercutting the Supra and European rivals.
Is it better than the 370Z? Objectively, yes. It's faster, more refined, better equipped. But "better" and "more desirable" aren't always the same thing. Some enthusiasts will always prefer the analog, naturally-aspirated character of the older cars.
The Z nameplate is in good hands. This is a proper sports car that delivers on the promise of affordable performance. Mr. K would be proud.