The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is a bold statement in the sports car world, blending nostalgic design with modern performance engineering. As the high-performance variant of the seventh-generation Nissan Z, the NISMO model pushes the boundaries of what this iconic coupe can achieve. With a twin-turbo V6 engine, track-focused upgrades, and a design that pays homage to the legendary Datsun 240Z, the Z NISMO aims to thrill enthusiasts while competing with heavyweights like the Toyota GR Supra, BMW M2, and Ford Mustang Dark Horse. In this detailed 1200-word review, we’ll explore the performance, design, interior, driving experience, and value proposition of the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO, optimized for search engines with relevant keywords and structured content.
Performance: Power and Precision
At the heart of the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering an impressive 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 20-hp and 34 lb-ft increase over the standard Z, thanks to recalibrated turbochargers, enhanced cooling, and an independent spark controller borrowed from the Nissan GT-R. The result is a powerplant that feels responsive and muscular, with torque peaking at just 2,000 rpm for explosive acceleration.
The NISMO-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission is the only option, a decision that may disappoint manual enthusiasts but aligns with the car’s track-focused mission. The transmission features NISMO-tuned clutch packs and software for quicker shifts, with downshifts up to 50% faster in Sport+ mode. In testing, the Z NISMO sprints from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.9 seconds, making it competitive with rivals like the BMW M2 (3.9 seconds) and Ford Mustang Dark Horse (4.1 seconds). The top speed is estimated at around 170 mph, ensuring the Z NISMO holds its own on the open road.
The chassis is where the NISMO truly shines. Upgrades include stiffer springs, larger shocks, beefier anti-roll bars, and additional bracing for a 12% increase in lateral rigidity and 2.5% in torsional rigidity. These enhancements make the car feel planted and precise, especially on tight corners. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires (255/40R-19 front, 285/35R-19 rear) offer exceptional grip, with a 200-treadwear rating ideal for track days. Larger 15-inch front and 13.8-inch rear brakes with Akebono four-piston front calipers provide confident stopping power, though they can feel grabby in daily driving.
Design: Retro Meets Modern Aggression
The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO’s design is a love letter to the Z’s heritage, with a modern twist that screams performance. The long hood, short deck, and cab-backward silhouette evoke the original 240Z, while NISMO-specific touches add aggression. The “G-Nose” front fascia, inspired by the 1970s Fairlady ZG, improves aerodynamics and cooling. Canard wing vortex generators, wider side sills, and a three-piece rear spoiler enhance downforce, while a glossy red stripe underscores the car’s sporty stance.
The Z NISMO rides on 19-inch lightweight RAYS forged alloy wheels, wrapped in sticky Dunlop tires. Two new color options for 2025—Bayside Blue and a striking red with a black roof—complement the car’s sharp lines. LED headlights and taillights, inspired by the 280Z, add a retro-modern flair. The overall aesthetic is muscular yet elegant, balancing nostalgia with contemporary flair.
However, the design isn’t without flaws. The elongated front bumper can scrape on steep driveways, and the low ride height demands caution over speed bumps. Still, the Z NISMO’s visual appeal is undeniable, turning heads at car meets and on the street.
Interior: Spartan with a Purpose
Inside, the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO embraces a minimalist, driver-focused ethos. The cockpit features Alcantara-trimmed Recaro sport seats with red accents and NISMO badging, designed to hold you firmly during aggressive cornering. However, the manual-adjustment seats lack power settings, which may feel dated at the $66,000 price point. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel feels grippy, with a red stripe at the 12 o’clock position for track precision.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is configurable, offering layouts for performance metrics like G-forces, turbo boost, and lap times. A 9-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The interface is functional but not cutting-edge, and some switchgear feels carried over from older Nissan models. Three analog gauges on the dash—turbo speed, boost, and battery voltage—add a quirky, retro touch but are more decorative than practical.
Storage is limited, with no rear seats and a small cargo area behind the seats. The hatchback design offers some practicality, but the Z NISMO prioritizes performance over daily usability. Road noise is pronounced, especially with the sticky Dunlop tires, and the stiff suspension amplifies bumps, making long drives tiring. For enthusiasts, these trade-offs are part of the charm, but they limit the car’s appeal as a daily driver.
Driving Experience: Thrills with Trade-Offs
The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is a car that comes alive when pushed hard. On a winding mountain road, the steering is precise and communicative, with a natural, analog feel. The chassis is balanced, allowing controlled slides in Sport+ mode, where traction control loosens for playful dynamics. The engine’s primal roar and exhaust crackle create an immersive soundtrack, enhanced by the lack of sound deadening.
On the track, the Z NISMO is in its element. The sticky tires and stiff suspension deliver confidence-inspiring grip, and the brakes hold up under repeated hard stops. The nine-speed automatic shifts quickly in Sport+ mode, though paddle shifters add engagement for manual control. Compared to the standard Z, the NISMO feels like a different animal—sharper, more composed, and ready to tackle apexes.
However, daily driving reveals compromises. The stiff suspension and low-profile tires make rough roads punishing, and the grabby brakes require a delicate touch for smooth stops. Wet weather demands caution, as the Dunlop tires are optimized for dry performance. Fuel economy is modest, with EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, slightly worse than the standard Z’s 19/28 mpg (automatic).
Value and Competition
Starting at $66,085 (including destination), the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is a significant jump from the Z Performance ($52,970) and base Z Sport ($42,970). Standard features include intelligent cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and LED lighting, but the lack of a manual transmission and premium interior materials may deter some buyers. For comparison, the BMW M2 starts at $64,195, offering a refined cabin and optional manual, while the Ford Mustang Dark Horse ($60,865) matches the Z NISMO’s power and offers a manual option. The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 ($58,745) is quicker to 60 mph but feels less raw.
The Z NISMO’s appeal lies in its heritage and character. It’s not the fastest or most refined, but it delivers a visceral, connected driving experience that resonates with enthusiasts. For those who prioritize track performance and nostalgic design over daily comfort, the Z NISMO is a compelling choice.
Conclusion: A Niche Icon
The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is a track-bred sports car that blends retro charm with modern performance. Its 420-hp twin-turbo V6, stiffened chassis, and aggressive styling make it a standout for enthusiasts, but its stiff ride, automatic-only transmission, and spartan interior limit its daily usability. Priced at a premium, it faces tough competition but carves a niche for those who value heritage and raw driving thrills. Whether tearing up a racetrack or cruising a coastal highway, the Z NISMO delivers an unforgettable experience.