The Nissan Z has been synonymous with Japanese sports car culture for decades, revered for its timeless silhouette and engaging driving dynamics. The 2024 Nissan Z carries forward this legacy, blending retro design cues with modern technology, and competing in a segment increasingly challenged by electrification and SUV popularity. Yet, for enthusiasts seeking a classic, rear-wheel-drive coupe with authentic performance, the Z remains a compelling proposition. This review breaks down the Nissan Z 2024’s specs, features, performance, and pricing to paint a clear picture of its place in today’s sports car market.
Updated Styling and Interior: Heritage Meets Modernity
The exterior of the Nissan Z 2024 is a deliberate homage to the car’s roots, particularly the original 240Z and the later 300ZX. Its long hood, short deck, and distinctive LED lighting recall the best of Nissan’s sporting past, but with sharper lines and modern flourishes. The front fascia is both muscular and minimalist, eschewing unnecessary vents for a more cohesive look. Critics have praised the Z’s aesthetic, noting that it successfully blends nostalgia with contemporary appeal.
Inside, the story is similar. The cockpit features sport bucket seats, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, and a familiar three-gauge cluster perched atop the dash—elements inspired by prior Z generations. However, the 2024 model moves the experience into the present with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (model dependent), supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Material quality has improved compared to previous iterations, with more soft-touch surfaces and optional leather upholstery in higher trims.
Performance and Powertrain: A True Driver’s Car
At the heart of the 2024 Nissan Z lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing a robust 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This same engine, shared with Infiniti’s Q60 Red Sport, transforms the Z into one of the most potent offerings in its price bracket. Buyers can select between a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission—a rare and welcome choice among modern sports cars.
Acceleration is brisk. Independent testing finds the Z sprints from 0-60 mph in roughly 4.3–4.5 seconds, depending on transmission and conditions. Handling is sharp and playful, courtesy of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis and a limited-slip differential on most trims. Feedback from the steering and chassis remains one of the car’s defining strengths, appealing to purists who value connection over digital intervention.
“The 2024 Nissan Z impresses because it offers genuine, analog fun in an era dominated by over-assisted, tech-laden driving experiences,” says Mark Vaughn, a long-time automotive journalist with Autoweek. “It feels like a car designed for people who truly love to drive.”
Braking is handled by robust vented discs at each corner, and adaptive suspension is available on top trims like the Z Performance. The car’s balance between everyday comfort and weekend-track capability is finely struck—though the firm ride may not appeal to those prioritizing daily drivability above all else.
Trims, Features, and Technology: Tailored for Enthusiasts
The 2024 Nissan Z is offered primarily in the Sport and Performance trims, with occasional limited editions like the Z Proto Spec or Z Heritage adding exclusive finishes and interior flourishes. Standard models include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (Performance models upgrade to 19-inch forged Rays wheels)
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Dual-automatic climate control
- The previously mentioned infotainment and digital gauge setups
- Six-speaker audio system (upgraded Bose system in upper trims)
Safety tech is robust for a sports car, including front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot warning, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Notably, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera are reserved for higher trims or added packages.
Enthusiasts appreciate Nissan’s focus on driving engagement rather than overwhelming the cockpit with buttons or touch surfaces. Physical controls for climate and audio persist, contributing to the car’s user-friendly approach.
Noteworthy Special Editions
For 2024, limited “Heritage Edition” and “Proto Spec” packages keep things fresh for collectors and brand loyalists. Special paint schemes, unique badging, and interior trim add a sense of exclusivity, although the underlying mechanical package remains unchanged.
Market Position and Pricing: Value in Performance
The Nissan Z 2024 enters a shrinking field of affordable, rear-drive sports coupes. Its closest current rivals include the Toyota GR Supra, Ford Mustang GT, and to some extent, the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 twins, though the latter pair are less powerful. The Z distinguishes itself with timeless design and a turbocharged six-cylinder, which is rare in this segment below premium German territory.
Pricing begins competitively in the low-to-mid $40,000s for the Sport model. The Performance trim adds several thousand dollars, bringing in the uprated brakes, wheels, and audio, plus unique seat ornamentation and tech upgrades. Even fully loaded, the Z remains below higher-premium competitors, making it attractive to buyers balancing cost and capability.
Dealer markups can affect final transaction prices, especially for limited editions, a trend seen widely across enthusiast offerings in recent years. Resale values for the Z line have historically been favorable, especially for well-maintained, manual-transmission examples.
Real-World Impressions and Who It’s For
On real roads, the Nissan Z 2024 shines brightest when the route gets twisty or open. Owners praise the car’s balance, strong acceleration, and the visceral six-cylinder soundtrack—a feature at odds with the turbo-four or hybrid options now commonplace in the segment.
While the Z maintains a purposeful, driver-focused cabin, it does sacrifice some daily usability. The trunk space is modest, and rear-seat accommodation is non-existent—a reality for buyers prioritizing sports-car experience above utility.
The Z appeals most to enthusiasts who find joy in spirited driving, value design heritage, and want a relatively analog experience in an increasingly digital automotive world. It’s a more approachable alternative to pricier European sports coupes and satisfies a niche for attainable, rear-drive thrill.
Conclusion: The Z’s Enduring Appeal
The Nissan Z 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic Japanese sports car formula. It combines a powerful engine, balanced chassis, and timeless design in a package that respects its history while integrating modern conveniences. While it may not offer the practicality of a daily commuter or the bleeding-edge tech found in some rivals, the Z’s charm lies in its ability to connect the driver to the road. For those seeking pure, engaging performance under $50,000, the latest Z is not just a nostalgic throwback—it’s a relevant and rewarding choice for today’s enthusiast.
FAQs
What engine does the 2024 Nissan Z have?
The Nissan Z 2024 features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
How fast is the 2024 Nissan Z?
The 2024 Z can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.3 to 4.5 seconds, depending on transmission and trim level, making it one of the quicker sports cars in its price range.
What technology features are included in the Nissan Z 2024?
It comes standard with a digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth, and available Bose audio. Advanced safety features like blind-spot warning and automatic emergency braking are equipped as well.
How does the Nissan Z 2024 compare to its competitors?
The Z competes closely with models like the Toyota GR Supra and Ford Mustang GT, standing out for its six-cylinder engine and blend of heritage-inspired design with modern performance.
Is the 2024 Nissan Z a good daily driver?
While the Z offers improved comfort and tech, its firm suspension and limited cargo space mean it’s best suited for enthusiasts prioritizing driving fun over everyday practicality.
What is the starting price of the 2024 Nissan Z?
The Sport trim starts in the low-to-mid $40,000s, with higher trims and special editions commanding higher prices based on equipment and dealer demand.
