An important part of the sports car community believes the clean design of the Nissan 400Z (aka 2023 Nissan Z) is best enjoyed in factory form. However, when it comes to the otherwise fresh tech side of the JDM sports car, most people agree this machine was born to be upgraded. And while the aftermarket is already taking care of that, so is Nissan itself. According to Japanese magazines, we’re just a couple of months away from the debut of the 2024 Nissan 400Z Nismo (2024 Nissan Z Nismo).
The new Z’s need for more hardcore hardware isn’t some subjective matter. For one, the Nissan coupe has fallen slightly behind its Mk V Toyota Supra archenemy in tests performed at the track, as well as in drag races—here’s a rolling workaround for the latter.
Now, as you are reading this, Nissan engineers are completing the final development stages of the 400Z Nismo, with spyshots having been around for a few months now. And since the spotted prototypes were covered by heavy camouflage, we have to turn to digital artists to get a preview of the upcoming hotter version.
This artist’s take on the Nismo-massaged 400Z
And one pixel masters that has established himself as a Z authority is Ted Li (aka flathat3d). He was among the first, if not the first, to develop a 3D model of the 2023 Z last year. In addition, the 3D creator has rendered a plethora of supped-up versions meanwhile, such as this memorable slantnose iteration.
For his latest adventure, the digital wizard took a long look at some of the said spyshots. However, given the camo-induced limitations, he also sought inspiration in the 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo, which was unveiled just weeks ago. With Godzilla now being 16 years old, we’re likely dealing with the final model year. And while the “base” GT-R Premium and the intermediate T-Spec are coming to U.S. dealerships this spring, the Nismo daddy is set for a summer market arrival.
While I’m not expecting the automaker to bring its two coupes so close styling-wise, I have to admit this baby Godzilla look does suit the 400Z. To be more precise, we’re dealing with GT-R Nismo-inspired front and rear end aero, as well as vented front fenders.
The red accents? These are a Nismo feature not reserved to the GT-R and will most likely be present on the production version of the 400Z Nismo. The artist also added slightly beefier fender flares, especially up front, in a nod to the 240Z that started the bloodline in 1969.
The tech upgrades of the 2024 Nissan 400Z Nismo
While most reviewers mention the tires as one of the main culprits for the 400Z getting left behind in dynamic comparos, it’s clear that the Infiniti-borrowed 3.0L V6, which currently makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque, could do with some extra grunt.
Luckily, with this being the first twin-turbo powerplant in the history of the Z car, that’s not going to be an issue. And while the 9-speed automatic of the standard car has experience some issues, this will return in upgraded form for the Nismo, as will the six-speed manual.
Nissan’s Nismo racing and road performance arm has already developer multiple motorsport iterations of the 400Z, so you can also expect great things in the handling department.
As far as the pricing goes, the 2024 Nissan 400Z Nismo will sit at least $10,000 aboe the 400Z sporting the Performance Package. This means the 400Z Nimso will be offered for around $60,000. As such, the Nissan will sit slightly above a six-cylinder Supra with the 8-speed automatic and, if the recently leaked info is correct, on par with the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Then again, you’ll also be able to upgrade your 400Z with Nismo performance parts.
If, however, you have an issue with waiting, allow me to remind you that last month’s Tokyo Auto Salon has brought a riot in terms of custom Zs, from Veilside’s FFZ400 Fast and Furious movie car to a Pandem 400Z widebody kit that nobody will mistake for the stock ride.
