Nissan Z Series & Nismo Tribute

Posted on Oct 7, 2020 in Technology | Comments Off on Nissan Z Series & Nismo Tribute

Nissan has come to great lengths with their GTR, but what about the Z lineup? Let’s step back in time with the original 240Z. I would like to give my regards and condolences to his family, Nissan Japan, and Nissan USA with the recent passing of Yutaka Katayama. Yutaka Katayama is also known as Mr.K, who was the original designer of the Nissan S30 (Fairlady Z in Japan and Datsun 240Z in other markets).

The Nissan Z has since been established as a great, affordable sports car.

In the year of 2003, the Nissan 350Z was released. It had 287 horsepower with 279 ft-lbs of torque at the crank. Over the years they have slightly upgraded the 350Z in regards to the engine as well as some differences in the bodywork of the car. There were various models ranging from base, touring, enthusiast, track, and finally the Nismo/Autech variant (Super GT inspired aero, special edition wheels, Nismo tuned suspension, seam welded chassis and Yamaha performance dampers) .

The car went from a standard DE motor (6800 rpm) to a DE Revup (7000 rpm). Then the last generation 350Z from 2007 to 2008 had the HR variant motor. Not only was this a much better engine (306hp, 268 ft-lbs torque) but featured an even higher red line of 7500 rpm. In addition, the engine also featured a beefier set of connecting rods, ladder type girdle and a larger oil pump gear, hence the increased red line.

With the end of the 350Z in 2009, the 370Z was introduced. The body styling was redone and had an increase in engine displacement (3.5 to 3.7 liters) with the addition of Variable Valve Event Lift.

The suspension geometry was also revised along with the addition of synchro-rev match. This nifty feature eliminated the need to heel and toe during downshifts, while making the transition smoother between gear changes.

My own personal 2008 Nismo 350Z # 1508

In 2013, Nissan Performance had a Facebook and YouTube page where anyone could give suggestions in building the ultimate 370Z. Whether it be from the powertrain to interior or exterior, this gave enthusiasts a chance to express how they wanted the future Z to be built.

This particular car was unveiled at the national Zdayz in North Carolina. This event is held for all Z enthusiasts whether it be from the original 240 all the way to the 370Z’s along with the GTR.

Project 370Z Specs

-Greddy Tuner Twin Turbo Kit with Type RZ Blow Off Valves

-Greddy Turbo Ti-C Exhaust

-AEM Engine Management System

-EMS Series 2 AEM Digital Gauges

-CSF Radiator Nissan Motorsports, Oil Cooler Kit

-NISMO Twin-disc Clutch and Flywheel Kit

-KW Variant 3 Coilovers, NISMO S-Tune Sway Bars, NISMO Chassis Braces

-Nissan Motorsports Wavetrac Helical LSD Parts Installation and Tuning by RPM

-Auto Center StopTech Big Brake Kit, Rotors: 14.9″/14″ Calipers: 6-piston/4-piston

-VOLK TE37SL Wheels (custom finish), FR:19×9.5+22, RR:19×10.5+12

-Yokohama ADVAN Neova Tires, FR: 245/35/19, RR: 275/30/19

-NISMO 370Z Aero Kit Recaro Sportster CS Seats (custom)

-NISMO Titanium GT Shift Knob (custom finish)

-Metalloy Design Theme by Nissan Design America

-Full Exterior Wrap by Sticky Fingers Design Alcantara-wrapped Steering Wheel and Door Panel Inserts by Little John Interior Concepts

-More here

2009-2013 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Since 2009, up to this year, the Nissan 370Z has received a different face lift and now daytime running l.e.d.s like the regular models. The aero is a lot more subtle in terms of styling and the front bumper is not as aggressive as the 2009 to 2014 models. The biggest change was the removal of the GT style wing in the rear with a duckbill style instead.

According to one source I asked, they said that the new rear bumper generates enough down force that the rear wing was not needed. The powertrain remained the same: VQ37VHR motor (350 hp, instead of the standard 330 hp; 270 ft-lbs of torque) found on all 370’s as well as the Infiniti models such as the G37 (now Q60) coupes/sedans and Q50’s.

The exhaust has remained unchanged as it still sports the dual exit configuration. The new Nismo sports a different wheel design compared to last year’s model, however.

2015 Nissan 370Z Nismo Specs:

General

•Price: $41,990 NISMO / $45,490 NISMO Tech

•Body Style: Coupe

•Size: Compact

•Market Segment: Sports, Performance

•Weight: 3340 lbs

•Steering: Vehicle-Speed Variable-Assist Rack-and-Pinion

•Exhaust: NISMO-Tuned Dual with H-Pipe Configuration with Polished Tips

•Models: NISMO / NISMO Tech (BOSE Audio / Hard-Drive-Based Navigation System with 7-inch Touchscreen / Rear-View Camera / Streaming Bluetooth Audio / SiriusXM Satellite Radio / HomeLink Universal Transceiver)

Exterior

•Length: 173.4 in.

•Width: 72.6 in.

•Height: 51.8 in.

•Wheelbase: 100.4 in.

•Min. Ground Clearance: 4.7 in.

•Front Track: 61.2 in.

•Rear Track: 62.2 in.

•Weight Distribution: 53/47

•Drag Coefficient: 0.30

•Lighting: LED Hyper Daytime Running Lights / Bi-Functional Xenon Headlights / Black Headlight Bezels

•Colors: Solid Red / Magnetic Black / Brilliant Silver / Pearl White

Interior – General

•Seats: 2

•Passenger Volume: 51.6 cu. ft.

•Cargo Volume: 6.9 cu. ft.

•Seats: Exclusive Leather-Appointed with Alcantara Accents Black and Red Recaro Performance Seats with NISMO Logo

•Serialized Plaque of Authenticity with Model Year Designation

•Alcantara-Appointed Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

•NISMO Red Tachometer

•Aluminum-Trimmed Pedals

Interior – Front Row

•Volume: TBD

•Leg Room: 42.9 in.

•Head Room: 38.2 in.

•Shoulder Room: 54.4 in.

•Hip Room: 54.6 in.

Propulsion

•Fuel Type: Gas

•Engine Type: 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL)

•Bore x Stroke (mm): 95.5 x 86

•Compression Ratio (:1): 11.0

•Power: 350 hp @ 7400 rpm

•Torque: 276 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

•Transmission: Close-Ratio 6-Speed Manual with SynchroRev Match / 7-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters (Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control)

•Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (Standard)

•Final Drive Ratio: 3.916 Manual / 3.692 Automatic

•Highway Fuel Economy: 26 mpg

•City Fuel Economy: 18 mpg

Chassis

•Layout: Rear Wheel Drive

•Front Suspension: Independent Double Wishbone with Stabilizer Bar/ NISMO-tuned Shock Absorbers / NISMO-Branded Strut Tower Brace /Vibration Damper

•Rear Suspension: Multi-Link Independent with Stabilizer / NISMO-Tuned Shock Absorbers / Vibration Damper

Wheels

•Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001 Y-Rated Performance Tires

•Front: Rays 19-inch Super-Light Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels

•Front Tires: P245/40R19

•Rear: Rays 19-inch Super-Light Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels

•Rear Tires: P285/35R19

•Brakes: Nissan Sport Brakes with Red Calipers / 14.0×1.3-inch Vented Rotors and 4-Pistons opposed Aluminum Caliper Front / 13.8×0.8-inch Vented Rotors with 2-Pistons opposed Aluminum Caliper Rear / Highly Rigid Brake Hoses / R35 Special II Fluid Brake Fluid

There are two options of transmissions.

You can either choose the 6 speed manual or opt for the 7 speed automatic, which still rev matches on downshifts like the 6 speed. It is easier for those in highly congested areas such as Los Angeles or Atlanta with the automatic.

There hasn’t been any changes in regards to its suspension. It has been untouched.

The Yamaha Autech body dampers still remain in the car as the previous models to minimize vibration towards the chassis. One difference is that the final drive is now a 3.9 as opposed to the stock 3.642 final gear, which allows better acceleration.

The front and rear brakes still remain with the Nissan Sport setup and the wheel sizes are the same with 19’s all around, with a 9.5 width front and 10.5 width rear.

Inside

The interior has been revamped as well with a gunmetal finish on various trim pieces such as the shift console and also on the door panel. The gauge cluster now sports a red tachometer with black face, same as the 2014 models.

Truly, the most substantial change is that the 2015 Nismo comes standard with Recaro Sportser CS seats. Before, the Nismo seats were just a regular 350 or 370 seat, but had a different color contrast lining in the middle to signify the change.

The engine start/stop button also features the same red contrasting as well.

The steering wheel is wrapped in an Alcantara suede, which you might find in other higher end cars such as a BMW, Porsche and Lamborghini. In addition, the Nismo now is available with a technology package that you might find in an Infiniti, which includes a Bose sound package and navigation system.

These were only offered in the Japanese market so it is great that they were able to bring this option to the United States.

Compare and Contrast

Having taken a 2015 on a test drive to compare to my own 2008 Nismo 350Z, what you first notice is right when you sit down are the Recaros. They really make driving enjoyable but keeps you in the seat due to the higher bolsters during cornering. Compared to the Recaros in the GTR, this feels a lot better in my opinion.

In regards to the suspension, I will say that the ride is a bit more sensible and easier to live with. Other car reviewers complained that the ride was harsh and unbearable, but to a true enthusiast it isn’t even that bad. I believe that the tires had more to do with the harshness as opposed to the suspension due to the stiffer sidewall.

One important aspect to note is taking the plastic shipping spacers out, which gave the ride a terrible quality upon my experience. Anyhow, taking turns and passing other cars on the freeway felt just as planted as my 08 was.

The steering feels direct and responsive. The power delivery is very smooth overall, but it still feels the same as the 2009 Nismo 370z. In regards to the clutch, the engagement is the same as the 350, but the actuation of the pedal was what threw me off.

In regards to other reviewers saying the clutch is heavy, it truly isn’t. I would just attest this experience to the poor pedal feel. I will say though that the final drive gear has improved the drivability factor in terms of acceleration. I still believe that Nissan could have improved more on this model in terms of performance but overall, it is a nice upgrade for those looking to get into a Z car.

There is nothing wrong with the car at all especially for new buyers, but to some of the enthusiasts like myself it is a love or hate deal. Some individuals love the new styling, while the other party misses the wing that clearly distinguishes a Nismo from a sport or base model.

Personally, it is much more manageable to daily drive this in my opinion for those that fear it might be too rough. The interior is much improved and definitely doesn’t feel as cheap as the 350Z was. There is still some plastic bits here and there, but it feels roomier inside the cabin and very easy on the eyes.

We were impressed seeing the 370Z Nismo Roadster Concept recently in Chicago as well.

The Man Himself

In regards to Mr.K, I’m glad he was able to see this final Z during the Nismo festival this year as well as share lots of experiences with us Z owners at events such as Z Dayz. It truly goes to show how us enthusiasts really love this platform. I’m hoping now that Nissan and Nismo can collaborate on an anniversary model for Mr.K. too.

Lastly, I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did. Long live the Nissan Z Series and Mr.K!!!

“Love cars. Love people. Love life.” – Yutaka Katayama