FIRST DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: 2024 Nissan Z: Its evolution into a Gran Tourer

Nissan Philippines recently allowed us to test its newest pair of sports cars, the 2024 Nissan GTR and the recently launched Nissan Z, around the Clark International Speedway.

This allowed us to see how the vehicles would handle around a track and to see how much they have progressed over the years as the Japanese automaker also provided older versions of these vehicles, such as the 2021 GTR and the Nissan 370Z, to see just how much they have improved.

Aside from the track testing, Nissan also had a heritage display of vehicles and a mini movie theater where we could see the evolution of the GTR and the Z over the years as well as Z owner stories about their rides.

They also had a sim racing rig equipped with a Sim Magic direct drive wheel and a 3-axis motion rig to help prepare us for the track and to give us a general feel of what the vehicles might do once we bring them on track.

Also read: P1.5M less than Supra! 2024 Nissan Z worth P3.888M in the Philippines

Testing the old versus new Z

Before we were allowed to test out the new Nissan Z, the organizers put me behind the wheel of the older Nissan 370Z to get a feel of what the older model would act and feel like on the track.

One of the few things I noticed with the 370Z was that it gave me a raw experience as a sports car, as there were few driver aids.

The naturally aspirated engine took time to get into power, but once it did, you would hit this linear wave of torque that would help push you out of the corners. 

Its engine, however, was noticeably loud, which is excellent for a sports car; you want to be able to feel and hear what the engine is doing at all times, but it did get in the way of what the instructors were trying to tell me. 

The new Nissan Z: Ama” Z ”ing

Once I got behind the wheel of the new Nissan Z, it was a night and day difference between it and the older 370Z. Despite its seat controls being the same as the older model, the new Z felt more comfortable. It felt like a car you could use daily with its soft yet supportive seats and excellent driving position.

I noticed that power would come in very early (around 1,900 rpm) for the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 383 PS and 475 Nm of torque but would later even out towards the higher revs, giving you smooth power delivery and predictable acceleration. There is even power towards the higher end of the rev range, which we liked about the new Z.

What the US journalists said about the new Nissan Z being a sports car you can use daily was right. The suspension isn’t stiff but leans more toward the soft side. The vehicle is still trackable, don’t get me wrong; you can still put down blistering lap times, but you will notice how the rear end will wiggle subtly if you take a corner wrong or put down the power early.

Sure, it's no longer as raw of an experience versus the 370Z as the new model has been modernized with a few more driver aids, but they aren’t intrusive enough to spoil your fun on the track, except when you want to do a burnout. 

Regardless, the new Z has become more of a Gran Tourer and a vehicle you can use daily without worrying about a stiff suspension system and hard seats, especially if you choose the automatic version we tested on track. The shifts are smooth, quick, and crisp regarding its transmission, with little else to say about it.

Verdict

The new Nissan Z is priced competitively at ₱3,888,000 for its automatic and manual versions. It also puts it in the firing range of the more track-focused Honda Civic Type-R, making choosing between the two harder as one is front-wheel-drive and the other is rear-wheel-drive. 

Here is the thing: if you want a sports car you can use daily, and I mean daily, around the pothole-ridden streets of Metro Manila, then the new Nissan Z is the one for you. It has the power, the ground clearance, the looks, and the noise, but most importantly, the whole car is a balanced package.

However, if you want something more track-focused, go with the Honda Civic Type-R or even the Toyota Supra if you can afford the ₱1.5 million (or more, depending who you talk to) difference between the two. You can also go with the Toyota GR86/ Subaru BR-Z if you want something more affordable, but you will miss out on the linear power delivery that the Nissan Z offers.

We were impressed by how much the Nissan Z has evolved and how much more comfortable the nameplate has gotten versus its older generation. I only wish I had more seat time to get familiar with what else the Z has to offer aside from its balanced handling.