After trading in my trusty 2017 370z Sport (manual with NISMO bumper) this weekend, I finally got my hands on the new Nissan Z 2024, opting for the Sport trim with an automatic transmission. Finding a Sport trim proved more challenging than expected; only two were available within a 500-mile radius in Florida. Dealers were firm on pricing, and I ended up paying around $2k over MSRP – a tough pill to swallow, but still significantly less than the Performance trim, making it a worthwhile compromise in my book. Here are my initial impressions and observations on the new Nissan Z.
One pleasant surprise was the dealership experience itself. Contrary to online chatter about test drives being impossible, they readily offered a test drive and, even more surprisingly, allowed me to take the Nissan Z 2024 out solo. This level of trust from the dealership was unexpected and definitely a positive start to the ownership experience. It seems a lot depends on the salesperson and how serious they perceive you to be.
The Nissan Z 2024 truly shines in person. Concerns about the grill design immediately dissipated; in black, it blends seamlessly with the front fascia. The rear design, however, is the standout feature – exuding a sophisticated and timeless appeal. It’s a significant step up in visual refinement compared to the 370z.
Gone is the somewhat truck-like, raw feeling of the 370z. The Nissan Z 2024 feels remarkably modern and incredibly smooth on the road. This transformation in driving dynamics is immediately noticeable and appreciated.
Stepping into the driver’s seat of the Nissan Z 2024 felt surprisingly familiar. The ergonomics and overall driving position are reminiscent of the 370z. This familiarity provided an instant sense of comfort and ease of use.
Performance-wise, the Nissan Z 2024 is noticeably quick. Transitioning from a manual 370z to the automatic Z might contribute to some of the perceived differences, but the key distinction is the consistent power delivery across the entire speed range. While the 370z felt most potent in the lower gears, the Nissan Z 2024 accelerates rapidly at any speed. Even while driving conservatively during the break-in period, the speed builds effortlessly and quickly, often catching you off guard.
The base brakes on the Nissan Z 2024 offer reassuring stopping power. Compared to my aging 370z’s brakes, which were nearing the end of their service life, the new Z’s brakes feel significantly more responsive and confident. For now, the upgrade to Akebono brakes doesn’t seem necessary.
However, the sound system in the Sport trim is a letdown. The audio quality and bass are disappointing, notably inferior to the Bose system in my previous 370z. For audiophiles, upgrading to the Performance trim with its enhanced sound system will likely be a must.
A minor tactile disappointment is the steering wheel trim. The aluminum-look accent at the 6 o’clock position feels like plastic, despite its metallic appearance. While visually appealing, the touch and feel are not what I expected.
Another trim-level difference is Apple CarPlay. The Sport trim of the Nissan Z 2024 only offers wired Apple CarPlay. Wireless CarPlay is reserved for the Performance trim, which is something to consider depending on your tech preferences.
The driver cockpit in the Nissan Z 2024 feels more compact, particularly in terms of side-to-side legroom. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, but a noticeable change in cabin dimensions.
Conversely, the seats are a significant improvement. The bolsters are more pronounced than in the 370z, offering better lateral support, while maintaining excellent comfort. The cloth upholstery also appears to be of high quality.
The digital dash is a standout feature. The Nissan Z 2024’s digital instrument cluster offers three distinct gauge layouts. While the Sport-specific design is the most functional and visually appealing, the other two options feel somewhat superfluous. Instead of these less useful designs, customizable color themes for the Sport gauge, perhaps mirroring the red theme of the Nismo variant, would have been a welcome addition, allowing for greater personalization.
Overall, my initial experience with the Nissan Z 2024 Sport automatic has been overwhelmingly positive. It represents a significant evolution from the 370z, offering a more refined, modern, and quicker driving experience, while retaining the familiar and enjoyable Z car essence. Despite a few minor shortcomings, the Nissan Z 2024 is a worthy successor and a fantastic sports car in its own right.
