The Nissan Z is more than just a sports car; it’s a symbol of Japanese performance heritage. From the iconic 240Z of the 1970s to the latest 2025 Nissan Z, this series has defined affordable performance, sleek design, and pure driving enjoyment. Blending retro-inspired design, a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, and the option for a manual transmission, the new Nissan Z appeals to both driving purists and modern enthusiasts.
Design:
The 2025 Nissan Z’s exterior honors the iconic 240Z, seamlessly combining vintage design elements with contemporary aerodynamic styling. The long hood, teardrop-shaped headlights, and sharply sculpted rear end create a nostalgic yet aggressive look. The grille features a clean, rectangular design, while the sleek LED taillights are inspired by the iconic 1990s 300ZX.
Available in vibrant color options like Ikazuchi Yellow, Seiran Blue, and Boulder Gray, the Nissan Z doesn’t shy away from making a bold statement.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,380 mm
- Width: 1,845 mm
- Height: 1,315 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,550 mm
With its low-slung profile and wide stance, the coupe exudes a planted, confident presence on the road.
Interior:
Inside the Nissan Z, you’ll find a cockpit that skillfully blends classic analog appeal with modern digital technology. A standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers customizable driving displays, while the central 8-inch (or optional 9-inch) infotainment touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation.
Key Interior Features:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Recaro® performance seats (in Performance variant)
- Aluminum sport pedals
- Bose® 8-speaker premium audio system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Despite being a sports car, the Z offers reasonable comfort and storage space for daily driving.
Engine & Performance:
Under the hood lies the heart of the Z, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine derived from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport. This motor delivers:
- 400 horsepower
- 475 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h in around 4.5 seconds
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching and a 9-speed automatic transmission for smoother daily driving. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, offering a balanced and exciting driving experience.
Suspension & Handling:
- Double-wishbone front suspension
- Multi-link rear setup
- Launch control (Performance trim)
- Mechanical limited-slip differential
Whether carving through mountain roads or accelerating down the highway, the Nissan Z delivers sharp handling and a responsive feel.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Unlike sports cars of the past, the new Z doesn’t skimp on safety. Nissan equips the 2025 model with several advanced driver-assistance features, including:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Intelligent Cruise Control
While not a family vehicle, it still ensures peace of mind for spirited solo or two-person road trips.
Nissan Z Price in India & Global Markets
Although not officially launched in India, the expected Nissan Z price in India could be between ₹70 lakh – ₹85 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on import duties and variant. In global markets like the U.S., the pricing is more accessible:
| Variant | Price (USD) |
| Nissan Z Sport | Starting at $42,000 |
| Nissan Z Performance | Around $52,000 |
| Nissan Z NISMO (expected) | $60,000+ |
The Performance trim enhances the driving experience with larger brakes, a sportier body kit, and improved cooling systems, making it a top choice for enthusiasts.
Nissan Z vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up
The 2025 Nissan Z enters a crowded segment filled with iconic names. Here’s how it compares:
| Car | Power (hp) | 0–100 km/h | Base Price (USD) |
| Nissan Z | 400 | ~4.5 sec | $42,000 |
| Toyota GR Supra | 382 | ~4.1 sec | $45,000 |
| Ford Mustang GT | 480 | ~4.3 sec | $44,000 |
| BMW Z4 M40i | 382 | ~4.2 sec | $66,000 |
While the Supra may have the edge in outright acceleration, the Z offers a manual transmission, something Supra fans have only recently received. The Z’s nostalgic design and well-balanced chassis give it a unique personality among its competitors.
Fuel Economy & Ownership Costs
The Nissan Z strikes a solid balance between performance and fuel efficiency for a sports coupe:
- Manual variant: 9–10 km/l (combined)
- Automatic variant: 10–11 km/l (combined)
While not a budget-friendly car to run, the Z is more efficient than older V6-powered models and should deliver reasonable reliability thanks to Nissan’s proven powertrain.
Conclusion: Is the Nissan Z Worth Buying?
The Nissan Z marks a true comeback for driving enthusiasts, a genuine sports car that pays tribute to its heritage while embracing modern performance and technology. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Z-car series or someone new to the world of Japanese coupes, the 2025 Z is a compelling package that offers:
- Retro looks
- Raw performance
- Manual transmission
- Advanced tech and safety
- Competitive pricing
If you’re in the market for a driver-focused, rear-wheel-drive coupe under $50K (or looking for a niche performance import in India), the Nissan Z deserves a test drive.