My dad had an 83 280 ZX. He loved it so much that he kept it for 9 years even though he had 4 kids. He’s had a bunch of cars that cost more, but this was one of his favorites.
in south florida I’ve literally only seen 3 of the new Z in person. grey base model, blue performance trim, and a Proto. it’s ridiculous man where are they at??
I hate to play devil’s advocate here but NISsan MOtorsport is centered around getting the best bang for buck track focused car from Nissan’s lineup, and love it or hate it the automatic shifts, launches, and drives all around faster than the manual. but I agree that the Z Nismo should’ve come with a manual. I think they’ll pull the same move as Toyota and come out with a manual in the next year or so. There’s already been at least one Nismo manual test mule, and someone at Nissan hinted at the possibility of it coming when the Nismo was unveiled at an event not too long ago
For me it’s the fact that no one wants to talk about the old tech Nissan has been using for way, way too long. The key fob at 12:59 is the same key you would get with a 2005 Murano. The window switch and door lock buttons, the hvac control knobs, the turn signal and wiper stalks, etc. Lots of 20 year old tech in a car that was designed from the ground up. But then again I shouldn’t be surprised, it’s the same company that kept the same Frontier around from 2005-2021
@@th003g give me examples of what vehicle besides the 4runner from toyota. All of their fleet has updated components and switches and feels a lot newer than Nissan.
The old tech is a blessing. The main point of failure in cars these days is software and electronics. This is a car you can keep 20 years without dealing with obsolete tech that costs a fortune to fix and you can't do any of the work yourself.
Nissan has always been behind on tech. Especially infotainment. They're usually 1-2 generations behind everyone else. Which didn't used to be a problem when you could change head units. But now, its a crisis. And the key fob. I bet if you bought one that had the trunk button and paired it to the car it would work.
I think nissan made a missed opportunity with the nismo. It could've been this cool car that is desirable, loved, and (somewhat) a decent deal. But its just too expensive for what you get, Markups can drive these things over 70k. Manual should atleast be an option too. I'm def JDM fan, but this is kinda a miss. If you really want a new Z, (like I do), get the sport trim. Just start modifying it from there. Heck, get a 350z or 370z.
totally agree! Not just that, but in this price category, when you've got the BMW Z4 M40i and the Toyota Supra 6-speed manual for around the same price, maybe a little less, this is exactly why Nissan in general leaves quite a bit to be desired and wanted.
I can't fathom paying this "MSRP" when for similar money you could have an M2, Supra, or slightly used Cayman, all of which have a manual option now. Then you add in the mark ups and you're now in M4, C8, GTR, Evora, and newer Cayman version territory. For the money, this would be so far down the list of options I'd consider, it would be beyond irrelevant. Nobody is buying the Z as is... I live in one of the largest cities in the US and I haven't seen a single one person. Just ads for tons for sale rotting on dealer lots. I don't know what Nissan was thinking.
You're right about the new Z not selling. I've talked to a number of salespeople at Nissan dealerships around the SF bay area and they all say the same thing, that prospective buyers just walk away shaking their heads when they look at the prices on the window stickers. A good used Cayman would be my choice of car for the prices that Nissan is demanding for this car. I have a 2019 370Z sport coupe 6MT with minor performance mods and a good tune that is pumping out close to 400 hp at the crank. There is no way that I would ever trade my car for anything that Nissan is currently offering. I think that Nissan could have just made some evolutionary improvements to the 370Z, performance and handling, that would have made it a good car for the affordable price range.
If it was 18k cheaper and had a manual option sure but for $68,000 ($70,000+ after markups) and forced to be an automatic, they’ll rot on the lot that’s for sure. I know I don’t want one now especially knowing it’s a automatic because if it was a manual it would be slower then the base Z with automatic option so they only offer auto in the nismo version so it’s the fastest of the bunch 🤦🏻♂️ I’d rather buy a performance model with a manual and upgrade it myself, won’t take much to surpass their measly 20 extra horsepower
I think most people would rather a manual Performance Z and use the qualities of the aftermarket making it better than the Nismo. I think the only thing this Nismo truly bring compared to the regular Z is the things like the special seats and all the red trim and what not. For 20HP more you could Stage 1 a regular manual Z and change the suspension a bit and get bigger brakes and tires. And you probably still gonna have some spare money left below the 18K+ price tag you pay for the Nismo. For the price, there are just much better options out there that actually offer you a manual transmission. As this car stands, theres no justification to get this over the other Z models.
@@royliber3824 I agree, Nissan dropped the ball with this one. Huge fail on their part in my opinion. It’s a shame because this car could’ve truly been something special.
@@dman19581969 I 100% agree with this point. I was looking at getting a Z Nismo, but it’s just SO hard to justify the price compared to what you get. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful car, but I could literally get a Widebody Scatpack for the same cost. If it were around $45k (WITH dealer markups) I’d pull the plug immediately. But I guess that’s everyone’s dream for this car lol
Nissan's Chief Product Specialist for the Z said that the decision was made not to offer a manual Nismo because it would have actually been slower than a base auto Z. Maybe that was worth avoiding, but it's already pretty embarrassing to admit that the $20k upcharge doesn't add enough performance to offset the transmission difference.
I can see that but they should have done more to increase to horsepower and torque to offset it. If nothing else, just throw 4.10 gears in it with the extra 20hp and 30lb•ft and it would definitely be faster than the base model.
This has been a decade long disagreement between automotive engineers and their customers, engineers say automatic is hands down faster and enthusiasts say manual is more fun
There is a home screen with all the things you want. You have to go in and customize it. You have three "home" screens. I have my map, music, and traffic on my frontier. Same infotainment. Just gonna throw that out there. Drove one of the performance ones at work and the interior, although boring, is built well. Feels solid minus a few plastic buttons.
@@blaketindle4703 Actually, those standard Zs aren’t even selling well bc of the markups. The new Z’s intended audience (younger people who love to tune and mod their cars) couldn’t afford to buy them and they’re usually the ones who would buy the manual version. The key is that enthusiasts aren’t buying them bc it’s not worth it with how the stealerships ruin it with the markups. BMW on the other hand saw that almost half of their customer base bought manual M cars (and even more complained why their comp models were only automatic). Porsche is on the same boat as well. There is a rise of wanting a manual cars especially in a world where cars are getting more dull.
I honestly wonder why you would get this when both the 3.0 Supra, 5.0 Mustang and the base C8 Corvette all cost around the same or less. That's not even taking into account the performance sedans and hatchbacks in this class
@@purwantiallan5089 yeah I think you're right about that. The dark horse may be more in this price range. Still, I can think of a reason to spend the extra on a Nismo Z when the mustang is faster, more practical, comes with a manual, and sounds better
I bought my 2016 q60 red sport for 65k when it first came out and it had a couple of reliability issues like heat soaking and drive belt. They fixed a lot of the issues in the later years but lesson learned. I was stuck with this car and even till now. I also have a 3.7 q50 that I daily. I wanna get my hands on this new Z but it’s ridiculous what the dealers are asking for it. Would rather get a used GTR at this point
The cheapest Nismo Z within 100 miles of me is listed at $68,500. The cheapest (new) corvette c8 within 100 miles is $74,869. And that's pretty well optioned, with the upgraded exhaust and wheels etc. So realistically, the Z Nismo is 90% of the price of the corvette. That corvette comes with 75 more hp, a dual clutch transmission, a mid-engine v8, weighs a full 50 lbs less than the Nismo, has the same combined fuel economy rating... Nissan is out to lunch and anbody who buys one of these has more money than sense.
You make such a good point about keeping the manual for just the pedigree. What I don’t understand is why they didn’t just use the manual from the sport/performance. They shouldn’t need a redesigned transmission for 20 extra hp!! I feel like someone at Nissan wanted this to fail. Disappointing.
The people who are trying to justify it by saying "it'd be more expensive to develop a manual for the nismo" either have no clue about cars, economics, or both. But think they do.
The manual wasn't even up to par for the base car which is why they had stop sales. Even the press cars had gears grinding. No surprise at all they didn't use it for the nismo.
@@duuyyy the odd part is. On the Z forums when the manual was talked about, they said owners and even aftermarket companies have gone well past the nismo Z's power with the stock manual and it handles it just fine, so it's basically just bull from nissan not bothering to put a manual in the nismo for whatever reason.
Sir as somebody that's owned a 2000's Nissan and currently drives a 2010's Nissan I'll have you know this is a fantastic interior in comparison. Still worse than a cheaper Toyota Camry though lol
@@cosmic_gate476 Atleast the Sentra gives you two usable cup holders not designed by baby monkeys ☠️ and door lock mechanisms from this century. Embarrassingly bad in a $68k car. Name one other car that gives you a worse interior at that price. 😂😂
It's crazy to think that for the MSRP of the new Nismo Z you could get an early R35 GTR with more power, more street cred and in my opinion, a much nicer interior.
12:07 the lid appears to be able to slide backwards. notice how the cup holder was completely covered but when doug recloses it half of the cupholder is exposed. the inside of the console lid looks like it has tracks too
The problem with the automatic is it also gives Nissan an excuse to charge far more than they should. It really felt like Nissan settled on a price and tried to add stuff on to justify it.
@@technom3598 that's besides the point, the automatic is normally an optional extra on the standard Nissan Z. Lumping in here means charging more than normal for something not everyone wants. It's not that hard to understand.
@@AHYL88 no, that's not the reason at all. The thing is that, they barely brought over any Base to performance model Z's out to dealers as is from the get go and many are known to be at ports that are still to be painted or just haven't came threw to go to dealers yet for whatever reason,while in the process, no one understood why they brought the nismo about at all when they can barely sell even the base trim Z anyway while knowing the nismo would barely have that many made as is. So regardless of the fact that the nismo is auto wouldn't have mattered at all when nissan themselves have barely tried to send Z's over to dealers. Whether auto or manual wouldn't have stopped dealers from overpricing them anyway.
Thank you for the context there; wow that's very shaky handling of one of their, I assume desirable, cars. This car isn't sold in the UK for some weird reason (unrelated, the GR Corolla also isn't sold in the UK, despite the UK being a hot hatchback haven of sorts), so I was unaware the Z had production and stock problems from the start.@@carboydorifutoparty3976
How do you mess up a Nismo edition car? A little more power, a little stiffer suspension, bit bigger brakes, and an overall faster car with red accents; just don't forget the sporty seats and red interior stitching, maybe some alcantera too. It's a pretty simple formula..
The fact that the center console intentionally overhangs to cover the second cup holder tells you everything you need to know about how the car is designed
@@joshfullbright7678 Ah yes, the great drink epidemic of the 90's really hit Japan hard. They had to drink out of their hands and never bothered to put cup holders in their cars, just sad.
The fact that this car with markups will be over $70K means it’s competing against used caymans and 996 911s that have a manual. I don’t see the use case to buy this over a regular Z, the extra $13000 used on upgrades will get way more for your money and keep the manual you want
Also its MSRP is literally the same as a manual BMW M2. I think it's very similar to a new manual Cayman or Cadillac CT4 as well. Absolute clown pricing 🤡
And if there were no markups, it would be competing against something else USED. Used ALWAYS offers more bang for the buck, regardless of markups or the price of the new car (unless it's sold at a loss or is made super cutting corners). You can't win this "competes against a used X" game.
@@andycalifornia426 The key, the locking mechanisms, older architecture shows this car is a hard sell at $50-60k for the regular Z. But for a unique experience, manual transmission, and a warranty, that is acceptable at that price. But over 70k puts in a realm where caymans still have warranty’s, new M2 or RS3 is an option, and it’s over the price of a manual Supra. More importantly, the used 911s at that price range are now 996 turbos rather than just Carreras, 997s have low miles, and 991.2 Carreras are now in the market. I know the bang for your buck going used is always there for all cars, but for this car in particular the new and used options are more obvious because of the caliber of cars in around the $70k range
the cupholder was completely covered at first but when doug closes the lid it's only half covered. also looks like some tracks inside of the console lid, I was looking for this comment lmao
When I think high performance car, I don't think manual. When I get a high performance car, I want speed and handling, I couldn't care less about shifting my own gears but if I did care then that's what paddle shifters are for 🤷♀️
Seems like this Nismo version of the car might be designed for people that aren’t really drivers but just want to look cool, or they’re chasing magazine stats like 0-60. I can’t think of any other reasons to drop the manual for the higher performance version.
@@mr.scurvy Base Corvette claps it in 0-60 and it's more of a status symbol for the old farts that buy them. Though the 3.9s of this car is respectable, it's just on part with the Supra 3.0
I scratch my head trying to figure out who would buy this car. I would ONLY be interested in this car if it were available in a manual and I know other people who think that way too. I just can't understand the decision making these days in the car industry...
A Golf R beats this 0-60 for around $20,000 - $25,000 less money. Plus its usable, comfortable, has modern infortainment/technology, gets better mpg....etc.
Its because he can't really justify the individual scores. Here he clearly says the Nismo is cooler and better handling than the regular Z but leaves the scores the same in those categories so he can score it lower overall and make a point.
Well the rating system is trash anyways. He will gush about how good a car looks and then the rating is a 6 at the end. Same as any other average car. So many ratings don't match how he talks about them.
Except they are not "effectively the same", the platform has evolved over the years since it debuted in the V/G35 in 2002. It was improved upon through the years. A new Z doesn't have a "20 year old" chassis...
@@SylasG the 350Z and 370Z had some changes between the generations but they are not terribly different … and the 370Z and New Z are even more similar - most of the changes have to do with changing the alignment from the 370Z not reworking the chassis and overall suspension geometry or parts which is why a lot of what already is available for the 370Z works with the New Z
The Nissan GT-R has that same lock feature where you can pull the door handle 2 times. To open the door, you have to hit the unlock button or manually unlock it. I like this feature as it prevents people from opening the door b4 I shut the car off. There have been instances where I have wanted to adjust my parking, and nothing is worse than people popping the door open and risking damaging my car or the one next to me.
They really should’ve made it manual only. they’re trying to replace the gtr with this by making it auto only but they clearly don’t know the Z’s demographic if they’re doing this
The BRZ/86 doesn't auto lock when you drive away and also doesn't auto unlock when you pull the door handle. I own one and love it, but it definitely feels old in some ways too
Auto-unlocking (when you explicitly lock it) is so annoying. That doesn't give me confidence: how am I supposed to know that it's indeed locked and not broken (computers malfunction all the time, so I wouldn't trust a sensor report "you're good" when traveling through a dangerous part of town)
Everyone would like the new Z if it wasn't priced out of existence. Base should be 35k, 40k for version with lsd's, and 45k for Nismo version. Otherwise people can just buy a previous generation Z and sleep soundly in knowing they aren't missing much.
I do like that they integrated the infotainment screen into the dashboard instead of just "*SLAPPING A TABLET ON IT*". "*SLAPPING A TABLET*" on the dashboard is a very lazy design.
yeah people complain about new infotainments being ugly and not well thought out, wishing they stayed old school and then i see people in the comments complaining when they put in a traditional infotainment screen and use older features like the door lock situation and go old school.
Here's a fun quirk of all Nissans I've seen over the past decade-plus...if you open the door with the car running, then turn the car off, it will ding at you. Forever. I have no idea why, but they ALL do this. My wife's 2012 6MT Juke, my 2014 Z, the 2016 Leaf we had, the 2016 GT-R that I traded the Leaf in on (lol), they ALL do this and I've never been able to think of a good reason why...
The center armrest slides back to allow access to the second cup holder. You don't have to have the lid up and open to access that secondary cup holder 😉
So if you think $60k is a lot for this, (like I did) consider that the 1992 300ZXTT was $36,000. Adjusted for inflation that’s $78,000 in today’s money! I mean, I can’t afford it, and no manual would be a deal breaker anyway, but inflation sucks lol.
@@NomenClature-o8stypical fanboy response everyone including wealthy people would agree this is overpriced for the same price you could get a c8 corvette, cayman, dark horse mustang, Shelby gt350, m2 and all of those cars are significantly better
Better to buy a manual Z and just upgrade it with a combination of aftermarket and Nismo performance parts. The Nismo just has a slightly different tune but you could easily gain the extra hp the Nismo has from am aftermarket engine tune if you're inclined
It looks great. That said, usually Nismo, like Type R's, would have significant alterations to the car, stiffer chassis with more weld points, suspension, suspension geometry, roll bars, etc. Changes that you as the customer would be very unlikely to do yourself. While the easy upgrades like bolt ons and power increases were left for the customer to do. The changes seem very minor to this. I think you could add these "Nismo" parts to a regular Z for less than the $13,000 premium, and get to keep the manual transmission.🤔
You think that’s out the door? Buddy ive been in car sales the last 3 years if you think dealers are letting Nizmo Z’s leave for 4k over MSRP you’re huffing glue.
Some cars are great as automatics. This one should be a manual. I’ve never driven the new Z, but I own a 370Z that I manual swapped in my garage. I can tell you it is a much better car with the manual transmission
Hey Doug, in regards to your comment about the door locks. The door lock features has a setting for it to unlock when you put it in park or when you turn off the car. I have mine set to unlock when I turn off the car.
I used to own a 2019 NISMO and I can tell you that NOTHING has changed except for the outside body. Every single problem Doug mentioned, are the same problems from the last model. Inside is outdated, shifts are slow, price tag compared to base model is insane. Small stuff too like not being able to open trunk from key, locking passenger’s window locks for both, easily accesible trunk, one cup holder. Fun to toss around, but that’s it.
All manufacturers claim they can’t make a business model for a manual gearbox and yet, somehow, cars with manuals ALWAYS fetch higher prices in the used exotic car market. Things that make you go “hmm”.
I am happy to hear the legitimate gripe(s) about the automatic transmission. I agree 100%. I own a 2014 black NISMO Z, the last year Nissan planted a spoiler on the back of the NISMO trim package. It's beautiful. And the manual transmission is a major highlight. If I decide to sell it someday, you'll likely see it on Cars & Bids. Thanks, Doug.
From my experience working at a track most people that buy Z cars brand new don't mod them and drive them for a lot of miles usually and tend to be older drivers that just like to step on it every once in a while. The people that mod and race them usually use older cheaper Z cars with a manual. I think most Z Nismo buyers would keep them long term and wouldn't track them too often if at all, so the automatic is probably a good choice today for those buyers. I think DCT wasn't the option due to reliability and cost. Plus, the older buyers that buy these new, daily them and don't want to roll back on a hill.
@@misterc9641 not manuals, dual clutch transmissions. They roll backwards on hills and would likely upset an older buyer thinking it would perform like a regular automatic.
Well Nissan is pretty much leasing the 9-speed design from Mercedes. Probably want make sure they getting their money's worth out it. Idk about reliability since Nissan manufacturers it in house, and given Jatco's track record... For high price tag tho you would think they could of source a manual from Tremec or someone, like Ford does.
The MSRP approaches the asking price for a Corvette C8 base, which is now easily had at MSRP or even less. Add a manual and a hatch roof for open-air driving and they could sell a lot more.
I'm gonna take a stab and say Nissan is developing an electric Z, which is why the fuel door is so large- so they can replace the fuel tank guts with charging infrastructure without needing to remake body panels for a larger charge port door.
Great review, analysis, and perspective. I'm sure someone will come out with plans and post them on how to swap one of Nissan's manuals into the new Z just like the plans posted on Jalopnik for doing the same thing with the (then new) Supra 4 years ago!
@@andycalifornia426 If someone wants it done, they'll find a shop and pay the cost-whatever it is-I've seen it before with everything. If it doesn't exist and someone wants it bad enough, they'll pay to make it a reality.
I can't understand Nissan's decision to not offer a manual transmission since the lesser Zs have one. It would have cost them exactly nothing to have it as an option (or as the standard transmission) since it already exists, and is sitting right there on the assembly line. I could understand the business case if no manual was offered and they had to design one, but it's already a thing on this car!
The center console actually slides backwards to expose the second cup holder. You don’t need to open it. You can even see this in the before and after shots when Doug’s mentioning you have to open the console to access it. Watch when he closes it. The gap is more open.
The videos and pictures online don’t do the exterior justice, I finally saw one of these irl for the first time and it looks so good in person. Retro and modern. Interior sucks tho
The Nismo 400Z is a cool car, but I gotta say, it's way too expensive for what it offers. It does offer more power and big upgrades. However, it's offered only with an automatic transmission. For it's price, it should have a manual transmission as an option. It's not a bad car, it's just kinda disappointing. I hope that Nissan adds a manual transmission option in the future, at least...
I used to have a black 5spd '88 Z31 300Zx, would love to score another one someday! Wasn't really quick by any means but it was such a blast to drive & the t tops I loved having.
This is why I keep my 2006 350z with minor upgrades as it ages. Still better looking, fun as hell to drive, and more than enough power with a stick and analog controls and no pumped-in engine noise.
Right, I’ve seen a gr Corolla before I saw one of these. And I work in an area where Ferraris and Lamborghinis are a daily occurrence in the summer. Literally saw a mclaren f1 and 720s and a couple Bugattis, yet still no new z
I've seen more GR Corollas, Supras hell my brother has a mk5 Supra, and 86 than I've seen the new Z.I have yet seen it and I'm in the SoCal area as well.
I live in LA and have only seen one Z ever since they have been available. I feel like no one is buying them. I think it is one of the best looking sports cars you can get right now.
The rear end of this car is so fire but at its price range its hard to justify getting a car slower then a m340i, m2 or m3. That have better luxury and tech.
6:45 especially when the Xterra was the only affordable offroad SUV they had. The Pathfinder had switched to a unibody design and was now using a CVT, and the Armada was pretty expensive. Not everybody wants to get a truck just because they want to go offroad.
They probably didn’t put a manual in it because the manual acceleration figure-if they had it-is the same as the base with a manual. Therefore it would sabotage Nismo sales so people would just get the base.
For 13k up charge…should’ve had a lot more upgrades….and a stick. Still a fine looking car. I especially like the taillights. The first thing I thought about when I seen them is the old 300z twin turbo from the 90’s. Which amazingly still looks good today. But yeah, I’d buy the model below this and stick the 13k into mods. Get about 450-500 reliable horsepower out of it. Which in a car this size would be perfect. It’s still a good looking car. But for that kind of coin, I’d probably buy a slightly used AMG Mercedes. Massive horsepower and luxury to boot.
see that's another issue though, these cost 3x the amount to mod to ~500whp as the Supra :( not a big deal if you're a Z fan and don't care, but it def factors in if you're considering other cars...
As someone who bought a 300tt in 1991 and followed it with a 94 (2 of the best cars I’ve ever owned) it never ceases to amaze me how far Nissan has fallen.
You can absolutely set the car to unlock the doors when you put it in park. Many Nissans from at least 2016 and on have a setting for Selective door locking (including the Maxima and Nismo Z) By default they come set so that both doors are locked when you put it in park, and only unlock when you shut off car. However you can change the settings so that they unlock when you put it into park instead, and you can actually make it so that this is true for both the drivers and passengers door or either or 😉
So the new Z, a car already not selling well, gets a higher performance enthusiast-oriented version that does not have the one thing that most enthusiasts would prefer. Genius.
I used to drive a 350z and plan on buying another z in the future when I get a chance. Only interested in a manual though so this is a disappointment that the Nismo is auto only.
Got the liberty of driving one today. As I do agree a stick shift would be nice in the car and it’s what i would prefer. The automatic just makes the ride so much scarier on corners.
I waited for the Nismo, but when it was announced it would be automatic only, I bought a Performance. I'll take the Z styling, mechanical handbrake, and actual Japanese heritage over a new Supra or any German car in this price range, +- $50,000. (And I am a hardcore Supra fanboy lol)
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 82 วันนี้!! คู่เอก | ยอดไอคิว vs อับดัลลาห์](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hSsyTl_9bqs/mqdefault.jpg)
I like how they came out with a 2024 when only 3 people got a 2023
Facts lmao
Then they'll sell 4 of these...
@@volvo09 Not with the ridiculous dealer markups.
I consider myself a car guy, but to be honest, I keep forgetting these exist… never seen one in person.
@@Lowbrass64 I've see one. It's a good looking car.
One dealer near me is asking $83k for one of these. I couldn't imagine buying one of these over a C8 😂
The C8 is still miles superior compared to 2023 NISSAN Z.
Heck i’d buy a c7 over this
yep the poor availability has killed this car....83k aint no way
Buy two c6 z06s
I’m starting to see a lot of these Z Nismos selling at MSRP
who would've thought it would go from ONLY manual in the nismo, to automatic being an option, to now AUTO only...
It's so dumb
It is because society is declining.
@@fortheloveofnoise Very general, but very true
Proof that manuals are a thing of the past where they should stay.
I agree. Sad to think that my V1 Nismo is the last manual only Nissan.
My dad had an 83 280 ZX. He loved it so much that he kept it for 9 years even though he had 4 kids. He’s had a bunch of cars that cost more, but this was one of his favorites.
Who cares
He does.@@mihailhidler5400
Nice
I'm torn between a 280zx and a z32 300zx
in south florida I’ve literally only seen 3 of the new Z in person. grey base model, blue performance trim, and a Proto. it’s ridiculous man where are they at??
Что тебя останавливает купить этого прекрасного и редкого зверя?))
No manual is extremely disappointing considering that NISMO is the trim for enthusiasts.
Not that I’d be buying one anyway but this literally makes no sense.
This is right up there with a BMW power train in a Supra
@@RYTHMICRIOT
And way up there with a German transmission in Mark 4 Supra
I hate to play devil’s advocate here but NISsan MOtorsport is centered around getting the best bang for buck track focused car from Nissan’s lineup, and love it or hate it the automatic shifts, launches, and drives all around faster than the manual. but I agree that the Z Nismo should’ve come with a manual. I think they’ll pull the same move as Toyota and come out with a manual in the next year or so. There’s already been at least one Nismo manual test mule, and someone at Nissan hinted at the possibility of it coming when the Nismo was unveiled at an event not too long ago
@@RYTHMICRIOTTo Toyota’s defense, that BMW power train is immaculate.
For me it’s the fact that no one wants to talk about the old tech Nissan has been using for way, way too long. The key fob at 12:59 is the same key you would get with a 2005 Murano. The window switch and door lock buttons, the hvac control knobs, the turn signal and wiper stalks, etc. Lots of 20 year old tech in a car that was designed from the ground up. But then again I shouldn’t be surprised, it’s the same company that kept the same Frontier around from 2005-2021
Yeah the interior plastic texture also reminds me of a 20 year old Nissan.
This car is just so weird...
You could say the same for much of Toyota and Honda switchgear. Why don't they get called out for it more often?
@@th003g give me examples of what vehicle besides the 4runner from toyota. All of their fleet has updated components and switches and feels a lot newer than Nissan.
The old tech is a blessing. The main point of failure in cars these days is software and electronics. This is a car you can keep 20 years without dealing with obsolete tech that costs a fortune to fix and you can't do any of the work yourself.
Nissan has always been behind on tech. Especially infotainment. They're usually 1-2 generations behind everyone else. Which didn't used to be a problem when you could change head units. But now, its a crisis. And the key fob. I bet if you bought one that had the trunk button and paired it to the car it would work.
I think nissan made a missed opportunity with the nismo. It could've been this cool car that is desirable, loved, and (somewhat) a decent deal. But its just too expensive for what you get, Markups can drive these things over 70k. Manual should atleast be an option too. I'm def JDM fan, but this is kinda a miss.
If you really want a new Z, (like I do), get the sport trim. Just start modifying it from there. Heck, get a 350z or 370z.
A CHEAPER option, at that….no reason a manual gearbox should be more expensive than the more complex and ‘expensive to manufacture’ auto gearbox.
Nissan’s been missing for years
totally agree! Not just that, but in this price category, when you've got the BMW Z4 M40i and the Toyota Supra 6-speed manual for around the same price, maybe a little less, this is exactly why Nissan in general leaves quite a bit to be desired and wanted.
@@lne9070 to be fair thays not really how the economics work but yeah it should be a option
GTR doesn’t come in a manual so why should this be any different
Nissan did great with this car! Nostalgic in all the right places!
I can't fathom paying this "MSRP" when for similar money you could have an M2, Supra, or slightly used Cayman, all of which have a manual option now. Then you add in the mark ups and you're now in M4, C8, GTR, Evora, and newer Cayman version territory. For the money, this would be so far down the list of options I'd consider, it would be beyond irrelevant. Nobody is buying the Z as is... I live in one of the largest cities in the US and I haven't seen a single one person. Just ads for tons for sale rotting on dealer lots. I don't know what Nissan was thinking.
You're right about the new Z not selling. I've talked to a number of salespeople at Nissan dealerships around the SF bay area and they all say the same thing, that prospective buyers just walk away shaking their heads when they look at the prices on the window stickers. A good used Cayman would be my choice of car for the prices that Nissan is demanding for this car.
I have a 2019 370Z sport coupe 6MT with minor performance mods and a good tune that is pumping out close to 400 hp at the crank. There is no way that I would ever trade my car for anything that Nissan is currently offering. I think that Nissan could have just made some evolutionary improvements to the 370Z, performance and handling, that would have made it a good car for the affordable price range.
This car should be a huge hit. Probably sell in the dozens.
If it was 18k cheaper and had a manual option sure but for $68,000 ($70,000+ after markups) and forced to be an automatic, they’ll rot on the lot that’s for sure. I know I don’t want one now especially knowing it’s a automatic because if it was a manual it would be slower then the base Z with automatic option so they only offer auto in the nismo version so it’s the fastest of the bunch 🤦🏻♂️ I’d rather buy a performance model with a manual and upgrade it myself, won’t take much to surpass their measly 20 extra horsepower
I think most people would rather a manual Performance Z and use the qualities of the aftermarket making it better than the Nismo. I think the only thing this Nismo truly bring compared to the regular Z is the things like the special seats and all the red trim and what not. For 20HP more you could Stage 1 a regular manual Z and change the suspension a bit and get bigger brakes and tires. And you probably still gonna have some spare money left below the 18K+ price tag you pay for the Nismo. For the price, there are just much better options out there that actually offer you a manual transmission. As this car stands, theres no justification to get this over the other Z models.
@@royliber3824 I agree, Nissan dropped the ball with this one. Huge fail on their part in my opinion. It’s a shame because this car could’ve truly been something special.
Great comment 😂😂😂
@@dman19581969 I 100% agree with this point. I was looking at getting a Z Nismo, but it’s just SO hard to justify the price compared to what you get. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful car, but I could literally get a Widebody Scatpack for the same cost. If it were around $45k (WITH dealer markups) I’d pull the plug immediately. But I guess that’s everyone’s dream for this car lol
Nissan's Chief Product Specialist for the Z said that the decision was made not to offer a manual Nismo because it would have actually been slower than a base auto Z. Maybe that was worth avoiding, but it's already pretty embarrassing to admit that the $20k upcharge doesn't add enough performance to offset the transmission difference.
I think it is because they dont have a newer more capable manual gearbox available, and certainly don't have the budget to design a new one.
I can see that but they should have done more to increase to horsepower and torque to offset it. If nothing else, just throw 4.10 gears in it with the extra 20hp and 30lb•ft and it would definitely be faster than the base model.
This has been a decade long disagreement between automotive engineers and their customers, engineers say automatic is hands down faster and enthusiasts say manual is more fun
@@すどにむ This is why I say to any auto engineer I meet: I wouldn't admit that you are one, people hate you for good reason.
It reminds me at the bmw m3 compact prototype, that bmw canceled, because it was faster than a regular m3 and better to handle.
Nissan has become that company that somehow still stays afloat even though it seems that everyone in the company wants to tank it.
Along with Isuzu?
it's the same with Ford and many other companies. It's like they WANT to go bankrupt.
The rental car market is keeping them afloat
@@jlopez1017dnot true
I'm more amazed that Mitsubishi is somehow still in business
Same thing for the Civic, the windows control can’t roll down by the driver, if the windows are locked, only the Driver’s window can.
There is a home screen with all the things you want. You have to go in and customize it. You have three "home" screens. I have my map, music, and traffic on my frontier. Same infotainment. Just gonna throw that out there. Drove one of the performance ones at work and the interior, although boring, is built well. Feels solid minus a few plastic buttons.
No manual is wild for this kind of car. Insane decision from Nissan.
... have you been following Nissan decisions for the past 25 years?
Their sales numbers don’t lie though. Few customers are buying manuals.
@@blaketindle4703 Actually, those standard Zs aren’t even selling well bc of the markups. The new Z’s intended audience (younger people who love to tune and mod their cars) couldn’t afford to buy them and they’re usually the ones who would buy the manual version. The key is that enthusiasts aren’t buying them bc it’s not worth it with how the stealerships ruin it with the markups. BMW on the other hand saw that almost half of their customer base bought manual M cars (and even more complained why their comp models were only automatic). Porsche is on the same boat as well. There is a rise of wanting a manual cars especially in a world where cars are getting more dull.
none of you people buy new cars in manual and then you get mad when they stop making em...
@@blaketindle4703only 5 customers actually.
"Can't make a business case for the manual" says the company who sold the Murano CrossCabriolet
$47,190! For that money, you could buy a BMW!
@@southpaw117almost as if that's exactly who this car is competing with
That has to be the funnies comment on this vid. Lmao
@@southpaw117 But then you'd have a BMW. 🤮
Women make 85% of car buying decisions. That car was made for them. That's why every automaker has 5 SUV/Xover cars.
I honestly wonder why you would get this when both the 3.0 Supra, 5.0 Mustang and the base C8 Corvette all cost around the same or less. That's not even taking into account the performance sedans and hatchbacks in this class
The 5.0 Mustang only costed $60.800 imo.
@@purwantiallan5089 yeah I think you're right about that. The dark horse may be more in this price range. Still, I can think of a reason to spend the extra on a Nismo Z when the mustang is faster, more practical, comes with a manual, and sounds better
@@anarvmathur7097Just make sure you get the extended warranty
I bought my 2016 q60 red sport for 65k when it first came out and it had a couple of reliability issues like heat soaking and drive belt. They fixed a lot of the issues in the later years but lesson learned. I was stuck with this car and even till now. I also have a 3.7 q50 that I daily. I wanna get my hands on this new Z but it’s ridiculous what the dealers are asking for it. Would rather get a used GTR at this point
The cheapest Nismo Z within 100 miles of me is listed at $68,500.
The cheapest (new) corvette c8 within 100 miles is $74,869. And that's pretty well optioned, with the upgraded exhaust and wheels etc.
So realistically, the Z Nismo is 90% of the price of the corvette.
That corvette comes with 75 more hp, a dual clutch transmission, a mid-engine v8, weighs a full 50 lbs less than the Nismo, has the same combined fuel economy rating...
Nissan is out to lunch and anbody who buys one of these has more money than sense.
Don't worry about the lack of manual transmission. There will be one in the next 15 years of this platform..
Or even next 21 years perhaps.
You make such a good point about keeping the manual for just the pedigree. What I don’t understand is why they didn’t just use the manual from the sport/performance. They shouldn’t need a redesigned transmission for 20 extra hp!! I feel like someone at Nissan wanted this to fail. Disappointing.
The people who are trying to justify it by saying "it'd be more expensive to develop a manual for the nismo" either have no clue about cars, economics, or both. But think they do.
The manual wasn't even up to par for the base car which is why they had stop sales. Even the press cars had gears grinding. No surprise at all they didn't use it for the nismo.
@@harrybuhse8622 Wasn't that more of a manufacture defect and they had them all replaced already?
@@harrybuhse8622wish they also used the system on Shelby Cobra though.
@@duuyyy the odd part is. On the Z forums when the manual was talked about, they said owners and even aftermarket companies have gone well past the nismo Z's power with the stock manual and it handles it just fine, so it's basically just bull from nissan not bothering to put a manual in the nismo for whatever reason.
For $60K, you'd think they'd give you a better interior than a base Sentra. My god, the interior design is like from the early 2000s.
Edit: $68K.
Sir as somebody that's owned a 2000's Nissan and currently drives a 2010's Nissan I'll have you know this is a fantastic interior in comparison. Still worse than a cheaper Toyota Camry though lol
Yeah cause you get recaro seats and a heated leather wrapped alcantara steering wheel in base Sentras...
@@cosmic_gate476 Atleast the Sentra gives you two usable cup holders not designed by baby monkeys ☠️ and door lock mechanisms from this century. Embarrassingly bad in a $68k car. Name one other car that gives you a worse interior at that price. 😂😂
@@redd1thSpot on! That’s why I’ll be sticking with German 💯
66k* 95k canadian when it's over 5 you round up not down, so it should be rounded to 70k not 60k
It's crazy to think that for the MSRP of the new Nismo Z you could get an early R35 GTR with more power, more street cred and in my opinion, a much nicer interior.
12:07 the lid appears to be able to slide backwards.
notice how the cup holder was completely covered but when doug recloses it half of the cupholder is exposed.
the inside of the console lid looks like it has tracks too
The problem with the automatic is it also gives Nissan an excuse to charge far more than they should. It really felt like Nissan settled on a price and tried to add stuff on to justify it.
Possibly.
Why do you think they are charging "far more money" for an automatic when the rage is for 6 speeds manuals. Your comment is not based in reality.
@@technom3598 that's besides the point, the automatic is normally an optional extra on the standard Nissan Z. Lumping in here means charging more than normal for something not everyone wants. It's not that hard to understand.
@@AHYL88 no, that's not the reason at all. The thing is that, they barely brought over any Base to performance model Z's out to dealers as is from the get go and many are known to be at ports that are still to be painted or just haven't came threw to go to dealers yet for whatever reason,while in the process, no one understood why they brought the nismo about at all when they can barely sell even the base trim Z anyway while knowing the nismo would barely have that many made as is. So regardless of the fact that the nismo is auto wouldn't have mattered at all when nissan themselves have barely tried to send Z's over to dealers. Whether auto or manual wouldn't have stopped dealers from overpricing them anyway.
Thank you for the context there; wow that's very shaky handling of one of their, I assume desirable, cars. This car isn't sold in the UK for some weird reason (unrelated, the GR Corolla also isn't sold in the UK, despite the UK being a hot hatchback haven of sorts), so I was unaware the Z had production and stock problems from the start.@@carboydorifutoparty3976
How do you mess up a Nismo edition car? A little more power, a little stiffer suspension, bit bigger brakes, and an overall faster car with red accents; just don't forget the sporty seats and red interior stitching, maybe some alcantera too. It's a pretty simple formula..
Adding fuel to the fire. This weight 3700lbs. The heaviest trim of the 400z that's even heavier than the normal auto 400z models.
@@carboydorifutoparty3976Aston Martin Project Vantage from 1999 weighed 180kgs less than NISMO 400Z 2024.
Guess what, Bigger brakes, bigger wheels, bigger tires, bigger cooling system, more chassis rigidity components. That all adds weight.@@carboydorifutoparty3976
Doug the kind of guy who sleeps with his socks on.
I sleep with my socks on. (Except late spring, summer and early autumn)
@@georgevasilopoulos5359 just say in winter
How does he make sure the monsters don't get his toes?
I do! 🧦
I do when I'm dead tired and just jump into bed but other then that never
Your car reviews take away my anxiety 🙃😊 Thanks Doug 🙏🏿
The fact that the center console intentionally overhangs to cover the second cup holder tells you everything you need to know about how the car is designed
Imagine if the car is designed only for speed.
The centre console slides back to access the cup holder, you don't need to pop the lid
90s Japanese sports cars didnt even have cup holders, the fact that you want a cup holder in your sports car tells me everything i need to know
@@purwantiallan5089 you know a cup holder can be a hole so it would make your car lighter and thus faster
@@joshfullbright7678 Ah yes, the great drink epidemic of the 90's really hit Japan hard. They had to drink out of their hands and never bothered to put cup holders in their cars, just sad.
The fact that this car with markups will be over $70K means it’s competing against used caymans and 996 911s that have a manual. I don’t see the use case to buy this over a regular Z, the extra $13000 used on upgrades will get way more for your money and keep the manual you want
Also its MSRP is literally the same as a manual BMW M2. I think it's very similar to a new manual Cayman or Cadillac CT4 as well. Absolute clown pricing 🤡
And if there were no markups, it would be competing against something else USED. Used ALWAYS offers more bang for the buck, regardless of markups or the price of the new car (unless it's sold at a loss or is made super cutting corners). You can't win this "competes against a used X" game.
@@andycalifornia426 The key, the locking mechanisms, older architecture shows this car is a hard sell at $50-60k for the regular Z. But for a unique experience, manual transmission, and a warranty, that is acceptable at that price. But over 70k puts in a realm where caymans still have warranty’s, new M2 or RS3 is an option, and it’s over the price of a manual Supra. More importantly, the used 911s at that price range are now 996 turbos rather than just Carreras, 997s have low miles, and 991.2 Carreras are now in the market. I know the bang for your buck going used is always there for all cars, but for this car in particular the new and used options are more obvious because of the caliber of cars in around the $70k range
Just buy a GTR. ~$62000 for an older one
I bought a 2023 performance and that door lock thing drives me crazy. I’m glad you called that out.
You don't have to open the center console storage lid for the second cup holder. I think you can just slide it back.
the cupholder was completely covered at first but when doug closes the lid it's only half covered. also looks like some tracks inside of the console lid, I was looking for this comment lmao
@@mysteryman447 I also noticed the same thing.
Cheers
Yea, Doug screwed the pooch on this.
Yeah Doug missed this quirk/feature.
You can slide the center console lid back to give you space to use the second cup holder
When I think high performance car, I don't think manual. When I get a high performance car, I want speed and handling, I couldn't care less about shifting my own gears but if I did care then that's what paddle shifters are for 🤷♀️
Nissan should have been more BOLDER with the design for the nismo. Bigger fender flares, large spoiler, and carbon wheels and aero intakes
The rear end looks so good but the front headlights are a let down. Feel like it doesn't follow the retro futuristic rear.
They should have given it a manual. The 9 speed is gayasf.
@@G82WattsThe headlights, to me, resemble a Hyundai Tiburon.
But it has a sticker! 😂❤
I agree with everything up to the intakes. Simple, more pure looking lines have a a nice look to them specially nowadays.
Seems like this Nismo version of the car might be designed for people that aren’t really drivers but just want to look cool, or they’re chasing magazine stats like 0-60. I can’t think of any other reasons to drop the manual for the higher performance version.
0-60 is exactly why its auto only.
They could have stacked the vr38 in it to make some what worth paying more and feel special.
@@mr.scurvy Base Corvette claps it in 0-60 and it's more of a status symbol for the old farts that buy them. Though the 3.9s of this car is respectable, it's just on part with the Supra 3.0
I scratch my head trying to figure out who would buy this car. I would ONLY be interested in this car if it were available in a manual and I know other people who think that way too. I just can't understand the decision making these days in the car industry...
A Golf R beats this 0-60 for around $20,000 - $25,000 less money. Plus its usable, comfortable, has modern infortainment/technology, gets better mpg....etc.
Honestly, I miss when Doug gave his Doug Score out with his specific reasons for each category. It just helped justify his opinions.
Everyone does.
Everyone but Doug.
You might be the only one. They were painfully arbitrary.
Its because he can't really justify the individual scores. Here he clearly says the Nismo is cooler and better handling than the regular Z but leaves the scores the same in those categories so he can score it lower overall and make a point.
Would always stop video at that part, tbh.
Well the rating system is trash anyways. He will gush about how good a car looks and then the rating is a 6 at the end. Same as any other average car. So many ratings don't match how he talks about them.
Love that this car shares effectively the same chassis as the 350Z from 2002 lmao
And shares the same interior switchgear as a 1998 sentra.
Except they are not "effectively the same", the platform has evolved over the years since it debuted in the V/G35 in 2002. It was improved upon through the years. A new Z doesn't have a "20 year old" chassis...
@@SylasG the 350Z and 370Z had some changes between the generations but they are not terribly different … and the 370Z and New Z are even more similar - most of the changes have to do with changing the alignment from the 370Z not reworking the chassis and overall suspension geometry or parts which is why a lot of what already is available for the 370Z works with the New Z
The Nissan GT-R has that same lock feature where you can pull the door handle 2 times. To open the door, you have to hit the unlock button or manually unlock it. I like this feature as it prevents people from opening the door b4 I shut the car off. There have been instances where I have wanted to adjust my parking, and nothing is worse than people popping the door open and risking damaging my car or the one next to me.
Very beautiful styling. Absolutely gorgeous to look at. I agree, though, I don’t know who would buy this without a manual transmission. It’s a shame.
Ren Hazuki (character from Liella) also liked the extreme styling from the NISMO 400Z.
@@purwantiallan5089 never thought to see someone mention lovelive in a doug video
They really should’ve made it manual only. they’re trying to replace the gtr with this by making it auto only but they clearly don’t know the Z’s demographic if they’re doing this
Neither do you!
Maybe their demographic was old rich guys who used to like Nissan, but now have bum knees🤷 kind of like the auto Corvette.
I guarantee they know the Z demographic more than you do
The BRZ/86 doesn't auto lock when you drive away and also doesn't auto unlock when you pull the door handle. I own one and love it, but it definitely feels old in some ways too
Auto-unlocking (when you explicitly lock it) is so annoying. That doesn't give me confidence: how am I supposed to know that it's indeed locked and not broken (computers malfunction all the time, so I wouldn't trust a sensor report "you're good" when traveling through a dangerous part of town)
Yeah I have 2015 Lexus and it actually auto locks and unlocks when I pull the door handle
Everyone would like the new Z if it wasn't priced out of existence. Base should be 35k, 40k for version with lsd's, and 45k for Nismo version. Otherwise people can just buy a previous generation Z and sleep soundly in knowing they aren't missing much.
I do like that they integrated the infotainment screen into the dashboard instead of just "*SLAPPING A TABLET ON IT*".
"*SLAPPING A TABLET*" on the dashboard is a very lazy design.
It looks better than putting the Kia EV6's dashboard in the new Mustang.
yeah people complain about new infotainments being ugly and not well thought out, wishing they stayed old school and then i see people in the comments complaining when they put in a traditional infotainment screen and use older features like the door lock situation and go old school.
@@bwofficial1776the 2007 Mustang GT interior also quite similar to the one from 2012 GTR BLACK EDITION.
It certainly is a nice looking car
I saw this in Florida.. when you see it in real life.. it is a very boring looking car.
Surprisingly, Rin Hoshizora and Wien Margarete also liked the look of this NISMO Z despite it weighed as heavy as Aston Martin Vanquish.
@@mackjsm7105 I seen it and it looked amazing to me
Here's a fun quirk of all Nissans I've seen over the past decade-plus...if you open the door with the car running, then turn the car off, it will ding at you. Forever. I have no idea why, but they ALL do this. My wife's 2012 6MT Juke, my 2014 Z, the 2016 Leaf we had, the 2016 GT-R that I traded the Leaf in on (lol), they ALL do this and I've never been able to think of a good reason why...
My Infiniti Q50 does this too
@@Big01021 It's so weird! I've never been able to figure out the point! lol
It is part of an Easter egg to make the car transform into Godzilla.
Yep, garbage logic. Irritating and lazy design.
@@Big01021same goes to the 2006 Infiniti G35 COUPE.
The center armrest slides back to allow access to the second cup holder. You don't have to have the lid up and open to access that secondary cup holder 😉
They’ll make a manual version in two years so enthusiasts will be excited to buy it.
Right out of Toyota’s playbook!
So if you think $60k is a lot for this, (like I did) consider that the 1992 300ZXTT was $36,000. Adjusted for inflation that’s $78,000 in today’s money! I mean, I can’t afford it, and no manual would be a deal breaker anyway, but inflation sucks lol.
Doesn't justify the price
Hey stop using facts and historical perspective to make a good point. Car guys dont like that
@@KingTFDTry making one for $60,000. Let’s see what you come up with.
@@NomenClature-o8s Probably could. Vehicles aren't unknown magic
@@NomenClature-o8stypical fanboy response everyone including wealthy people would agree this is overpriced for the same price you could get a c8 corvette, cayman, dark horse mustang, Shelby gt350, m2 and all of those cars are significantly better
Really, really hard to say yes to this when the Supra is almost $5k cheaper and has a manual.
Definitely.
The Supra is kind of ugly.
Better to buy a manual Z and just upgrade it with a combination of aftermarket and Nismo performance parts. The Nismo just has a slightly different tune but you could easily gain the extra hp the Nismo has from am aftermarket engine tune if you're inclined
It looks great.
That said, usually Nismo, like Type R's, would have significant alterations to the car, stiffer chassis with more weld points, suspension, suspension geometry, roll bars, etc.
Changes that you as the customer would be very unlikely to do yourself. While the easy upgrades like bolt ons and power increases were left for the customer to do.
The changes seem very minor to this. I think you could add these "Nismo" parts to a regular Z for less than the $13,000 premium, and get to keep the manual transmission.🤔
Doug, do your research. Many of the colours on the base car come standard with a black roof (e.g. dark metallic blue).
I get it. Its quicker with an Auto than it would be with a manual. But its a enthusiast car, so it should come with a manual
Quicker with an auto trans is true (nowadays) , but I don't remember Doug mentioning this in the review. Very pertinent to the driving experience. 🤔
Most of the cars I've owned had manuals this auto is really fun! Manuals are slow and tiresome in traffic. Screw the manual.
I love the new Z. Nsmo is sweet but 70k out the door. That’s a little bit out of my budget.
You think that’s out the door? Buddy ive been in car sales the last 3 years if you think dealers are letting Nizmo Z’s leave for 4k over MSRP you’re huffing glue.
@@CrewExpendable2007 Depends on who you know. I have got extensive vehicle connections.
Some cars are great as automatics. This one should be a manual. I’ve never driven the new Z, but I own a 370Z that I manual swapped in my garage. I can tell you it is a much better car with the manual transmission
Used to own a manual Z and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I agree it needs a manual.
Hey Doug, in regards to your comment about the door locks. The door lock features has a setting for it to unlock when you put it in park or when you turn off the car.
I have mine set to unlock when I turn off the car.
I used to own a 2019 NISMO and I can tell you that NOTHING has changed except for the outside body. Every single problem Doug mentioned, are the same problems from the last model. Inside is outdated, shifts are slow, price tag compared to base model is insane. Small stuff too like not being able to open trunk from key, locking passenger’s window locks for both, easily accesible trunk, one cup holder. Fun to toss around, but that’s it.
It has two cupholders...
The lid slides back on the center console arm rest to access the second cup holder
It's funny that it half slid back when he was showing it off and it still didn't click for him
All manufacturers claim they can’t make a business model for a manual gearbox and yet, somehow, cars with manuals ALWAYS fetch higher prices in the used exotic car market. Things that make you go “hmm”.
Manufacturers only make money on the first sale of the vehicle. Used value means nothing to them
That's because noone buys them and after some time resale value is higher from A/T cars just because there is far fewer of them on the road.
they accually made the front look good
I am happy to hear the legitimate gripe(s) about the automatic transmission. I agree 100%. I own a 2014 black NISMO Z, the last year Nissan planted a spoiler on the back of the NISMO trim package. It's beautiful. And the manual transmission is a major highlight. If I decide to sell it someday, you'll likely see it on Cars & Bids. Thanks, Doug.
The tail lights are a cool retro throwback on this "new" Z... as virtually everything else on the car, it is full of retro throwbacks.
Doug is the kind of guy to consider putting brown sugar in oatmeal an exciting and bold choice.
😂😂
Crap. I put brown sugar in oatmeal and when I do, I get excited!
😂😂😂
From my experience working at a track most people that buy Z cars brand new don't mod them and drive them for a lot of miles usually and tend to be older drivers that just like to step on it every once in a while. The people that mod and race them usually use older cheaper Z cars with a manual. I think most Z Nismo buyers would keep them long term and wouldn't track them too often if at all, so the automatic is probably a good choice today for those buyers. I think DCT wasn't the option due to reliability and cost. Plus, the older buyers that buy these new, daily them and don't want to roll back on a hill.
hill assist on manuals has been a thing since like 2010 buddy, they don't roll on a hill lol
@@misterc9641 not manuals, dual clutch transmissions. They roll backwards on hills and would likely upset an older buyer thinking it would perform like a regular automatic.
Well Nissan is pretty much leasing the 9-speed design from Mercedes. Probably want make sure they getting their money's worth out it.
Idk about reliability since Nissan manufacturers it in house, and given Jatco's track record...
For high price tag tho you would think they could of source a manual from Tremec or someone, like Ford does.
my bad then did not know@@ut90J
@@ut90JMy Dual Clutch 718 Boxster S never rolled backwards on an incline.
Doug really needs to get some proper lighting in that dungeon he’s been filming from lately
Yeah it makes the video look like its from 2006
Nice to see the 2018 Golf R remains (tied) atop this particular category. The MK7.5 being the pinnacle of the Golf R and performance hatchback world.
The MSRP approaches the asking price for a Corvette C8 base, which is now easily had at MSRP or even less. Add a manual and a hatch roof for open-air driving and they could sell a lot more.
I'm gonna take a stab and say Nissan is developing an electric Z, which is why the fuel door is so large- so they can replace the fuel tank guts with charging infrastructure without needing to remake body panels for a larger charge port door.
Great, but, unfortunate observation 😢
@@lne9070 Yeah it was very sad.
Great review, analysis, and perspective. I'm sure someone will come out with plans and post them on how to swap one of Nissan's manuals into the new Z just like the plans posted on Jalopnik for doing the same thing with the (then new) Supra 4 years ago!
The transmission and installation won't be free. NiZmo is already too expensive the way it comes.
@@andycalifornia426 If someone wants it done, they'll find a shop and pay the cost-whatever it is-I've seen it before with everything. If it doesn't exist and someone wants it bad enough, they'll pay to make it a reality.
I can't understand Nissan's decision to not offer a manual transmission since the lesser Zs have one. It would have cost them exactly nothing to have it as an option (or as the standard transmission) since it already exists, and is sitting right there on the assembly line. I could understand the business case if no manual was offered and they had to design one, but it's already a thing on this car!
The center console actually slides backwards to expose the second cup holder. You don’t need to open it.
You can even see this in the before and after shots when Doug’s mentioning you have to open the console to access it.
Watch when he closes it. The gap is more open.
The videos and pictures online don’t do the exterior justice, I finally saw one of these irl for the first time and it looks so good in person. Retro and modern. Interior sucks tho
The Nismo 400Z is a cool car, but I gotta say, it's way too expensive for what it offers. It does offer more power and big upgrades. However, it's offered only with an automatic transmission. For it's price, it should have a manual transmission as an option. It's not a bad car, it's just kinda disappointing. I hope that Nissan adds a manual transmission option in the future, at least...
I used to have a black 5spd '88 Z31 300Zx, would love to score another one someday! Wasn't really quick by any means but it was such a blast to drive & the t tops I loved having.
Damn that Central console is hideous 😢
They're gonna pull a Supra and do a refreshed model after a couple years that offers a manual
This is why I keep my 2006 350z with minor upgrades as it ages. Still better looking, fun as hell to drive, and more than enough power with a stick and analog controls and no pumped-in engine noise.
Haven't even seen the regular Z in the wild yet! And I live in Los Angeles 😮! Also no manual???!!😢 no thx
Right, I’ve seen a gr Corolla before I saw one of these. And I work in an area where Ferraris and Lamborghinis are a daily occurrence in the summer. Literally saw a mclaren f1 and 720s and a couple Bugattis, yet still no new z
Saw a yellow one in Rochester late last year
I've seen more GR Corollas, Supras hell my brother has a mk5 Supra, and 86 than I've seen the new Z.I have yet seen it and I'm in the SoCal area as well.
Good, nobody’s buying em.
@@wesleyjones1169 I see new supras and 86s allll the time now. Only 2 he Corolla sightings tho, and no zs
I live in LA and have only seen one Z ever since they have been available. I feel like no one is buying them. I think it is one of the best looking sports cars you can get right now.
Dealer markups absolutely killing every version of this car
Думаю оно того стоит.
The rear end of this car is so fire but at its price range its hard to justify getting a car slower then a m340i, m2 or m3. That have better luxury and tech.
this car will sell in millions - as a lego set
Previous Nismo models sold in an era where deals put cash on the hood. Things are so much different now.
I've ordered a manual Z. Would have considered the Nismo but obviously it was not an option for me.
Doug is the type of guy to be a type of guy of a guy
Fail. Not humorous. Dead meme. Not original. Grow up.
6:45 especially when the Xterra was the only affordable offroad SUV they had. The Pathfinder had switched to a unibody design and was now using a CVT, and the Armada was pretty expensive. Not everybody wants to get a truck just because they want to go offroad.
The Pathfinder uses an auto now.
@stupidvideos1449 I know, I was talking about 2015 when the Xterra was discontinued.
Sad fact. Nissan totally underestimated the demand of the Z car, the waiting list in Japan is over 30 YEARS.
They probably didn’t put a manual in it because the manual acceleration figure-if they had it-is the same as the base with a manual. Therefore it would sabotage Nismo sales so people would just get the base.
For 13k up charge…should’ve had a lot more upgrades….and a stick. Still a fine looking car. I especially like the taillights. The first thing I thought about when I seen them is the old 300z twin turbo from the 90’s. Which amazingly still looks good today. But yeah, I’d buy the model below this and stick the 13k into mods. Get about 450-500 reliable horsepower out of it. Which in a car this size would be perfect. It’s still a good looking car. But for that kind of coin, I’d probably buy a slightly used AMG Mercedes. Massive horsepower and luxury to boot.
see that's another issue though, these cost 3x the amount to mod to ~500whp as the Supra :(
not a big deal if you're a Z fan and don't care, but it def factors in if you're considering other cars...
I am not a Nissan fan, but that is a cool car!
As someone who bought a 300tt in 1991 and followed it with a 94 (2 of the best cars I’ve ever owned) it never ceases to amaze me how far Nissan has fallen.
This car is a tragedy. Basically a 370Z interior with an unreliable Infiniti powertrain. Why would anyone choose this over a Supra at this price?
You can absolutely set the car to unlock the doors when you put it in park. Many Nissans from at least 2016 and on have a setting for Selective door locking (including the Maxima and Nismo Z) By default they come set so that both doors are locked when you put it in park, and only unlock when you shut off car. However you can change the settings so that they unlock when you put it into park instead, and you can actually make it so that this is true for both the drivers and passengers door or either or 😉
"Nismo" would be an excellent nickname for the office chair you wheel around in
So the new Z, a car already not selling well, gets a higher performance enthusiast-oriented version that does not have the one thing that most enthusiasts would prefer. Genius.
Doug, we love you Doug
I used to drive a 350z and plan on buying another z in the future when I get a chance. Only interested in a manual though so this is a disappointment that the Nismo is auto only.
Got the liberty of driving one today. As I do agree a stick shift would be nice in the car and it’s what i would prefer. The automatic just makes the ride so much scarier on corners.
I waited for the Nismo, but when it was announced it would be automatic only, I bought a Performance. I'll take the Z styling, mechanical handbrake, and actual Japanese heritage over a new Supra or any German car in this price range, +- $50,000. (And I am a hardcore Supra fanboy lol)