Highline Test Drives
Why aren’t we seeing more Nissan Zs on the road? With its retro-heritage styling, blistering performance, and an iconic name in the world of rear wheel drive sports cars, you’d think it would be everywhere! Yet, despite its new design and performance enhancements it remains something of a hidden gem in the world of modern sports cars. Why is that?
With the debut of the new Z body style in 2023, Nissan had high hopes for a strong resurgence of its iconic sports car. But momentum was quickly stalled by COVID-related production delays and supply chain issues, making early models scarce and highly sought after. The limited availability, coupled with steep dealer markups, particularly on early-run Prototype Zs, turned excitement into frustration for many enthusiasts.
Dealerships were tacking on thousands over MSRP, pushing the base model’s price from around $40,000 to well over $50,000 or even $60,000. It was a tough sell, especially for a car that, while impressive, lacked the brand prestige or support network of more established performance rivals. The Prototype Z, a limited first-run variant meant to celebrate the model’s return, became more of a “collector’s item” than a driver’s car. Its blend of rarity and historical significance made it a target for dealership markup madness rather than enthusiast garages.
Even as production ramped up and inventory stabilized, the buzz never fully returned. We saw more of its competitors populating roads every day, yet the Z, with its retro flair, potent performance, and rich sports-car heritage, continued to fly under the radar.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has shifted. Those outrageous dealer markups have largely cooled off, and inventory is no longer constrained, yet oddly, many Zs still sit unsold on dealership lots. So what gives? Here’s where the Nissan Z’s untapped potential really comes into focus. Despite its early challenges, the Z remains too good to be hiding in the shadows. It delivers a rare blend of modern tech, retro-inspired styling, and an old-school, driver-first experience, all at a price that’s still reasonable compared to its performance rivals. Under the hood, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 pushes 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, with a torque curve that keeps the car feeling eager and alive at nearly any RPM. Pair that with a rear-wheel-drive platform and a 6-speed manual transmission, an endangered species in today’s market, and you’ve got a sports car that feels built for the enthusiast.
If you’re a driving enthusiast, there’s very little out there today that combines the pure joy of performance with the nostalgia of classic sports cars like the Z. Sure, the car may not have the same cachet as some of its competitors, but for those who truly appreciate driving dynamics over brand recognition, the 2025 Nissan Z Performance could be the perfect pick. It’s on the “affordable” side in a world where many modern sports cars are priced out of reach, and its retro styling makes it stand out in an increasingly homogeneous world of “sport” sedans, SUVs, and EVs.
Our press example came finished in iconic Bayside Blue, the first time this legendary color has ever been offered on a factory Z. Originally made famous by the 1999 R34 Skyline GT-R, Bayside Blue traces its roots even further back to the R33 GT-R Le Mans car, giving the Z a direct visual connection to Nissan’s motorsport heritage. Complementing the exterior is the striking Blue & Black two-tone interior, which harmonizes beautifully with the Bayside Blue paint, elevating the car’s overall aesthetic. The result is a combination that looks absolutely stunning in person!
Inside the 2025 Nissan Z Performance, you’ll immediately notice a range of welcome upgrades, especially if you’re familiar with the 370Z and earlier models. Those interiors often felt outdated and, at times, even subpar for their era. While those design choices may have flown with consumers back then, they certainly wouldn’t in today’s market. With an MSRP of $56,000, Nissan had to make significant improvements, and they certainly delivered. From the high-quality materials that feel great to the touch, to the digital gauge cluster and upgraded 9” infotainment touch screen, the interior overhaul is not only much needed, but also perfectly aligned with the car’s price. It’s a truly comfortable and stylish space to spend time in.
While the 2025 Z Performance brings plenty of performance enhancements, it quickly becomes clear from the first corner that it’s been set up more as a grand tourer than an all-out sports car. The suspension feels soft, offering a more forgiving ride than you’d expect from a car wearing the Z badge. It’s certainly not as harsh or jarring as the more track-focused 2024 Nismo Z, which we had the pleasure of driving last year, making the Z Performance feel far more comfortable for longer drive, a trait that leans into its GT character.
But this shift in character is more apparent in the driving experience itself. The car doesn’t particularly enjoy being pushed through quick shifts, especially in the manual. There’s a noticeable rev hang between up shifts, which can make speed-shifting feel a bit sluggish. However, it’s worth noting that the auto rev-matching feature is flawless. It’s smooth and responsive, ensuring the engine stays right in the sweet spot of the rev-range during downshifts. Nissan clearly designed it with both precision and performance in mind, making it a solid choice for drivers who might not want to disable it during a more engaged driving experience.
Still, for those seeking a razor-sharp, pure sports car feel, the Z Performance might not quite hit the mark right off the bat, where the Nismo certainly does. That said, the fundamentals of the Z Performance are still strong. With its double-wishbone suspension, multi-link rear, 19-inch RAYS wheels, and limited slip differential, the Z offers a solid foundation for those who want to fine-tune it to their liking. And in many ways, that’s always been the Z’s appeal: a solid foundation for enthusiasts to build the car they want it to be.
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