New Nissan Z Nismo performance parts launched at SEMA

The Nissan Z is now available with a selection of new Nismo performance parts in the USA, giving the old-fashioned rear-drive coupé some extra capability across its chassis, brakes and powertrain. These parts are specific to the American market, and will be available through dealerships from the beginning of 2023.

Upgrades to the chassis include a new set of manually-adjustable coilover suspension units, with a twin-tube design and linear springs. The system was developed by Nismo with input by Bryan Heitkotter, winner of the 2011 Nissan GT Academy. It’s adjustable for both rebound and compression, with additional adjustment in the ride height also able to be dialled in. Yet the new coilover suspension is just one part of a wider catalogue of parts available through Nismo, which also includes front and rear strut-bars, rear mid-links, lower camber links, rear traction arms, upper front arms and front outer tie-rod ends. 

There’s also a new braking package, increasing the size of the standard Nissan Z brake discs while adding six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Also fitted are track-focused brake pads of a new compound and stainless steel brake lines. Nismo has introduced a set of wider forged wheels that are the same diameter as standard – 19-inches front and rear – but much wider at 9.5-inches front, and 10.5-inches at the rear. 

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As for its powertrain, Nismo has largely left the twin-turbocharged 3-litre V6’s internals alone, and instead focused on its breathing. There’s a new cold-air intake, performance heat exchanger on the front of the engine, with a new stainless steel exhaust system helping reduce back-pressure. When the Z is fitted with the six-speed manual, Nismo also offers a heavy-duty twin-plate clutch and flywheel which is rated at up to 800bhp and 750lb ft of torque – figures well beyond the VR30DDTT V6 fitted with the Nismo-sourced upgrades. 

These mechanical components are available alongside a range of aesthetic upgrades including lots of Nismo-branded carbonfibre elements around the mirror caps, interior trim and steering wheel. 

Unfortunately, Nissan Europe still has no intention of bringing the new Z over here meaning that these new parts will, like the car itself, remain off the menu for domestic buyers. It’s a move that Nissan’s not been alone in making – Subaru’s also refused to bring over its latest WRX. But as Toyota’s found with its GR86, the notion of a back-to-basics sports car from Japan seems to be finding plenty of traction in Europe, despite the challenges around changing emissions and safety regulations.