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If you're not one to shy away from attention and need a car that makes the easy transition
from road to track then this one ought to do. It's the updated 2014 Nissan Z NISMO.My
sister has coined a derisive term for cars that look like this. She calls them "jerk
cars" meaning the driver is likely...well, it's pretty self-explanatory. And I have to
admit that while I was driving it around this week it certainly garnered the attention other
"jerk cars." If it had a cheesy-looking rear wing, mismatched paint job and a poorly installed
exhaust it wanted to pick a fight with the Z. Its visual impact is what you might call
"strong." I actually think it looks really cool, like a toy race car come to life, but
I can see where others could get the wrong impression. For me, I was happy just playing
it cool, cruising some of my favorite roads with the occasional bursts of spirited driving,
acceleration runs and some smoky drifts. And the NISMO version of the famed 370Z is happy
to do any of them.370Z NISMONissan Motorsport or NISMO is the company's performance line
which now includes the Juke and soon the GT-R. The Z NISMO offers the tuner a straight from
the factory ball of fun with a warranty. The ECM of the 3.7-liter V6 has been calibrated
to boost horsepower from 332 to an even 350 at 7,400 RPM and 276 pound feet of torque
at a high 5,200 RPM; a key reason as to why the Z NISMO doesn't feel as fast as it looks
off the line. It's quick, hitting 0-to-60mph in the low 5's but it doesn't have that shove
you into your seat feeling either. The cloth, manually adjusted seats however do a wonderful
job of contouring to your body and keeping you in place. And though the double wishbone
front and 4-link rear are anchored by NISMO-tuned higher spring and stabilizer bar rates, the
ride isn't brutally firm. There's lots of suspension movement with quickly dismissed
body motions but it's done in a non-punishing way that actually makes this Z a viable commuter
for a person of the right mindset. These staggered width 19" Bridgestones along with the special
muffler tuning create a fair amount of cabin noise at speed, but again not to an over-the-top
level. New for this year is an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel with its red center marker
and a red NISMO tachometer. This Z is only offered with a 6-speed manual with its nifty
Downshift Rev Matching feature. While clutch engagement is easy and predictable, the short
throw shifter is somewhat rigid and overly mechanical. There's a backup cam because visibility
can be a little tricky and the fact that this Z is over 6" longer than the regular Coupe
with its downforce producing aerodynamic additions, you've always got to be mindful of pulling
too deep into a parking space.It took me a few days to feel at one with this car but
once I did I really had a blast behind the wheel. With its fortifications
it feels as solid as a tank, displays neutral handling with a great willingness to cut up
a curvy road and brakes with authority. The engine and exhaust sounds are not the most
pleasing but it certainly drives like a car that would welcome track days.With the comprehensive
NISMO mechanical and aesthetic upgrades, this car starts at about $44,000 and my tester
with the Bose Package stickers for $45,180. And though its age shows through in the cabin,
it still looks fresh from the outside and provides a substantial enough difference over
a regular 370Z to command the $4,700 premium.